The HiFloFiltro HF112 is a replacement oil filter designed for specific motorcycle and small engine models

The HiFloFiltro Premium HF112 is an aftermarket oil filter that fits certain Honda, Yamaha, and other motorcycle engines. It replaces the factory filter and works the same way any oil filter does — it traps metal particles, dirt, and debris that circulate through your engine oil, keeping the oil cleaner longer. The HF112 is one size in HiFloFiltro's product line, so before you buy, you need to confirm it fits your specific bike or engine.

HiFloFiltro filters are known for using a thicker filter media (the material that actually catches particles) and a stronger spring than many stock filters. This means the filter can hold more contaminants before it needs changing, and it resists collapsing under high oil pressure. The trade-off is that a thicker filter can restrict oil flow slightly if it gets very dirty, though this is rare with normal maintenance intervals.

Key Takeaways

  • The HF112 fits specific Honda, Yamaha, and similar motorcycle models — check your owner's manual or the HiFloFiltro website to confirm it matches your engine before purchasing.
  • HiFloFiltro filters use thicker media and stronger springs than many stock filters, which means they can trap more debris and last longer between changes.
  • You still need to change the filter at the interval your owner's manual recommends, usually every 3,000 to 6,000 miles depending on your bike and riding conditions.
  • Installing the HF112 requires draining old oil, removing the old filter, and screwing on the new one — a task most riders can do themselves with basic tools.

Which motorcycles and engines the HF112 fits

The HF112 is designed for a specific set of Honda and Yamaha models, primarily older and mid-range bikes. Common fits include certain Honda CB, CX, and XL series motorcycles, as well as some Yamaha XS and SR models. However, HiFloFiltro makes dozens of filter sizes, and using the wrong one can damage your engine or cause the filter to leak.

Before you order, look up your bike's year and model on the HiFloFiltro website or cross-reference the filter number with your owner's manual. Many motorcycle shops can also tell you in seconds whether the HF112 fits your engine. If you guess wrong and install a filter that does not seal properly, oil can leak out during riding, which will starve your engine of lubrication and cause serious damage.

How the HF112 compares to stock filters

Stock filters — the ones that come on your bike from the factory — are designed to be cheap to make and straightforward to replace. They work fine, but they use thinner media and weaker springs. This means they fill up with particles faster and can collapse under pressure if oil gets very thick in cold weather.

The HF112 uses a thicker, denser filter material that traps smaller particles and holds more of them before the filter gets clogged. The stronger spring resists collapse, so oil keeps flowing even when the filter is near the end of its life. In practice, this means the HF112 can go slightly longer between changes and may protect your engine a bit better, especially if you ride in dusty conditions or use synthetic oil (which lasts longer than conventional oil and puts more strain on the filter).

The downside is cost — the HF112 typically costs two to three times more than a stock filter. Whether that extra protection is worth the money depends on how you ride and how long you plan to keep your bike.

Installation and maintenance

Installing the HF112 is a straightforward job that most riders can do in 15 to 30 minutes with basic tools. You will need a socket wrench to drain the oil plug, an oil filter wrench (a special tool that grips the filter), a drain pan, and fresh oil. The steps are: drain the old oil, unscrew the old filter, clean the filter mounting surface on the engine, coat the rubber gasket on the new filter with a thin layer of fresh oil, and screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches, then turn it another three-quarters of a turn.

After installation, start the engine and let it idle for a minute to circulate the new oil and check for leaks around the filter. If oil drips from the filter, the gasket was not seated properly — let the engine cool, unscrew the filter, and reinstall it. Always dispose of old oil at a recycling center or auto parts store; never pour it down a drain.

Change the HF112 at the interval your owner's manual specifies. Most motorcycles need an oil and filter change every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, though some modern bikes go longer. Synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional oil, so if you switch to synthetic, you may be able to extend the interval — check your manual to see if it allows this.

When to choose the HF112 over a stock filter

The HF112 makes sense if you ride frequently, in dusty or sandy conditions, or if you plan to keep your bike for many years and want to protect the engine. It also makes sense if you use synthetic oil, because synthetic lasts longer and puts more demand on the filter to stay clean. If you ride casually, change your oil on schedule, and use conventional oil, a stock filter will serve you just as well.

Some riders also choose the HF112 because they trust the HiFloFiltro brand — the company has been making motorcycle filters since the 1980s and has a reputation for quality. If you have had good results with HiFloFiltro products on other bikes, sticking with the brand is a reasonable choice.

Cost and where to buy

The HF112 typically costs between $12 and $20, depending on the retailer and whether you buy it online or in a shop. Stock filters for the same bikes usually cost $5 to $8. Online motorcycle parts retailers, Amazon, and local motorcycle shops all carry the HF112. Some shops will install it for you for a small labor fee if you do not want to do it yourself.

When you order online, make sure the listing clearly states it fits your specific bike year and model. If the listing is vague or does not mention your bike, contact the seller before buying — a wrong filter is a waste of money and time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the HF112 on a different motorcycle if it has the same engine?

Possibly, but do not assume. Different bikes with the same engine may have different filter housings or mounting points. Always check the HiFloFiltro website or your owner's manual for your specific year and model, not just the engine type.

How long does the HF112 last before it needs changing?

The HF112 lasts as long as your oil does. Change it at the interval in your owner's manual — typically every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. The thicker media means it can hold more debris, but it still needs to be replaced on schedule.

Is the HF112 worth the extra cost over a stock filter?

That depends on how you ride. If you ride frequently, in dusty conditions, or plan to keep your bike long-term, the extra protection may be worth it. If you ride casually and change your oil on schedule, a stock filter works fine.

What happens if I install the HF112 upside down or wrong?

If the filter is not sealed properly, oil will leak out during riding and your engine will lose lubrication, causing serious damage. Always confirm the filter fits your bike before installation, and follow the installation steps carefully.