Emgo air filter vs. OEM

[Rich82GS750TZ]

I need a new air filter.
This Emgo one is $11.95 w/ free shipping on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/164725138933?epid=171259703&hash=item265a6225f5:g:w~kAAOSwgUJgOEzp

The OEM filter from partsoutlaw.com is $37.00

Any thoughts, anyone?

 

[Grimly]

Unlike the crappy cheap pod filters, I'd tend to trust a simple pleated paper filter from Emgo more.
Not much to go wrong, there, and it shouldn't upset the carburettion.
This is broad experience from years of buying aftermarket paper filters for cars, and not paying dealer prices. I've never had cause to think they weren't filtering properly.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Thanks Dave, that was my thought as well. Appreciate the back-up. I ride a lot of dusty trails so the filter gets clogged pretty quickly. I’ve blown out the one I have with compressed air many times, time to swap in a fresh one.

 

[xkaes]

I've used EMGO OIL filters for years. I've never had a problem, but I change them regularly.

 

[bwringer]

Been there, done that, gave up, bought the OEM.

But that was on a different bike. Maybe on yours it'll work OK.

I've spent more than $12 to satisfy my curiosity before.

 

[chuck hahn]

I use Emgo and Hiflo

 

[Nessism]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HiFlo-HFA3702-Air-Filter-/324492513474

Hiflo = good. OEM quality
Emgo = questionable and/or bad

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Guess I should have waited for everyone to chime in. I really appreciate everyone’s experience and input. Ordered the $12 Emgo, next time I’ll splurge on the $15 Hiflo.

 

[xkaes]

Just make sure to change your oil frequently. That way you are less likely to have a problem -- filter related or not.

P.S. I have oil coolers on my two bikes too. OVERKILL?????

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Just make sure to change your oil frequently. That way you are less likely to have a problem -- filter related or not.

P.S. I have oil coolers on my two bikes too. OVERKILL?????

we're talking air filters here, but, OK.

 

[bwringer]

Guess I should have waited for everyone to chime in. I really appreciate everyone’s experience and input. Ordered the $12 Emgo, next time I’ll splurge on the $15 Hiflo.

Maybe you could try both in the name of science, and report back to the GSR Hive Mind. It would be good information to have.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Maybe you could try both in the name of science, and report back to the GSR Hive Mind. It would be good information to have.

There's an idea, maybe I'll order the Hiflo one as well, and compare quality out of the box. Not quite sure how I would scientifically evaluate performance of each though, given I ride in various surfaces w/ various degrees of dustiness. Maybe ride the same dusty trail with each filter, pull it and take pics of each filter after each ride. Hard to evaluate how much dirt a filter didn't block. I will ponder this.

 

[rphillips]

Anybody, but me, remember the foam "sock" that came OEM on some models & covered the filter? First I remember was on the "82" GS1000SZ Katana. When I first saw it I ordered one for my GS1100E cause it looked like a great idea. Now I can't even find it on any the parts fiches. Did other models come with this "sock"? If I order an OEM filter for an "82" Katana, will it come with one? UNI has one that looks similar.

 

[grcamna2]

Anybody, but me, remember the foam "sock" that came OEM on some models & covered the filter? First I remember was on the "82" GS1000SZ Katana. When I first saw it I ordered one for my GS1100E cause it looked like a great idea. Now I can't even find it on any the parts fiches. Did other models come with this "sock"? If I order an OEM filter for an "82" Katana, will it come with one? UNI has one that looks similar.

I look on the online parts site and my 83' GS750ES has that foam type,still($30+ ) available too.

 

[hampshirehog]

Those air filters are fine. Not that I've changed them often but they work and don't muck up your carburation.

 

[1978GS750E]

Just received an Emgo air filter for a bike I'm working on and it looks to be of good quality. Paper element looks OK and the foam seal is thick as an OEM.

 

[bwringer]

I think Emgo, HiFlo, and OEM all filter dirt well enough; the main difference I've found is that they can vary in their effect on carburetion. Some bikes are very touchy about this, some don't seem to notice, and sometimes aftermarket filter designs are much closer to OEM than others.

I've had a couple of Suzuki VX800s, for example, and they will NOT run right with anything but OEM air filters, air boxes, and snorkels oriented exactly correctly. I've never encountered another motorcycle quite that picky about air flow.

On Suzuki V-Stroms, the HiFloFiltro air filter works perfectly well and is a little cheaper and usually faster to get than the OEM.

And on any Suzuki shaftie, aftermarket foam air filter elements from Uni work fine, but you also have to make sure the air filter and air box are sealed, and that the snorkel on the back of the airbox is in place.

Anyway, slap that Emgo in there and see if you notice any difference!

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

I've ordered the Emgo $12, and in the name of science, also the Hiflo $22 w/ shipping. I'll use them both eventually. Should be here early next week. I'll see what I can see.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Here, I think, is the definitive answer to Emgo vs. Hiflo Air Filter:

 

[pdqford]

Interesting.
Thanks, Rich.