Oil filter and tennis ball mods

[Tim 1956]

Changing my Oil the other day and realizing how teeny tiny those filters are I took the one spare filter with me to Napa and questioned if they could find something larger. After the younger guy failed, an older guy came and looked at the number and within a few minutes cross referenced it to a Napa Gold 1334. The Seal's lined up perfectly and he said the thread was the same, so for $9 something, I took it to experiment with. Had to pull the bottom cover off because it was slightly pushing against 1 of two hoses that run up to the top of the bike in front of the carbs. It went on perfectly and no leaks after about 20 miles. I would guess it's 20% bigger by volume for height and width. Also, riding my bike at least every other day to go shopping or the pharmacy and just destroying tennis ball after tennis ball, I experimented with a 45 degree 1 inch pvc elbow and a short piece of 1 inch pvc pipe. After back a forth a few times, got it just right. Been using it for over 2 months. Wanted to make sure it was going to work better than the ball. See both pictures.
Tim

[Sassy]

Do you prefill the filter? Cause the motor will run dry longer.
I don't understand the tennis ball and pvc remedy what is if for? Could you explain?

[Andy Cote]

There have been several threads on oil filters. Here's the most complete list of those that fit (stock size) and those that are a bit longer:

viewtopic.php?t=27488

The stock filter fits many Honda motorcycles as well as some from other brands and Yamaha outboards. The longer filter fits Accord, Camry and many others. I was able to use longer filters on my GL1500 without modification and even change them without removing the lower cowl. IMHO, a better quality filter will be a better benefit than just volume. It's the amount of filter material and the size of the filter holes.

Other topic. Assume, living in Florida, you use a cover whenever bike is parked. Just any foam insulation will do. Even a foam pool noodle, cut to six inches and drop it down the antenna when wanted.

[Tim 1956]

Do you prefill the filter? Cause the motor will run dry longer.
I don't understand the tennis ball and pvc remedy what is if for? Could you explain?

People like me who don't have a garage or storage shed and just under a porch use a cover. So I've always seen on here that everyone uses a tennis ball. when you ride about every other day, they don't last long. I've never seen or heard of anything else until now.

[Tim 1956]

There have been several threads on oil filters. Here's the most complete list of those that fit (stock size) and those that are a bit longer:

viewtopic.php?t=27488

The stock filter fits many Honda motorcycles as well as some from other brands and Yamaha outboards. The longer filter fits Accord, Camry and many others. I was able to use longer filters on my GL1500 without modification and even change them without removing the lower cowl. IMHO, a better quality filter will be a better benefit than just volume. It's the amount of filter material and the size of the filter holes.

Other topic. Assume, living in Florida, you use a cover whenever bike is parked. Just any foam insulation will do. Even a foam pool noodle, cut to six inches and drop it down the antenna when wanted.

Never heard or saw anything about the noodle. How does that hold the antenna down without the bend in it? The Napa "GOLD" oil filter, as I mentioned, is there best. I mentioned volume as a guess for comparison. But it is longer and wider. After being on here for 3 years or so, I still struggle on finding things and getting around. Thanks.

[Andy Cote]

Never heard or saw anything about the noodle. How does that hold the antenna down without the bend in it? The Napa "GOLD" oil filter, as I mentioned, is there best. I mentioned volume as a guess for comparison. But it is longer and wider. After being on here for 3 years or so, I still struggle on finding things and getting around. Thanks.

Should not need to hold the antenna down. Gravity should do that and once the cover is on, the cover does. The swim noodles have a center hole that will slide down the antenna. You can (but not necessary) cut a slit partway along the hole so that the foam can be slid aft once the antenna is folded.

You can even leave the noodle full length and lash it cross ways when riding. Someone on here does that for visibility in traffic, oilboy1162 maybe?

[Tim 1956]

Never heard or saw anything about the noodle. How does that hold the antenna down without the bend in it? The Napa "GOLD" oil filter, as I mentioned, is there best. I mentioned volume as a guess for comparison. But it is longer and wider. After being on here for 3 years or so, I still struggle on finding things and getting around. Thanks.

Should not need to hold the antenna down. Gravity should do that and once the cover is on, the cover does. The swim noodles have a center hole that will slide down the antenna. You can (but not necessary) cut a slit partway along the hole so that the foam can be slid aft once the antenna is folded.

You can even leave the noodle full length and lash it cross ways when riding. Someone on here does that for visibility in traffic, oilboy1162 maybe?

You must have a NON standard honda antenna. Mine has a knurled slide collar about 2 inches long that locks the antenna in the upright position. "IT" will not move unless you use 2 hands and slide the lock collar up to let the antenna fold down in the 90 degree storage. Once down then it will stay there but "THEY" always used the cut in the middle tennis ball to protect your cover from the bend tearing it. I did not know that when I got mine 3 years ago and quickly tore a few hole in the cover I was using until I saw on here what others used. Thanks.

[Andy Cote]

Yup, that's it. A little oil will help on that sleeve. Should only need two fingers; not two hands. I also have used tennis balls but will switch to the noodle.

[Tim 1956]

Yup, that's it. A little oil will help on that sleeve. Should only need two fingers; not two hands. I also have used tennis balls but will switch to the noodle.

"SHOW ME" "trust no one, suspect everyone."

[Snowmoer]

Yea, please show us your antenna without the PVC pipe. The base looks like a stock antenna in your photo, but it should not fold over to the left side of the bike like in your photo. It should fold straight ahead to the front of the bike. As stated, it does not need anything to hold it down.

[Rambozo]

I was wondering the same thing. I know there were some aftermarket antennas back in the day. Didn't know if Interstates had anything different than Aspencades and SEs. Mine is also a two finger fold. Very easy and I've been using the same tennis ball for years. Just like this.



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[Tim 1956]

I was wondering the same thing. I know there were some aftermarket antennas back in the day. Didn't know if Interstates had anything different than Aspencades and SEs. Mine is also a two finger fold. Very easy and I've been using the same tennis ball for years. Just like this.



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But they didn't show the tennis ball or noodle or foam insulation. I just use to hands. I had to get an aftermarket mini antenna because I could not find the standard length anymore. Made a big difference in signal lose out here in the cowtown. I've never seen a noodle bend and stay in that position. I must be Mr. destructo with my tennis balls. I mean I'm always on and off, on and off every other day at least and they start tearing more and more and then do nothing. Got tired of buying tennis balls. Thanks for checking in and trying to help.

[4given]

Mine is only hand tight. When I fold it down it goes straight forward. Then by hand I give it a slight turn and point it toward the drivers seat. Before I put it back up I twist it back straight by hand and point it up.

[Tim 1956]

Mine is only hand tight. When I fold it down it goes straight forward. Then by hand I give it a slight turn and point it toward the drivers seat. Before I put it back up I twist it back straight by hand and point it up.

My problem is that 90 degree corner like everyone else's. Doesn't take much to tear a hole in something. I'll stay with my pvc invention as much as I am taking it off and on. Thanks for your ideas.

[Sassy]

Thanks for the explanation on protecting the cover from the antenna.
Cool on the filters, may check into that.

[Fiberthree]

I don't know what brand covers you guys look at, but the ones I have bought always have extra felt lined material where they cover the antennas. The picture on the bottom left shows it.

https://cyclemax.com/products/ultragard ... 785c&_ss=r

My Wing was my daily commuter and sat outside at work. I averaged a new cover every two years because the Southern California sun took it's toll on them. Never had one tear where the antenna touched it.

[Tim 1956]

I was using a heavy duty lawn cover that was huge and it tore it after about 1 year. I have the best from "wingstuff" https://wingstuff.com/products/22764-pr ... over-w-bag
I was always careful trying to pull the cover over that 90 sharp antenna bend. But eventually snagged it 3 different times until it ripped a long line in it and I couldn't glue it anymore. This cover has been great. I only did my first cover without a tennis ball or anything because I did not know any better or never saw anything on it. Now I know. Next, I'll grind the corners off of that 90.
This new cover has withstood 2 cat1 hurricanes. last year. I told the company that. It didn't tear or come off with the way they designed it and the strap tie downs.
Thanks.

[WingAdmin]

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[Tim 1956]

Thanks. That was nice. Maybe because I always bought the el cheapo tennis balls. Still keeping my pvc one.
Thanks
Tim

[triwing]

Found the filter that fit the 90 & 96 Civic, also fit the 1500 Wing.

[Tim 1956]

Do you prefill the filter? Cause the motor will run dry longer.
I don't understand the tennis ball and pvc remedy what is if for? Could you explain?

Yes, the new wider longer filter is working great. No problems. Bigger filters are always better than smaller ones. More filtering volume and easier flow pressure, in my opinion. The pvc antenna protector, for me, last and works better than the tennis ball for the folding antenna. When you are riding at least every other day and removing and replacing the tennis ball, mine came apart quickly. The pvc is indestructible. Thanks. sorry for the late response. I never got it until now.

[gatorslayer]

I don't use a cover much, but if I did I'd tape an "X" on the inside where the friction occurs with Gorilla duct tape.

[Tim 1956]

I don't use a cover much, but if I did I'd tape an "X" on the inside where the friction occurs with Gorilla duct tape.

That is not where the problem occurs. When you are pulling the cover over the antenna it rips. You never hit the same spot twice when putting it on and pulling it around to position it. My bike is outside under a porch overhang. So I have to use is all the time when I am done. Constant pulling the cover in every direction. Guaranteed to rip some place different every time.

[gatorslayer]

In that case, I'd make a hole in the cover with a rubber grommet and slip the cover over the antenna first without bothering to swing it down. I keep small flagpole attached to my antenna which would prevent contact of the joint with the cover anyway. Its rounded topper won't rip the fabric.

[Tim 1956]

In that case, I'd make a hole in the cover with a rubber grommet and slip the cover over the antenna first without bothering to swing it down. I keep small flagpole attached to my antenna which would prevent contact of the joint with the cover anyway. Its rounded topper won't rip the fabric.

I've only modified what the goldwing riders have been using for years. It's NOT my idea. Apparently many others have the same problem. I only offered my improvement suggestion. Whatever works for you is fine. The pvc is what works for me. Thanks.