Filtrex OIF032 oil filter fitment problem…..

We have, unfortunately, encountered a slight fitment problem with the Filtrex OIF032 oil filter in some Aprilia 1000cc motorcycles!
We have removed the Filtrex OIF032 filter from sale on our website and in our shop and have replaced it with the Hiflo HF152 filter.

The OIF032 filter is a paper element, aftermarket replacement filter for the genuine Aprilia OEM part #0256187.
The filter should be 74mm long and 56mm wide.
The filter is also supposed to be the same dimensions and fitment as the Hiflo HF152, K&N KN-152 and the Champion X312 oil filters.

OIF032 and HF152 side by side
Front view of the Filtrex OIF032 and Hiflo HF152 filters side by side

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How to change the engine oil in a Suzuki AN125 (1995 to 2000 model)…..

Tools and parts needed:

AN125 oil, filter and tools
Oil, filter and tools needed for a Suzuki AN125 oil change
  • 1 litre of good quality** 10w40 scooter oil (you can also use a fully synthetic 10w40 oil). You will need 850ml of 10w40 oil to refill the engine.
  • 1 x Filtrex OIF011 oil filter (alternative filters: Hiflo HF131 and Champion X327)
  • 1 x waste oil container (a washing up bowl or similar will do)
  • Ratchet with 10mm (oil filter cover bolts), 12mm (oil filter drain bolt) and 14mm (main engine oil drain bolt) sockets (you can use spanners*** of the same sizes, but it’s easier with sockets!)
  • 1 x Phillips/cross head screwdriver (to remove the front access panel)

** = We ALWAYS recommend using a good quality semi synthetic or fully synthetic oil in a scooter. Due to the bodywork on most scooters, they tend to run fairly hot (mainly because the bodywork tends to restrict airflow and cooling), a good semi or fully synthetic oil works better at protecting the engine at hotter temperatures than a lower spec oil.

Tip:*** = If you are using spanners instead of a socket set, please try, where ever possible to use the closed, ring end of the spanner instead of the open end as the closed end gives a better grip on the nut or bolt (this helps to avoid slipping and rounding the head off!)

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Yamaha XJ600 Diversion CDI Wiring…..

We have had a few enquiries and questions about the wires that connect the CDI to the electrical wiring loom on the XJ600 Diversion.

The pictures and info in this below should show where the different coloured wires connect to the CDI unit.

The info and pictures are from a 1998 Yamaha XJ600 S Diversion (half faired – 4BRE model) and should be the same on the XJ600 N Diversion (naked model).
Other years may be different though!

XJ600 CDI unit
View of a 1998, 4BRE XJ600 Diversion CDI showing where the connector plug goes in

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Choosing the right oil: Should you use mineral, semi or fully synthetic motorcycle oil?

Quality wise, there are basically 4 different groups of modern motorcycle oils:

  • Mineral oils
  • Semi synthetic oils
  • Synthetic oils
  • Fully synthetic oils

This basic grading for oil types is used for both 2 stroke and 4 stroke oils. Mineral oils are the lowest quality and fully synthetic oils are the best quality.
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Suzuki CS50 Roadie Specs and Info (1982 to 1988)

Suzuki logo

Suzuki CS50 Roadie specs
1983 Suzuki CS50 DD Roadie (electric start model)

Suzuki CS50 Roadie specs…..

The Suzuki CS 50 Roadie was a 49cc, 2 stroke scooter manufactured by Suzuki Motor Corporation and sold in the UK between 1982 and 1988.

The CS50 was marketed as the ‘CS50 Roadie’ in the UK and the ‘CS50 Gemma’ in Asia and was also sold under license as the ‘Puch Lido’ in parts of Europe.
The CS50 was available as a 6 volt scooter with kick start only and a 12 volt scooter with kick and electric start.
Although the CS50 shared many parts with the CS80 (so parts could be interchanged between the 50cc and 80cc models), it was almost completely different to the 125cc model.
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Honda VFR750 Specs and Info (1986 to 1997)

Honda parts

Need parts for your VFR750? Honda VFR750 spares on Amazon…

Honda VFR750 Specs
Honda VFR750 FP (1993 model)

Honda VFR750 Specs…..

The Honda VFR750 (also known as the VFR750 Interceptor in the US) was a sport tourer motorcycle produced by Honda and available for sale in the UK between March 1986 and December 1997 (when it was replaced by the VFR800.

The VFR750F used the Honda V4 configuration engine. The engine was a completely redesigned and improved version of the earlier VF700 and VF750 F models that had numerous cam shaft and bearing problems.
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Use any old motorcycle oil in your bike, it all meets the spec anyway……Doesn’t it?

Does my oil meet the spec

Why should you use a proper motorcycle oil in your pride and joy, surely all oil meets the spec anyway?

So often the terms ‘oil is oil’ and ‘it all meets the spec’ are bandied about in conversation, both actual and virtually. Forums are awash with opinions on oil and lubrication, motorcycle arenas are especially prone to this and it never ceases to amaze me the utter, misguided, bollox that passes for expert internet opinion in this area. So here is my opinion (and actually, I really am an oil expert!).
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How to use the tyre innertube valve puller tool…..

Valve puller tool
The tyre innertube valve puller tool (VLVPUL)

The innertube valve puller tool (part no VLVPUL) is a tool designed to simplify scooter and motorbike innertube and tyre fitment by allowing an innertube to be easily located and pulled through the valve hole in wheel rim.
This page shows what the tool does and how to use it.

Unscrew the end from the handle

1) Unscrew the puller tools end from it’s storage bit inside the handle.
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Rock Oil XRP 5w30 Increases BHP – Myth or Fact?

Rock Oil

Well, Rock Oil Synthesis XRP is a fully synthetic motorcycle oil developed for racing. XRP has been around for nearly 10 years now with claims that it can ‘increase horse power’, but is this statement actually true and exactly how could it increase BHP?

BMW S1000R run on XRP
A 2010 BMW S1000RR being filled with XRP 5w30 just before being run on a Dyno

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It seemed like a good idea at the time……….