I was at autozone, picking up oil and filters for my truck, and planning on getting oil for my bike, then going to the dealer to get a filter for the bike.  Then I saw the STP oil filters and I figured I'd save myself some time and just buy one of those.  I knew there were some part # mix-ups, but I couldn't rember the numbers I needed.  I checked with the guy working there, then picked up a STP SMO-00 filter.  I also saw the fram number on the filter itself, CH6001(the wrong number).  I didn't remember what was supposed to match up in fram numbers, but figured it was right.  The one right move I made was to do a search here to confirm the part # before I put it on the bike.  

The correct Fram number is CH6000, for anyone who needed a reminder(my hand is raised).

Lesson learned: know your part numbers before you go to a chain for oil filters, it just cost me an extra trip to return the wrong filter, and go to the dealer to get the right one(crosses fingers that dealer has one in stock).

I had the exact same experience at AutoZone a while back.  (See the story and photos HERE.)

Yeah the STP mix up stuff sucks, luckily I work at Checker Auto on the weekends and ordered up a bunch of ch6000 filters, only payed $1.88 a piece. If you live near a Checker, Shucks, or  Kragen they can order them for you, takes usually one day, and if you live in White Bear Lake you can have them same day if you order before 12:01 PM

Quote from: KerryI had the exact same experience at AutoZone a while back.  (See the story and photos HERE.)

Yup, that's one of the topics I looked at to find out that I had the wrong thing, if only I had checked that before i went shopping

Oh yeah, the dealer almost gave me the wrong filter too, he gave me the thread on that most other Suzuki's use these days.  I said, "try again", and then he apoligized and got me the right filter.  Honest mistake, fortunately I still really like that dealer.  BTW, $4 for the STP filter vs. $6 for the Suzuki, and the Suzuki looks like much better materials.

What about http://store.azmusa.com/p-ch6000crl.html these?  Looks like the right part number from Kerry's other thread, and hard to beat at $1.90 each.

I think I'm going to spend $10 for a couple w/ shipping and see.

Why are GS500 people such cheap bastards? :dunno:
Do some of you guys use automobile oil in your GS too?
Fram filters for motorcycles are crap.  I use only the Suzuki OEM filter.
It's designed to work for the motor.  I use motorcycle-specific oil too.  It's better for the clutch & motor.

If you're trying to save a few pennies/bucks just remember you get what you pay for.

Quote from: Pam GWhy are GS500 people such cheap bastards? :dunno:
Do some of you guys use automobile oil in your GS too?
Fram filters for motorcycles are crap.  I use only the Suzuki OEM filter.
It's designed to work for the motor.  I use motorcycle-specific oil too.  It's better for the clutch & motor.

If you're trying to save a few pennies/bucks just remember you get what you pay for.

Actually there have been several magazines that have tested automotive oils vs motorcycle oils - both performance and chemical tests.  Net result, motorcyle oils are much better at emptying your wallet - but car oils are just as good for the engine and clutch.  Use any oil with the correct rating OR Higher and all will be well.

....as long as the oil is NOT energy conserving

Quote from: Pam GWhy are GS500 people such cheap bastards? :dunno:
Do some of you guys use automobile oil in your GS too?
Fram filters for motorcycles are crap.  I use only the Suzuki OEM filter.
It's designed to work for the motor.  I use motorcycle-specific oil too.  It's better for the clutch & motor.

If you're trying to save a few pennies/bucks just remember you get what you pay for.

have you looked at the price of a gs lately? it isn't exactly expensive in itself.... it's a good value/bargain.. which means you have people looking for value/bargain parts-wise.

Quote from: KerryI had the exact same experience at AutoZone a while back.  (See the story and photos HERE.)

Kerry, what did you do before you had a digital camera?  

Chris

I think that most non-OEM filters are as good as the OEM ones, I used them for a long time and have no problems at all. They fit perfectly and the ones I have don't have messy glue on them that can get loose. I once heard that the Fram filters have excess glue on them, that's obviously not good.

Saving on an oil change is worth it, especially here. When I change my oil and filter it costs me $ 45. That's with the cheapest mineral oil for motorcycles I can find, Castrol GP 10W40.

Quote from: 1998_GS500

Quote from: KerryI had the exact same experience at AutoZone a while back.  (See the story and photos HERE.)

Kerry, what did you do before you had a digital camera?  

I dunno ... just forgot everything, I guess.  :dunno: