I just installed an STP oil filter in the ol' GS this weekend.  Got it at Auto-Zone for about 4 bucks.  I've almost always used Fram filters before this (just out of convenience & cheapness - no particular loyalty).  Occassionally I've used OEM filters when that's all I could get my hands on, but they're so blinkin' expensive it makes me grind my teeth each time I hafta buy one.
When installing the STP filter I noticed it has a small pressure relief valve on the end of it (the end opposite the outlet).  I've never noticed this valve on the other filters I've used.  Is this feature unique to the STP, or am I just now starting to pay attention?  Has anyone else noticed the pressure relief valve?
So, after running out to take your bike apart to see if you've got a relief valve, too, you can take the poll:
What brand filters do folks use?  Where do you get them & what do you pay?  What drives your decision?  Price? Brand? Convenience?

did mine once since owning the bike and I did the fram since I could find it and I knew it came with a new o-ring gasket. I think it was like $4 or so at local autozone. the relief valve isnt really a good thing usually thats for oil bypass so if you filter is dirty it will just bypass the filtering and go thru the relief valve.

Used Fram for years since that seems to be what all of my local shops keep in stock, but I just started using Amsoil.

No particular loyalty, I've used STP and OEM, whatever I can get cheap.  I once bought an STP and the inlet hole was too small, and I know the part number was correct.  I've been wary of them since.

Quote from: ScottWVI once bought an STP and the inlet hole was too small, and I know the part number was correct.

I think it was GSJack that had this same problem once.  

I also think he said that STP and Fram were the same exact filter, but packaged in different boxes.

I use OEM from my local dealer and get them for $5.25 after tax.

I've only used Fram so far, in nearly 30,000 miles (on 2 GS500s).  Deciding factors?  Checker Auto Parts is one of the closest stores to my home of ANY kind, and the price is right (a little under $4 I think).

I once located the correct STP filter in an AutoZone store a few miles away, but I don't remember opening the box to look at the filter itself.  But your description makes me curious;  I'll have to take a peek next time I'm there.

Hi-Flo Green filter. I buy them because my dealer sells them.  They aren't expensive (don't know the price exactly) but they are ok. Fits perfectly and a Rubber O-ring for the oil-filter cap is also present.

Quote from: glenn9171...I think it was GSJack that had this same problem once...

I went back up to Autozone after finding this out, they has 4 more filter on the shelf, 2 were okay and 2 were too small.  I figured it must have been a mistake during manufacturing.

I just spen the extra buck on oem's, worth it for no problems.

some useful info about oil filters.....cause i feel the love around here soooo much.... :mrgreen:

http://www.yft.org/tex_vfr/tech/filters.htm

I stopped using Fram after having an gasket come loose from one on a car. After doing some research I've found that they're not "quality" products. The quality of construction between a Fram and almost anything else can be seen with the naked eye. Not as good. I've heard many horror stories about fram falures and leaking bypass valves.

I splurged for the K&N oil filter because I'm stupid it does come with two gaskets per oil filter (which is silly) but it was very well made. I'm looking for anything but Fram for my next filter

Hmmm.  I've used nothing but Fram in my truck for 180,000 miles and it still runs like the day I bought it.

Quote from: glenn9171Hmmm.  I've used nothing but Fram in my truck for 180,000 miles and it still runs like the day I bought it.

it's a ford and the bottom end rattles....?? :mrgreen:

my bikes are the only vehicles i own that DON'T have about 200k+ on them
miata is tired at 210kneeds a clutch and low mileage engine
Del Sol has 262K and runs strong
truck has 189k front crank seal leaking....AGAIN!!!!!

Quote from: werase643

Quote from: glenn9171Hmmm.  I've used nothing but Fram in my truck for 180,000 miles and it still runs like the day I bought it.

it's a ford and the bottom end rattles....?? :mrgreen:

Nope, a '95 Nissan regular cab with the 2.4L 4-cylinder.  Doesn't use a drop of oil between changes.  Other than the dents in the body, it's like new.

is that the Z24 or the 12 valve one?
I got the V6 in my 95 HD longbed nissan

Quote from: werase643is that the Z24 or the 12 valve one?
I got the V6 in my 95 HD longbed nissan

12 Valve.

the HD is a 1 ton but geared low....bad gas mileage

I could own a full size ford/chevy and get better mileage....
but I like small trucks better...5th nissan so far

back to the topic at hand....fram....never had a problem

some of their spin-ons a few yrs ago wer not properly threaded....and promptly fell off...oiling the back tire....

I use Amsoil's Superduty Motorcycle Filter part number SMF-112.  Retail is $6.95 and you can buy factory direct from them.  
I use their products because they're very high quality.  
See http://www.amsoil.com/products/smf.htm for good information about what makes a good motorcycle filter.

Phil

The AMSOILs cost about what the K&N did but they actually TELL you how they are constructed better. I think I'll get one for my next filter.