Using Non-Kymco Branded Oil Filter

[WEL]

Purchased an AK 550 this weekend. The service manual shows first oil change at 180 miles/300 Kilometers. I plan to change the oil myself or possibly a local no-Kymco shop.

I did some research on the Oil Filter and discovered that there is a BMW oil filter that is identical (At least according to HIFLOFILTRO catalogue and a few other online sources).

I was thinking I'll buy the BMW version. Any thoughts why that would not be a good idea?

Thanks

[john grinsel]

Should not hurt anything---if right fit from chart.

[Stig / Major Tom]

If I just paid what you have paid for the top-of-the-line Kymco AK550 - I'd be using OEM Kymco filters.
But, I've seen the same question pop up on the Burgman forum regarding the 650's which OTD'd for $13,500+.
Stig

[CROSSBOLT]

It is like any serious business deal. You are the designated "purchasing agent" for your "company." You supply the parts for your "company's" operation. But also, you are technically tuned to avoid substandard parts just because they are cheap.

My initial evaluation of Hiflow Filtro products was they are IDENTICAL to Kymco filters, Genuine Buddy filters and probably supply to Kymco. I have used them in every scoot that required a filter or cartridge since 2009 and have had zero problems.

[WEL]

If I just paid what you have paid for the top-of-the-line Kymco AK550 - I'd be using OEM Kymco filters.
But, I've seen the same question pop up on the Burgman forum regarding the 650's which OTD'd for $13,500+.
Stig

Just easier to get the BMW filter if I decide not get the oil changed at the Kymco dealer. I wouldn't think the BMW filter is inferior to the Kymco branded filter. The BMW filter is used for some of the R1200s and the C650 and a few other models.
 I know people that use the HIFLO filters and I have not heard of any issues. However, I prefer to use OEM branded filters. I had a Piaggio BV500 serviced at the Piaggio dealer and they used HIFLO. I think at that time Piaggio filters weren't readily available in the US.

[Neil955i]

Like you, I can't imagine an OEM BMW filter would be any less effective than the Kymco one.  The only thing I'd check first over here (UK) is, "would its use invalidate my warranty?"...

[souzamoto]

Open a Kymco OEM filter box and you will find a Hy-Flo filter