I've never had a filter that couldn't be removed with a oil filter wrench on a car, truck or motorcycle. Only time I've used the hillbilly screwdriver method was when I didn't have the right tools. I've also used strap wrenches when I didn't have the right sized removal socket and crushed a few filters with those.

 

I had the same issue with my 2015 Street Glide. Changing the oil today and found my filter to be a bitch. Used a filter specific wrench and nothing. Screwdriver through the side of the filter and nothing.... Except a mess! Since the filter wrench was slipping, I drilled a hole in it and ran a long screw through the wrench and into the top of the filter. No more slip and it came off with a little effort. Pretty damn proud of myself! Lol. Hope it helps someone else.

 

I've gotten in the habit of cracking the oil filters loose, even just 1/8 of a turn, before draining the oil, just in case. Especially on the first change

 

i switched to k&n filters after fighting conventional wisdom for years. the little nubbin on the top help the filter jumps right off with a socket or wrench. happy i stopped being difficult. they are also everywhere... no need to search for a dealer. win X 2!


amazon is doing some shady price thing with them.. price has doubled since i last stocked up.

 

4 year old thread...

Since someone bumped it though, just get one of these:




It's useful on other vehicles as well as for Mickey Mousing other jobs where you might need a big *** wrench. Those K/N filters are cool or whatever but too spendy when you can just get a filter wrench.

 

As a last resort, you could put the filter in a vise and spin the bike... just remember it goes counterclockwise too!