Oil filter removal

[Si Click]

Is it just me or is the oil filter on the CR (pre 2014 anyway) a pain to get at?  Same basic engine as my old VFR800 FiX and that was easy by comparison.

I have four different tools for removing oil filters, two chain-based variants, a socket tool that grips as you unscrew and the metal cap thing that is specifically sold as the removal tool for this filter.  None of them have enough space to work properly and today makes it three times that I have changed the oil and after 30 minutes of fruitless swearing, ended up hammering in a screwdriver.  Even that is difficult as you can only rotate it about 15 degrees before you need to stab it again.

Am I missing something?  Is there a tool out there that fits perfectly and makes this easy?  Before you ask, yes I am turning it the correct way.

[thefreediver]

Hi Si Click. Not sure if you are still on the forum but i just bought a Cr 2011, i belive it is the first model. And on Sunday evening i changed the oil and the oil filter. I feel much better about myself after i read your post :D.

I have changed before oil filters for small cars and for a yamaha x125. But this oil filter on the Cr was so difficult to unscrew. I don't have the proper tools though. So im' very surprised when i read your post i was hoping that buying a proper tool for the filter would make life easier.

I ended up removing the damn filter with a hammer and a screwdriver like i did foronly once on a car. I hope after this the filter won't be that difficult to unscrew by hand. Although the position is very uncomfortable.

[Mkcx]

I had no difficulty using a proper filter wrench (cup type) on my 2012. Its awkward but it works. Removing the bottom plastic panel helps.

Lots of things on this bike are more awkward than the earlier VFR. Lifting the fuel tank is a pain in the ass.

[thefreediver]

What size was the cup key on your model?
Thanks

[Mkcx]

I use this one

https://www.wemoto.com/bikes/honda/vfr_800_x_crossrunner/11-12/picture/oil_filter_wrench_for_hiflo_filter

I can't remember the size off hand

[Si Click]

Originally Posted by thefreediver

Hi Si Click. Not sure if you are still on the forum but i just bought a Cr 2011, i belive it is the first model. And on Sunday evening i changed the oil and the oil filter. I feel much better about myself after i read your post :D.

I have changed before oil filters for small cars and for a yamaha x125. But this oil filter on the Cr was so difficult to unscrew. I don't have the proper tools though. So im' very surprised when i read your post i was hoping that buying a proper tool for the filter would make life easier.

I ended up removing the damn filter with a hammer and a screwdriver like i did foronly once on a car. I hope after this the filter won't be that difficult to unscrew by hand. Although the position is very uncomfortable.

Glad I'm not alone in this.  I have now bought a tool that uses a screw thread to tighten a metal band around the filter.  Not had the chance to test it yet, but I am hopeful.

[Crosspurpose]

I’ve just done my first annual service. I used the Honda filter removal tool and followed the instructions in the owner’s handbook regarding what to remove. Using a Honda filter it was simple enough to remove and replace once the radiator had been pivoted forward sufficiently. I did find it best to use a 1/4 inch drive socket as it allowed more space.

[CBM]

I've serviced mine myself twice now and changing the filter was a doddle with a "Lid" style removal tool.
I take it that the pre 2015 models are different to the later ones then, is it the filter that's in a different place or the rad?

[Si Click]

Originally Posted by CBM

I've serviced mine myself twice now and changing the filter was a doddle with a "Lid" style removal tool.
I take it that the pre 2015 models are different to the later ones then, is it the filter that's in a different place or the rad?

The radiator is not an issue on mine as the early model is basically a VTEC VFR800 and retains the two side-mounted radiators.  I assume the newer models have a single front mounted one?  Fortunately the tightening steel band tool works a treat.

[Skids]

Originally Posted by CBM

I've serviced mine myself twice now and changing the filter was a doddle with a "Lid" style removal tool.
I take it that the pre 2015 models are different to the later ones then, is it the filter that's in a different place or the rad?

Yes, pre-2-15 models were based on the previous model VFR800 with side-mounted radiators. The 2015+ models are based on the revised VFR800 from 2014 onwards with a front-mounted rad as Si Click says.