Installing a harley davidson oil filter relocation kit is one of those upgrades that you don't realize you need until you're knee-deep in a messy oil change on a Sunday afternoon. If you've owned a Harley for more than a week, you probably already know the drill. You try to be careful, you tuck some cardboard or a cut-up soda bottle under the filter, but somehow, oil still finds its way onto your crankcase, your front engine mount, and eventually, your garage floor. It's a rite of passage that most of us would gladly skip.
The reality is that the stock placement for oil filters on many Harley models—especially the Twin Cams and some Evos—is, well, a bit of a head-scratcher. It's tucked away in a spot that seems designed to ensure you spend twenty minutes cleaning up a mess after a five-minute job. That's exactly where a relocation kit comes into play. It moves the filter to a much more accessible spot, usually on the front down-tube of the frame, making your life a whole lot easier.
The End of the Messy Oil Change
Let's be honest: nobody likes cleaning oil off their frame. When the filter is in that cramped stock location, gravity is your worst enemy. The moment you break the seal on that filter, oil starts weeping out. Because of the angle and the components sitting right below it, there's almost no way to catch it all.
When you switch to a harley davidson oil filter relocation kit, you're essentially moving the "splash zone." By mounting the filter vertically on the frame rail, you can just put a drain pan directly underneath it. You unscrew the filter, the oil drops straight down into the pan, and you're done. No more stuffing rags into tight crevices or using a cans worth of brake cleaner to degrease your engine block. It turns a chore into a quick, clean task.
Better Cooling for Your Engine
Beyond the convenience factor, there's actually a performance benefit that doesn't get talked about enough. Harleys are air-cooled (or precision-cooled in newer models), and they run hot. Anything you can do to shed a few degrees is a win for the longevity of your motor.
By moving the oil filter out into the wind, you're turning the filter itself into a mini oil cooler. In the stock location, the filter is often tucked behind other components where airflow is minimal. When it's moved to the front down-tube, it's hitting the "clean" air first. As you ride down the highway, the air rushing past the filter helps dissipate heat from the oil before it heads back into the engine. It's not a replacement for a dedicated oil cooler, but it definitely helps keep those temps a bit more stable.
Easier Access for Maintenance
If you're the type of person who likes to keep an eye on things, having the filter out in the open is great. You can easily check for leaks or see if the filter has taken a hit from any road debris. Plus, it makes it much easier to use a filter wrench. We've all been in that situation where a filter is stuck on a little too tight, and there's barely enough room to get a grip on it in the stock position.
With a relocation kit, you have 360-degree access. You can get a solid grip, use whatever tool you prefer, and swap it out without bruising your knuckles. It also opens up options for using different types of filters. Some people like to run the reusable stainless steel mesh filters, which are often a bit bulkier or have a nut on the end. These can be a tight fit in the factory spot but fit perfectly once you've moved things around.
What's Inside the Kit?
Most kits are pretty straightforward, but you want to make sure you're getting quality components. Usually, a harley davidson oil filter relocation kit consists of an adapter that bolts onto the original filter mount, some high-pressure oil lines, and a new remote mount that attaches to your frame.
- The Adapter: This is a "spin-on" piece that goes right where your old filter lived. It has two ports—one for the oil coming out of the pump and one for the filtered oil going back in.
- The Hoses: You don't want cheap rubber here. Good kits use reinforced, high-temp hydraulic hoses or braided stainless lines. Since these carry the lifeblood of your engine, you want them to be tough.
- The Remote Mount: This is the part that holds the filter in its new home. Most are made from billet aluminum and are designed to clamp onto the 1-1/8" or 1-1/4" frame tubes.
It's a simple setup, but it's effective. Most riders can get one installed in an hour or two with basic hand tools. It's one of those "set it and forget it" modifications that pays for itself in saved frustration every time 5,000 miles rolls around.
Style and Customization
Let's face it, we care about how our bikes look. For some, the stock filter is an eyesore. For others, it's just invisible. Moving the filter to the front of the bike can actually add a bit of a mechanical, "custom" look to the front end.
Many relocation mounts are beautifully machined and come in chrome or black anodized finishes to match your bike's aesthetic. You can also choose to run a fancy chrome filter or a black one to hide it a bit more. It's a small detail, but in the world of Harley customization, the small details are what make the bike yours.
Things to Keep in Mind
While it's a great mod, there are a couple of things you should think about before pulling the trigger. First, make sure you route your hoses carefully. You want to avoid any sharp bends or spots where the hoses might rub against the frame or engine. Use zip ties or p-clamps to keep everything secure.
Second, consider your crash bars (engine guards). If you have a massive set of bars, you'll want to make sure the new filter location doesn't interfere with them. Most kits are designed to tuck the filter in pretty tightly to the frame, so it's rarely an issue, but it's always worth a quick measurement.
Lastly, remember that you're adding a little bit more oil capacity to your system because of the extra hose length. It won't be a huge amount—maybe a few ounces—but it's something to keep in mind when you're refilling after a change. Always check your dipstick rather than just blindly pouring in the "standard" amount.
Is It Worth It?
If you do your own maintenance, the answer is a resounding yes. The first time you change your oil without needing a roll of paper towels and a bottle of degreaser, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner. It makes the bike easier to service, helps it run a little cooler, and honestly, it just makes sense.
A harley davidson oil filter relocation kit isn't about adding horsepower or making the bike louder—it's about making the ownership experience better. It's a practical, "grown-up" mod that shows you actually ride and maintain your machine. Plus, it gives you a great excuse to spend a Saturday morning out in the garage with a couple of wrenches and a cold drink.
In the end, we want to spend more time riding and less time scrubbing oil off the driveway. Moving that filter is a small change that makes a big difference in the long run. Whether you're on a stripped-down Dyna or a full-dressed Ultra, your back (and your garage floor) will thank you.