Well its time for my new (to me) bike to have the oil changed. I've got a new filter, new oil and time to get it done. The problem is that the filter is on so tight that IT WON'T BUDGE NO MATTER HOW MUCH FORCE I APPLY. I'm afraid if I pull to hard I'm going to strip the bolt head on the end of the filter. I though these things were supposed to only be hand tight plus a quarter turn. It doesn't look like there is enough room for me to use a strap wrench either.
Any ideas?

 

I always hate to do so but I've stuck a screwdriver right through the old filter and turned it off that way. I've done it on the cbr and it worked.

 

Get medieval with it: hammer and big flathead


(Be ready for a bit o a mess)

 

I've always found that the first oil change on any new vehicle for me was a pain because the filter was on tight as a lug nut. My theory is that they don't take the time at the factory to put a film of oil on the gasket before screwing it on and it sort of welds itself to the engine.

My solution is usually to hammer a screwdriver into the filter body and use it like a T-handle. Once you make that hole you have to keep going because then there's no changing your mind and deciding to drive/ride it to the dealer and have them change it.

 

you can also use big visegrips or channel lock pliers. also ive used a leather belt wrapped around and fed back through the buckle. this can sometime provide the best grip.

 

I used the screwdriver method once, all i achieved was to neatly cut the filter in half leaving the other half still tight to the motor. Had to bring it to the shop where they removed the remainder with a claw type device. Ah happy days.....

 

If you notice the screwdriver starting to just tear a hole in it without the filter starting to spin - you need to accompany it with a big set of channel locks to help it along.

 

Filter pliers

 

To add to what Demon suggests. The only thing with both of these options is to insure you get the proper one for the size of filter you are removing.

 

I've had one of those round out the bottom of a torqued on filter hamlin and had to
get a goosenecked version of the type Demon has demonstrated