Riding Modes and a Longer Oil Filter? | ANSWERS

I have a 2009 Yamaha R1 that has Standard, A, and B riding modes. When I bought the bike I used all the modes to see the difference in each. Now that I've had it for a while I like to ride in A mode. This seems to work best for me in everyday use. Should I use the other modes from time to time so the bike doesn't "get used to" one mode?
Jared Rutledge
Broken Arrow, OK

Riding all the time in one mode won't affect your bike any more than leaving your radio on one station all the time will hurt your radio. The ECU constantly monitors and adjusts fuel delivery and ignition timing to keep engine performance optimal, so there's nothing for it or your engine to "get used to," no matter how long you stay in one mode. But you might want to put some miles on those other modes now and then so you're not surprised by the change in power and throttle response if you ever get bored with your favorite one.

I just changed the oil and filter (Denso #115010-6600) on my 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650. I have extra filters (Denso # 115010-5980) from a Yamaha FJR1300. They're the same diameter and have an identical interface as the Kawasaki filters, but are about .58-inch longer. Could those be used on the Kawasaki--they'll clear--or would the extra length upset the pressure apple cart?
Dale Erickson
Via email

Each individual oil filter is designed for a specific engine's oil pressure, filtering requirements, and flow rate. Some filters have bypass valves that direct oil back to the engine in case the filter gets clogged, while some engines have internal bypass valves and use filters that don't have them. A valve with the wrong opening pressure might route dirty oil away from the filter and back into the engine. Filters are cheap; engines aren't. Get the right filter for your bike. It's not worth the risk.