Why didn Kawasaki just use spin-on oil filters in the first place?
This is an interesting question. From an engineering and new product introduction perspective, there are advantages to applying existing, modular designs (called leveraging by some corporations) in order to expedite bringing new motorcycle models to market in a very short time. Developmental budgeting and scheduling functions favor this practice also by lowering design times and overall project costs as well as requiring a smaller design team and shortened task lists for engineering. Kawasaki is known for using this tactic with many of their motorcycle models introduced since the early 1980’s. Many parts (and functional modules) are interchangeable across several models that have broad variations in engine sizes and types. One such example is the paper cartridge oil filter apparatus which has been used by more than 12 Kawasaki motorcycle models. One can only speculate why Kawasaki did not convert to spin-on oil filters long ago, but other examples of outdated technologies are rampant a
