1100 Sport Oil Filter

[Bull Tahr]

First Guzzi for me, but am very familiar with older ones in the past. The workshop manual says to drop the sump to replace filter etc as with the older Guzzis, but I see this on the underside, just wondering what it is if not to access the oil filter an easier way, I no fool, but best to check with the experts here............... .. 

[Old Jock]

You're quite correct that's a plastic (or some other material of that ilk) to gain access to the filter.

Once removed it's just a bloody great hole, so make sure you've drained the oil in the sump first before using it, should you choose to. You'll also need a very large hex key to undo/redo it as well, combined filter removal and hex removal tools can be purchased for it.

Many, including me, don't use it as the threads in the sump are quite fine and it's amazingly easy to cross thread it and screw the whole thing up.

I just drop the sump as you've already alluded to, anyway choice is yours 

[80CX100]

If it's a new to you bike, I'd be dropping the sump, make sure you have a decent gasket on hand in case the old one can't be reused..

As mentioned by Old Jock, I've read the man hole covers can be finicky and a lot of owners have the same mindset I do; I like the added security of a hose clamp on the filter, so I didn't tempt fate of cross threading the filter opening cover, and I've heard some have had grief getting them to seal properly.

After the first oil filter change do what is good for you, but you'd be pissed if on the first oil change, you cross thread the cover and find out that you had to drop the sump anyways because the PO had put on a hose clamp on the filter.

fwiw ymmv

[RinkRat II]

Welcome Bull,
  In over 90,000 miles and approx. 30 oil and filter changes I've not had any problems with the filter cover or it's threads. The hex is 27mm ani I just use a 27mm hexnut and a combination wrench to loosen and tighten. The technique I use for the threads is ALWAYS clean the cover threads spotless with some solvent and compressed air. Clean the sump threads with an old toothbrush and a solvent-soaked rag. I change the O-ring every 5th or so time. After installing the filter, I use a Very small dab of anti-seize and work it into the threads of the cap. lube the o-ring with a dab of oil. I start the threads by rotating them backwards about a half turn or so and you will feel the cap drop into place, then turn the cap in as far as you can by hand and finish tightening with your wrench and nut . No need to over -tighten the cap just snug is good. Hope this helps.

   Paul B

[pressureangle]

I think the concern over sump cover threads is overblown. If they're not already torn up, just be careful with them. Clean both sump and cover and don't be careless. Filter access through the cover sucks, you'll need the correct filter tool to get up in there. I don't concern myself with hose clamps and safety wire. Just tighten the filter appropriately with the right tool and it'll be fine. You're far more likely to strip the pan screws out on the 6th time you have it off than to lose the filter or ruin the threads of the cover. I change my filter every 3rd oil change, which is heresy to most but a used filter is actually more efficient than a new one unless you have so much trash in it that it has to bypass.

[Bull Tahr]

Thanks everybody for this valuable information! I have a spare gasket, so will drop the lot first off just to see where I'm at! As a regular oil changer , I will consider the access thru the cap for future changes. I feel like a real Noob! Ducatis all my life, now into my first Guzzi......... Thanks for all the help!