Oil Filter design and placement on K1200LT

[R1100RT]

Just curious why the oil filter on a 2005 K1200LT is is surrounded in an oil bath? Trying to figure out what the reason is for the oil that surrounds the oil filter and the need for the extra cover and o ring seal. I can understand the covering of the filter, to protect it from road punctures. Just trying to understand the flow and function of having the oil surround the filter.

[mneblett]

Just curious why the oil filter on a 2005 K1200LT is is surrounded in an oil bath? Trying to figure out what the reason is for the oil that surrounds the oil filter and the need for the extra cover and o ring seal. I can understand the covering of the filter, to protect it from road punctures. Just trying to understand the flow and function of having the oil surround the filter.

The filter is not in the sump in order to have it in the oil bath -- that's just a side effect of the decision to put the filter in the sump in the first place.

I understand the oil filter location to have been driven by the original flying brick laid-over inline 4 design configuration. Given the locations of the major components, the in-the-sump location worked better than trying to find a suitable place outside the case (and routing the oil galleries to/from the filter). There's no room behind the engine, there's oil/coolant pumps and cam chain in the front, the left side is full of cylinder head and ignition coils/wires, and the right side crankcase cover couldn't be made much small and still clear the crank. On top of the engine would have been impossible to access for routine servicing, and underneath would have put the filter too low and vulnerable (not to mention blocked the '05-on power centerstand).

So, inside the sump went the filter.

[GeorgeK1200RS]

Had my 2000 K1200LT for 10 years and more than 80,000 miles. Never found the filter bathed in oil...did get a very small quantity of oil when I removed the outer cover.

Are you getting your filter tight enough?

[58058D]

HUH? Wow, I have never heard of any brick that did not have the filter in oil. Is this true that an LT with essentially the same engine as your and my series of RSs is different? I gotta see this. My 2000 RS is Not dry...my guess is if you didn't drain your sump first, you would get a lot more than a small quantity. I too, only get a small quantity when opening the cover because I have done my best to get every last drop out the drain hole....maybe it is a matter of symantics?

[98lee]

Had my 2000 K1200LT for 10 years and more than 80,000 miles. Never found the filter bathed in oil...did get a very small quantity of oil when I removed the outer cover.

Are you getting your filter tight enough?

How could you NOT have oil on your filter when it is INSIDE what is basically the engine oil pan????

If you had removed "the outer cover" before draining the oil, ALL the oil would have come out that opening. That's how I do oil changes since I'm going to be changeing the filter anyway. Why wait for the oil to come out the little hole (drain plug), when I can get it out quicker through the big hole. If you take out two of the bolts and then slowly loosen the third one, it is very conrollable and neat.

[GeorgeK1200RS]

Sorry, can't send video...no longer have the bike. Can't explain why I did not get a ton of oil...just did not.