2020 1050 oil filter, Vulnerable?

[Fishtail]

Down the dealer today getting my bike serviced and had a first close up look at a brand new 2020 model 1050. To me it looks like the oil filter is the point most likely to take an impact on uneven ground. I wonder why even the XT model doesn’t have a better guard around it? The XT seems to have bars around the bottom of the engine but the oil filter pokes through.
As I’m getting a trade in quote when I pick mine up this afternoon was wondering if anyone had any experience with this yet?

[Mr Nick]

The oil filter location is the same as they've used for years. If you are looking for a bike to use over ground that's uneven to the point you're hitting the filter, then you've bought the wrong one frankly. This is a touring bike you sit more upright on, not a dirt bike.

You can get sump guards to better protect the lower engine cases and filter if that's your plan.

[Fishtail]

I guess it’s not about where the filter is but how well it’s protected. It seems to be exposed on the new bike and covered on my 2017 bike.
In terms of off road, I bump up the side of the raised edge of my driveway to get past my car is the sum of my off roading but I still bottom out every now and again. Perhaps I’ll just stick with the old one.

[porter]

The oil filter is in the same location on both bikes, just your 17 model is hinden by a wee plastic guard and the header pipe sticks more forward on the 17 also. Suzuki sell both plastic and aluminium guards should you want more protection and I'm sure Givi ( which I've always liked the look of) etc have them also. I like the way the filter is easy to get to, I also service my brothers 08 blade every year and it's a total pain in comparison.

[paulja]

How else would the likes of Givi be able to sell us a skid pan. It is a dumb placement for sure, a bit like the new H-D PanAm putting the regulator right behind the front wheel, so all the stones can hit it ;-)