Originally Posted by antilochus

The filter was not all that tight - I unscrewed it using some Halfords Oil Filter pliers (borrowed from a mate ). It was last changed by a dealer and glad they did not over-tighten it.

I hand tightened the new filter and turned it 1 turn using the pliers - have been checking for leaks for the last couple of days and still no sign so it is tight enough.

Re: taking the fairing off - I'm glad I did as it made it MUCH easier to see the filter and sump plug. Also good for future ref when cleaning as there was a load of crap on the inside that probably should be cleaned off