This an update on oil changing with the 12V suction pump I bought to avoid having to unscrew the tank drain filter thingy while its full of oil.
I carried out an oil change today and the pump worked but it took maybe 1/2 hour to get down to the bottom of the tank, However, I had ignored the advice they gave which was to take it for a run to get the oil warm which speeds things up due to the thinner oil. I sat reading the MCN while it was sucking away (Love the new Ducatis, the Diavel cruiser and Monster 1100 EVO). You can get right down into the 'orrible stuff' at the bottom of the tank as well. I might try it with a larger bore suction tube the next time, if I remember. It's quite a small bore suction pipe, as supplied, to get into car dipstick holes which doesn't apply to us.
With the tank empty it was almost a pleasure to unscrew the tank filter to check it was clear.
No oil on the garage floor, result.
Alan