Took mine off. Only the outside edges had any damage. Made a simple 24 GA 'cover' for the bottom of the O.F. reservoir. Held on w/3M tape. Leaving the pan off for know.
Oil filter doesn't bother me,,, I use a power-sports oil filter w/thick walls. (Not a car filter with thin walls.) Also,,, if you've ever owned a Roadliner/Stratoliner, with it's filter located sideways directly behind the front tire, eh,, like myself,,, you will also will feel the higher / offset location of the filter on the flat 6 has nothing to worry about!!! LOL!!!