900RK... couple questions

before i put engine oil back in this thing i want to make sure i put the filter on the right direction. i was trying to tighten the filter cover back down with the filters flat side toward the engine and it was being super difficult to get the screw threads to grab so i flipped the filter to where the recessed side was towards the engine then was able to get the threads to grab and tighten it down. (please don't tell me i should've made a mental note of the way it was when i took it off) what way is right?

i'm attaching a picture here of a bracket that's right behind the oil pan that seems to have no purpose. can someone tell me what that bracket is for?

the oil cooler adapter... the key in the adapter makes it appear to be on correctly but the way it's on makes you put the oil filter housing on upside down. also i don't think the cooler lines would attach to the adapter if it were on upside down but it seems pretty important for that to be on the right way so i thought i'd ask if that looks right to you guys.

 

I believe that the loose bracket piece is an exhaust system mount. If you have an aftermarket exhaust system it may just be left over.

As far as I know, the XJ900RK oil filter goes on like every other XJ - with the flat side facing the engine, and the recessed side facing the spring. See here: https://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/oil-filter-assembly-install-detail.130464/

 

That makes sense about the bracket. There’s a 4 to 1 exhaust on this. Thank you for the info