Oil Level

[Arthur45]

Hi All,

Question if I may. I had my bike serviced today inc an oil change. Mine is a 2018 so I believe the oil caoacity is slightly more than later versions.

Anyway when I got home I later cleaned the bike as It typically decided to rain on the way home. I decided just to check the oil level. Now I've had the bike for many years and always found checking the oil fairly easy. But today was difficult.

Ran it for 4 minutes, left it to stand for 3 minutes then took the dipstick out, place it back in without screwing it in. The stick showed a small amount of oil not up to the max level.. The bike was upright when the check was done. So I put the stick back in but turned it 90 degrees so the flat measuring part was horizontal and the back face indicated oil, but the front fade showed nothing. Am I missing something about reading the stick? The oil light goes out as soon as the bike starts and stays out.

Thanks

 

[Brammers]

If the oil level is between min and max, you're fine. I personally aim for about 75% of the way up - but anywhere is fine. Especially as the newer engines use much less oil (and longer dipsticks), but have no other real changes.

A pic would help, but I'm sure you are fine.

J

 

[miweber929]

The oil light goes out as soon as the bike starts and stays out.

Oil light is oil pressure, not oil level. You can be high, or low, on level and still have enough pressure in the system to operate correctly.

 

[Arthur45]

Thanks both. Ran the bike in an upright position, on level ground for 4 to 5 mins. Then left it and check the level, again not screwing the dipstick in. It really does seem to be very much about any real minor position differences the angle of the dipstick. But If the blade end of the stick is horizontal, parallel to the ground the underside shows full, but only just an indication on the top side.

Can I ask when you do yours do you let the stick just literally touch the threaded boss on the crankcase, or do you push it in until the threads meet ready to screw in? Sorry difficult to explain.

Appreciate your help though.

 

[Brammers]

I had a friend hold the bike for me while I followed the user manual.

Once I knew it was at the "max" mark, I let the bike cool and then checked the oil while on the side stand.

I now use that "side stand" level as max, and keep it about there.

Now I can check the oil cold and on the stand.

I just place the cap onto the threads, I do not screw it down.

J

 

[Arthur45]

I set the bike up on the side stand but wedged the stand to bring the bike to vertical. Followed the manual, without screwing the stick in.

As it had an oil change at my dealers in Wed, think I will go back and just ask them to check. I was charged for the correct amount of oil for a filter change.

I loved bikes with the glass window in the crankcase, so much easier.

 

[Arthur45]

Level re checked by tech. Only very small amount off full mark........just the sticks difficult to use......they all agreed why did they get rid of sight glasses 🤔

Not only level but how clean the oil was could easily be seen.

Hey ho.