Oil Level

Looking for advice for oil level. The book says to start, run a few minutes then turn off and check level at glass marks. The problem is I have a low level but if I let the engine get to running temp, the level is up near the top hash mark. So...I don't want to under fill but I don't want to over fill. I'm used to my KLR where we always make sure the level is at the top of the site glass. Different bike now...different advice?

tcassem wrote:

Looking for advice for oil level.  The book says to start, run a few minutes then turn off and check level at glass marks.  The problem is I have a low level but if I let the engine get to running temp, the level is up near the top hash mark.  So...I don't want to under fill but I don't want to over fill.  I'm used to my KLR where we always make sure the level is at the top of the site glass.  Different bike now...different advice?

To check the oil I start, let run for 4-5 minutes, let oil settle for 1-2 minutes, then check it with the bike perfectly upright. I don't think anyone has had an issue with these bikes using or leaking oil so just make sure to put in the right amount during oil change and you'll know your good. I still check the sight glass from time to time while the bike is running to make sure everything seems normal.

If you start the engine from cold, run it for a couple of minutes, shut it off, stand the bike up straight, and look at the oil gauge window, it probably will appear a bit low because the oil and engine parts are still relatively cold, and the oil is taking it's time to drain back down to the bottom.

I've always looked at the window with either the engine not yet started that morning (and allowing a bit of time for the oil to migrate up the window after standing the bike up straight), or up to temperature.

I know this is your baby and you want to to treat it perfect, but it really doesn't matter if the oil is at the top or the bottom of the sight glass. There is room for error factored in by the engineers.

beee wrote:

I know this is your baby and you want to to treat it perfect, but it really doesn't matter if the oil is at the top or the bottom of the sight glass.  There is room for error factored in by the engineers.

Exactly. that's why there is a min and max line. otherwise there would be a single line if you had to hit an exact amount.