New bike oil level

[Rod]

Got my new 1200 yesterday, checked the oil window this morning before the engine had been run (so had all night for oil to drain down) and the oil level is above the glass window i.e. I can't see the top of the oil level. Is this over full ??

 

[Mouse]

It might be or it might not be. You're supposed to check the oil level about 10 minutes after stopping the engine. Having said that, usually I find that the level actually drops further the longer you leave it, presumably due to the oil cooling and occupying less volume.

I wouldn't worry too much, but next time you go out, check it using this method:

Ride to get temperature to normal

Stop engine, park on sidestand

Wait 30 seconds

Put bike on centrestand

Wait 5-10 minutes

Read oil level

 

[JayGee]

Got my new 1200 yesterday, checked the oil window this morning before the engine had been run (so had all night for oil to drain down) and the oil level is above the glass window i.e. I can't see the top of the oil level. Is this over full ??

Mine was like this when new, just a tad overful won't matter. To check it is only just at the top of the glass tilt the bike slightly away from you (best with someone to make sure you don't drop it) and you should see the oil suirface appearing in the window, this indicates it has a little too much but not enough to worry about.

 

[jlabro]

YES,this is normal.. mine was like that too , so no problem at all i believe

 

[Cestria]

Hi Rod

If you find you have a couple of days to kill sometime. Get some beer in, do a search on 'oil level' sit back read, and enjoy.
Confusing ? No.....

What works for me with my 12 (slightly different approach to Mouse - I said 'different' I do not claim 'better'!)

Get the bike hot during a run.
Stop on level ground.
Put bike on centrestand with engine still running.
Kill engine after 10 seconds or so.
Wait a while (5 - 10 minutes should be OK).
Check level.

Aim for the level above the centre of the glass rather than below the centre.

Just find a method you are happy with and stick with it for repeatability's sake as diffent methods give different results. Well what do you expect, its a boxer!

If you are worried, do an oil change with the exact recomended amount and then check the levels for your peace of mind.

Expect at least a dozen different opinions about this on here.

Oh yes while I remember - these engines can use a lot of oil when running in, which MAY explain the 'highish' level from the dealer. It all depends on HOW you run them in, but that's another can of worms - another search and more beer!!

Enjoy the quirkyness.

 

[JayGee]

Oil and the wacky world of boxers

There's more theories on checking the oil than you'd ever imagine and this engine seems to like to hide a bit of oil and then release it just after you've topped it up. As I'm new to these boxer qwerks I used to worry about it but now if there's oil in the glass I just ride it. If the oil is well down the glass I just put 150 ml or thereabouts. An accurate reading is not necessary, just as long as there is enough. It's just gives the pipe and slippers brigade something to talk about rather than ride

 

[GSmonkey]

Get the bike hot during a run.
Stop on level ground.
Put bike on centrestand with engine still running.
Kill engine after 10 seconds or so.
Wait a while (5 - 10 minutes should be OK).
Check level.

I use this exact method and find that it gives consistent readings. I now ignore all other readings apart from this measurement. When cold I've found it can look empty, or completely full, not quite sure how but it does.

There some wisodom that says you shold put the bike on the centrestand to drain the oil from the horizontal sections. Maybe true, but have BMW already taken account of this?? Don't think its an exact science so I just follow the above method which essentially is 'as per the manual'

I try and take one good reading a week.

 

[Mouse]

I think JayGee hits the nail on the head there - regarless of the exact method you use to check the level, if you can see oil through the window, then you know there's roughly the right amount in there. So if it's below the centre line, add a LITTLE more, and check it again in a few days.

Then stop worrying about the oil and ride the bike