Oil Level Sight Glass

[VenturaHD]

Hey All,

I’ve just got a 2006 GS and previous owner mention having the service done, although I’m not fully trusting that statement as i had to change plugs and coils due to a misfired. That part is sorted.

Ive got a issue where the sight glass is basically black and no way to check the oul level that way, i plan to replace the sight glass once i get around to do a proper service on the bike but my question is, is there any other way to check the oil meanwhile?

Thanks in advance!


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[landmarkjohn]

Only by draining out and measuring AFAIK.

Are you sure the oil is not above the top of the sight glass?

 

[MILLE_RIDER]

Are you sure the oil is not above the top of the sight glass?

That's exactly what I was thinking, the sight glass can go opaque over time but never seen totally black. I would do an oil n filter change for peace of mind and check the sight glass when the oil is drained

 

[Santa-2512]

Might the misfire not be partially attributed to overfilling with oil ?

 

[snelly]

Lift it off the sidestand to check; òr lean it away from the sight glass to see if the bubble shows in the window by propping it against the wall;

 

[albatross]

And another point is…the sight glass is easily replaced and then you can see better what’s going on…
If any doubts change the oil anyway…that what I would on a new bike…
Have fun

 

[VenturaHD]

Yeah im planning to change the oil anyway, just dont want to commute on it till i have the time to do the oil/filter change, thought there might be a different way, just to get around it before i get time to service it.

It is possible that the oil is above the glass sight, but yeah to be sure i might just service it before i put any miles on her


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[VenturaHD]

Might the misfire not be partially attributed to overfilling with oil ?

I dont think so, the plugs were really warn, the worst i have ever seen tbf, and one coil was definitely gone


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[NeverRodeBefore]

Whilst not exactly being endowed with a great deal of physical strength, I struggled getting my R1200GS onto the main stand (untill I bought a lifting handle) so I bought a bathroom mirror on a small stand which I would use to check the oil level whilst I was sat on the bike. It also allowed me to lean the bike one way or the other to see the oil level move.

 

[Slipperyeel]

Amazing. I think by post #6 all possibilities answered! Love this forum

 

[TLSgazza]

Hey All,

I’ve just got a 2006 GS and previous owner mention having the service done, although I’m not fully trusting that statement as i had to change plugs and coils due to a misfired. That part is sorted.

Ive got a issue where the sight glass is basically black and no way to check the oul level that way, i plan to replace the sight glass once i get around to do a proper service on the bike but my question is, is there any other way to check the oil meanwhile?

Thanks in advance!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mine was the same as yours.
I over filled it because I was unsure if the oil level.
It didn't misfire.
It did smoke a little at times until it burnt off the excess oil.
I replaced it in the end
A bit of a faff. But got it done.

Thread 'Has anyone replaced the oil sight glass.'

Jun 30, 2025

Mine is so cloudy I'm unable to see the oil level.
The vids I've seen say to smash it and remove using a tool to lever it out.
I don't want to end up with a bike stuck in my garage with a stuck smashed level inducator if I can't get it out so any advice will be welcome.
Basically how easily it comes out.
Removing a circlip if there is one?
I'm sure it's easy to drift the new one in.

• TLSgazza
• Replies: 11
• Forum: 1200 GS Hexhead

 

[VenturaHD]

Mine was the same as yours.
I over filled it because I was unsure if the oil level.
It didn't misfire.
It did smoke a little at times until it burnt off the excess oil.
I replaced it in the end
A bit of a faff. But got it done.

Thread 'Has anyone replaced the oil sight glass.'

Jun 30, 2025

Mine is so cloudy I'm unable to see the oil level.
The vids I've seen say to smash it and remove using a tool to lever it out.
I don't want to end up with a bike stuck in my garage with a stuck smashed level inducator if I can't get it out so any advice will be welcome.
Basically how easily it comes out.
Removing a circlip if there is one?
I'm sure it's easy to drift the new one in.

• TLSgazza
• Replies: 11
• Forum: 1200 GS Hexhead

Thank you, i will order filters and oil this week, may order the sight glass to replace just in case this one is not overfilled.. guess with some help i can tilt the bike and check before ordering


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[landmarkjohn]

Careful now, once she goes past tipping point there is no holding, she's down!

Change the oil and then if you still think it needs a new sight glass order it. Will only be a couple days coming.

 

[er-minio]

Check the air filter and filter box if it was overfilled.

BTW the hexhead should be able to measure oil level (engine at temperature, standing still) from the “onboard computer”.
I don’t trust it that much, but better than nothing for a rough read. It will tell you if the level is low at least.

 

[Santa-2512]

Check the air filter and filter box if it was overfilled.

BTW the hexhead should be able to measure oil level (engine at temperature, standing still) from the “onboard computer”.
I don’t trust it that much, but better than nothing for a rough read. It will tell you if the level is low at least.

Dont think the 2006 can self check its oil , my last one didnt

My 2011 TC does have an oil level check on the Kombi

 

[MotoRevive]

It can be replaced. Not easily. But they do just press in.

 

[er-minio]

Dont think the 2006 can self check its oil , my last one didnt

Ah ok. I assumed (wrongly) they a had it.
My 2007 does. Might be from that model revision going on.

 

[VenturaHD]

Yeah i dont think mine has that feature. I will order the stuff for full service, want to do change the bottom gator of the shaft too, so might as well go all in and do a full service


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[TLSgazza]

Dont think the 2006 can self check its oil , my last one didnt

My 2011 TC does have an oil level check on the Kombi

My 2006 adv does the oil check thing on the dash when you stop at traffic lights etc and sit there ticking over. It says "oil ok" if the oil level is in the correct parameters. Or oil with a dash or 2 if you need to check it I guess.

 

[er-minio]

Have been looking online and I think it might be present on bikes that have the segmented on board computer display. Not the ones with dot matrix (earlier hexheads).

This is the segmented display (this is my bike):

Keep in mind you'll see the oil level check option only if the bike is not moving.