oil level

[the large one]

What am I doing wrong, I cant seem to see the oil level on my 1100gs the bike is new to me but it was only serviced by SPC less than 500 miles ago, I know it should be ok but have heard lot of stories so am a bit paranoid Any tips?? Thanks Pete

 

[cookie]

put some in 'til you can see it. don't go more than half way up the glass.

 

[John Armstrong]

I'll assume that you've had the engine up to temperature and checked the oil level within about 15 minutes of shutting the engine off, and it's on its centre stand, and the oil level glass isn't completely discoloured . If you haven't try this. If you still can't "see" the oil level, try adding 250ml and try again with theup to temperature etc etc.

If in any doubt, do not keep on filling the engine with oil till you can "see" it as per the above post . BTW on the 1200 engine you can overfill the engine by double that of the recommended capacity

 

[cookie]

If in any doubt, do not keep on filling the engine with oil 'til you can "see" it as per the above post

why not, unless you have a hole in the sump? note my warning about not going half way up the glass

if you can't see the oil in the glass you shouldn't be riding it.

 

[Taff]

From what I've read on here the key word seems to be "consistency" ie always check the oil the same way. I always check the oil after a long run (temperature is then ok) Pull up - engine off - bike on side stand - get off - take helmet off - put bike on its centre stand - say hello to the wife / kids - put the kettle on - check oil level.

Sometimes I can't see any oil in the glass either, but if you keep the bike on its centre stand, and start the engine while still keeping an eye on the glass, you will see the oil level dropping.

 

[Steptoe]

Be careful that it has to much oil in it, so your actually looking through the oil in the sightglass - if you know what i mean.

Tilt the bike over to the right ( lean it against a wall etc) and see if you can see the "line" of the oil.

 

[northengit]

You may just have a discoloured sight glass and you can't see the level....I would'nt be tempeted to keep adding oil in an attempt to see the level cause you may well over fill..... get down there with a torch and get a couple of mates to pull the bike over to the right side and you may spot the level, if that fails remove your bash plate and drain the sump. For the time and effort and cost it's not worth risking a blown seal.