Oil Levels

[Macca2321]

Was looking on here earlier and seen a thread about the 1150 burning oil in the early stages of its life. My level indicator when on the centre stand shows nothing. Should i be able to see a level? No indication of low oil (ie oil light). Bike only covered 1000 miles.

Obviously i want to keep an eye on this. What is the best way to tell. Should i be able to see a level other then when its on the side stand.
Engine running? off? Please can someone advise. Might seem a bit of a bone question....but i gotta learn

Thx

Macca


...Brake Fluid seems very low toff To the garage tomorrow i think to buy some fluids

 

[cookie]

warm engine, go for a ride

stop engine

leave bike on side stand for 5 minutes

place bike on main stand

check level

add oil as necessary to middle of glass & NO FURTHER.

THE OIL LIGHT IS NOT A LEVEL INDICATOR it indicates low oil pressure. if it comes on due to low oil level your engine is half way f*cked as it has been sucking air

 

[Burfcontrol]

Macca
Don't rely on the light, you should see oil in the sight glass.

There'll be a hundred and one different suggestions on how you should check but to keep it simple, engine off, both wheels on level ground and the bike upright the oil should be halfway up the sight glass.

I check mine on centre stand, front wheel on ground, engine off and fill to just below top of sight glass.

Not bothered if it's hot or cold, as long as engines not running and it's reasonably level and upright.

Cheers Jim

 

[Tarka]

I check mine on centre stand, front wheel on ground, engine off and fill to just below top of sight glass.

Just remember that the oil takes a LONG time to work its way down to the sump and sight glass.....if you`ve done an oil and filter change,and then put in the specified amount of oil,the oil won`t appear in the glass for quite a while after....a longer than on a Jap bike...and it`s tempting to keep adding oil until it shows.
If you do that,you`ll put anything up to 300ml too much oil in.

Too much oil in the Oilheads (in particular) could possibly lead to a crankshaft seal blowing and a fecked clutch plate due to oil contamination.

 

[Bigtwin]

Tarka is spot on. Best thing is to set the bike up how & where you intend to check the oil in future. Then MEASURE the oil when you change, rather than just topping up by eye. Note where things appear on the site glass after a good long while (so it's all flowed down) - that's where it needs to be in future.

 

[Macca2321]

Thanks Guys Thats Great,,Plenty Of Info There To Keep Me Going And Hopefully All Will Be Well.

Thanks

Macca

 

[Burfcontrol]

Tarka no problem with what you say about filter changes, I'm just talking about regular top ups.
I normally do mine first thing in morning after bikes been stood in garage overnight, check it weekly. Also by tipping front wheel on ground bike's leaned slightly forward so will read high vs both wheels on ground.

I allways run mine for a couple of miles after I've put in a new filter and then recheck the level.

As I said, there are many ways, and no doubt we all have a favourite.

Cheers Jim