Really really elementary question about checking oil

[bhodge10]

So what is the proper way to check oil through the sight glass, is it up on the center stand in the normal resting position (front wheel on ground, back wheel up) or is it when the back wheel is on the ground (by pushing down on the back of the bike to lift up the front wheel)? I know it's a basic question, but I just want to make sure my oil level is correct.

[Rhino]

I don't think you will find much difference between the 2. So I just put it on the center stand leaving the front tire on the ground and check the sight guage.

[Conrad]

If you go by the book, you're sposed to hold the bike level and then check the glass. Easier said that done with one person.

[VirginiaJim]

How do you know when it's level?

[Makz58]

I check mine sitting on the bike use one of those extendable adjustable mechanics mirrors to see where the oil level is in the sght glass works great.

[B.D.F.]

As others have said, with the bike "level" which is not on the centerstand. That said, it is really not that critical- I fill mine on the centerstand with the front wheel on the ground and try to stay toward the lower mark. When you push the rear end of the bike down, the oil in the sight glass will increase but not by that much. If you fill it until the level is in-between the marks on the sight glass, even with the front wheel on the ground, it won't be appreciably overfull when level.

Besides, what happens to the oil level when climbing hills? How about going down hills? See- it really is not all that critical. 

Brian

So what is the proper way to check oil through the sight glass, is it up on the center stand in the normal resting position (front wheel on ground, back wheel up) or is it when the back wheel is on the ground (by pushing down on the back of the bike to lift up the front wheel)? I know it's a basic question, but I just want to make sure my oil level is correct.

[Conrad]

How do you know when it's level?

Details? You're bothering me with details? 

[DenverC-14]

Center stand, front wheel touching ground.

[maxtog]

How do you know when it's level?

When it doesn't want to fall over!

[VirginiaJim]

Details? You're bothering me with details? 

If we want to turn this into an epic thread, we'll need to go off on a tangent.  This is a perfectly good starting point.

[jimmymac]

If you don't start and run it for a few minutes, then let it settle for a couple of minutes before checking, you'll get a false reading.



 

[VirginiaJim]

Yes, even I can screw up.......    But enough about me....anyone for a good oil thread?  Please......

[B.D.F.]

Mebbe not- we have been successful in discussing oil in some pretty long threads. For example, someone could ask if it was better to be over full or under full if using synthetic oil vs. mineral oil. If synthetic oil is better, we should need less of it, right? Is there a "goodness per quart" rating on oil? How much gooderer is synthetic oil. And so forth...

But I wouldn't mention any of that because this thread still has a pretty reasonable tone and if Mary Jane Tinklepants doesn't come along, it might just die out.

Brian

If we want to turn this into an epic thread, we'll need to go off on a tangent.  This is a perfectly good starting point.

[jimmymac]

Mebbe not- we have been successful in discussing oil in some pretty long threads. For example, someone could ask if it was better to be over full or under full if using synthetic oil vs. mineral oil. If synthetic oil is better, we should need less of it, right? Is there a "goodness per quart" rating on oil? How much gooderer is synthetic oil. And so forth...

But I wouldn't mention any of that because this thread still has a pretty reasonable tone and if Mary Jane Tinklepants doesn't come along, it might just die out.

Brian

Not if I have anything to do with it.

[Conrad]

If we want to turn this into an epic thread, we'll need to go off on a tangent.  This is a perfectly good starting point.

trudat

Speaking of balance, I wonder who here can sit on their stopped C14 the longest without putting a foot down? I can do about 5 seconds with no wind. It's not pretty though...

[Conrad]

Yes, even I can screw up.......    But enough about me....anyone for a good oil thread?  Please......

Say it ain't so Jim, say it ain't so!

[VirginiaJim]

trudat

Speaking of balance, I wonder who here can sit on their stopped C14 the longest without putting a foot down? I can do about 5 seconds with no wind. It's not pretty though...

About a tenth of a second for me...

[VirginiaJim]

Say it ain't so Jim, say it ain't so!

It's true.

[Rhino]

trudat

Speaking of balance, I wonder who here can sit on their stopped C14 the longest without putting a foot down? I can do about 5 seconds with no wind. It's not pretty though...

I can do it for a second or 2 on my DR 650 but I don't even try it on my connie.

[B.D.F.]

Wait a minute, are you saying that you put your feet down sometimes? No need for that and having to do so usually means you fob is leaning to one side or the other. Straighten your fob and the bike will not be able to fall over.

Brian

trudat

Speaking of balance, I wonder who here can sit on their stopped C14 the longest without putting a foot down? I can do about 5 seconds with no wind. It's not pretty though...