80,000 comedians out of work. Inevitable that some would migrate to the Connie forum.
As noted, on or off the centerstand doesn't make much difference on the reading. To confirm this for yourself, just check it both ways, and thereafter do it the way that is easiest for you. I tend to fill towards the middle of the sight glass, but there is a range there for a reason. The reasons is so that bored people can debate over how full to fill the crankcase, of course.
you just hit the nail on the head. Engineers and manufacturers spend countless resources in developing an engine that can cope with a range of oil amount, so that people can enjoy not only the ride, but the talk about it afterwards (or before, or instead). You have to love them...
On second thoughts, I wonder how much cheaper the C14 would be if Kawasaki could spare that 200+ people working on the oil amount range, instead of just letting the bike work with the precise quantity and not having to design everything with tolerances. Ahhhhrrggg...