Oil level window

[Guest]

I changed my oil cuz I couldn't see anything in the window. Put in the specified 3200ml of Rotella and I still am not getting a reading in the window. Do I add more? The window is clean as I had the cover off to polish it and I cleaned the window at the same time. 1980 gs1100L

[d_hoffman]

Just add a "glug" more or two and wait a bit. That's what I do after I put in the "correct" amount. I've found that eventually the oil starts showing up in the window.

[chuckycheese]

Patience

Yeah, you've got to be really patient because it takes a few minutes for all of it to make it's way down there. It's very easy to put in too much. If you do, it's a hassle to drain some of it out....but you've got to do it.

When you first fire it up, a little of it is going to end up in the filter (assuming you put in a new one).

[sharpy]

should take 3.5 litres at least with a filter change

[Jason the terminator]

Kind of a dumb question but is it on the center stand? Oil wont show in the window on the side stand.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

If it says 3200ml on the crankcase you'll need to add approximately 600ml more if you change the filter too. It's best to put in a little less than you need and add a little at a time, waiting a minute for the new oil to settle, until you get the desired level. Soon you'll figure out exactly how much to add each time.

Even after adding just the right amount after an oil change, I'll find that the level varies on my bike. The level can depend on how much oil is trapped in the top of the motor in the cam area. The "F" mark is a guideline. Just be sure to check it every day and make sure you are somewhere close. Add more if it is too close to the "L" mark. I always measure on a level surface on the center stand.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[OLDENUFF]

Finally got a full reading but it took close to 4 litres. New filter and on center stand. If I sit on it so the back wheel touches and the front wheel is in the air the reading goes a little over full.

[Rudeman]

Finally got a full reading but it took close to 4 litres. New filter and on center stand. If I sit on it so the back wheel touches and the front wheel is in the air the reading goes a little over full.

I check mine with both wheels down and the bike is perpendicular on level ground. With a filter change I put in just under 4qts.

[BassCliff]

Finally got a full reading but it took close to 4 litres. New filter and on center stand. If I sit on it so the back wheel touches and the front wheel is in the air the reading goes a little over full.

Hi,

Yes, this is normal. You can go to the trouble of putting both wheels on the ground if you like. Sometimes I'll check mine that way. But reading the level on the center stand with the back wheel in the air is close enough. A few ounces (milliliters) either way will not make a big difference. If you put in a little less than 4 liters (or 4 quarts) then you're good to go.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[1_v8_merc]

I just put my bike on the kickstand, then crouch down on the oposite side of the bike, and Pull the bike towards me using the handlebar.
And using my Knee to press against the side of the Bike.

I pull the bike till it's right at the center tipping point.
You can just push and pull the bike very gently and feel the center point.

Then I hold I for 5 or 10 seconds and I get my read out.

[hikermikem]

I just put my bike on the kickstand, then crouch down on the oposite side of the bike, and Pull the bike towards me using the handlebar.
And using my Knee to press against the side of the Bike.

I pull the bike till it's right at the center tipping point.
You can just push and pull the bike very gently and feel the center point.

If did this I would be wearing a new hat - one that looked an awful lot like an old GS Suzuki...

[bakalorz]

Hi,

Yes, this is normal. You can go to the trouble of putting both wheels on the ground if you like. Sometimes I'll check mine that way. But reading the level on the center stand with the back wheel in the air is close enough.

<snipped rest>

I was always under the impression that on the center stand is "right" not just close enough ...

My theory is that Suzuki would realize that most riders are not going to perform acrobatics to read their oil level ... so they would place the oil window such that reading it on the center stand gives the right reading ...

But this is just my theory ... does anyone know for sure.

[Rudeman]

I was always under the impression that on the center stand is "right" not just close enough ...

My theory is that Suzuki would realize that most riders are not going to perform acrobatics to read their oil level ... so they would place the oil window such that reading it on the center stand gives the right reading ...

But this is just my theory ... does anyone know for sure.

The lines on either side of the window should be level.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

The Suzuki owner's manual for the 850 says to check the level on the center stand.




Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[koolaid_kid]

I have always used the centerstand also. If you had to remove the centerstand (due to an aftermarket exhaust, for example), then you have to use other means.
Another tip; try to check the oil with the bike in the same place each time, such as your garage before starting a ride. That way you can be relatively certain that you will obtain (roughly) the same results each time.