Checking the oil..

[Guest]

Ok so here is a simple question.. Do I check the oil level by screwing the dip stick in all the way or no.. Can't really tell from the shop manual.. I bet if I had the bike manual it would say but I do not..

[BassCliff]

Hi,

There was a recent thread which discussed this question. It turns out that the proper way is to dip it in without screwing the cap/dipstick into the engine.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[pete]

Yup, that's it, straight out of the factory manual... dip it, don't screw it

[BassCliff]

Hi,

... I bet if I had the bike manual it would say but I do not..

Have a look on my little website and see what you can find.



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[pete]

Actually just FYI the Clymer and Haynes are pretty ambiguous about this one and only the factory one tells you clearly how to check it...

[Flaming Chainsaws]

Does the bike need to be on the centerstand or sidestand? Something to consider..... I always check oil with the bike on the centerstand.

[pete]

It says keep the bike level, so unless you can get someone to hold it up for you, centre stand is best

[Richsuz]

Leveled side to side, but for and aft? Once on the centerstand, my GS has both wheels on the ground, but my XS has the rear tire about 3 inches off the ground and my YS can be rocked back and forth between the two and depending on which position the bike is on, it will give you as much as 1/2 litter difference. I chose to check the oil with the bike off the stand, with someone holding it up.

[pete]

Leveled side to side, but for and aft? Once on the centerstand, my GS has both wheels on the ground, but my XS has the rear tire about 3 inches off the ground and my YS can be rocked back and forth between the two and depending on which position the bike is on, it will give you as much as 1/2 litter difference. I chose to check the oil with the bike off the stand, with someone holding it up.

Interesting point! There's not that much difference with my 450 on the stand fortunately...