Proper way to check engine oil level gs 850 L 1983 ?????

[eil]

The manual gives a convoluted routine that has you start the engine then shut it off and wait a minute or three. I don't know why you can't simply have the bike on the centerstand and look in the window.

Because if you don't do it the right way, there won't be the correct amount of oil in the engine. Not sure what's convoluted about it.

[tkent02]

Once you learn the correct oil level, and ensure you have the right amount, then look in the window with a cold dead engine. May have to tip the bike away from the window side to see the top of it. Anyway once you know that's your level.

On the other hand, the convoluted process is pretty easy to do if you're not trying to read it out of some manual at the same time.

It's really not all that critical, as long as you don't go way too full or run it dry. I've been running the leakers and the oil smokers a little bit overfull for 30 years, it hasn't hurt anything. Have also ran them low quite a few times, that didn't hurt much either. Running it so low you are losing oil pressure is asking for a cam to chew into it's bearing, a piston to come off a rod, or some such similar malady. More expensive that a quart of oil for sure.