checking oil

[gs54]

this might seem stupid, but, when checking oil level thought window is the front wheel supposed to be on ground or is the back wheel to be on the ground? it does make a differents. thanks. It is on center stand.

[marvinsc]

I think the Book says Bike on Center Stand on Level Surface. No mention of wheels although when My 850 is in the above stated position the front tire is touching while the rear is off the ground.

[renobruce]

Normal center stand position, front on the ground.

[bwringer]

On center stand, front touching the ground. This is the normal center stand position of an unladen bike.

If you have too much stuff on the back weighing it down, you might need to push down on the front to get a reading on the oil level.

[kdchart]

I've had a question about this. It seems if you put the oil level at the full mark while the bike is on the stand (rear wheel off the ground), the level is above the sight glass if you check it without the stand.

Is this OK or would it be considered too full?

I think I've read too much oil can cause problems.

Kevin

[bwringer]

I've had a question about this. It seems if you put the oil level at the full mark while the bike is on the stand (rear wheel off the ground), the level is above the sight glass if you check it without the stand.

Is this OK or would it be considered too full?

I think I've read too much oil can cause problems.

Kevin

This is OK. As long as the oil level is correct on the center stand on a level surface, don't worry about the level showing in the window in other positions.

[kdchart]

Thanks Brian - I'm getting set up to start the engine work. Should have all the parts in a few days.
Kevin

[tomcat24551]

I've always checked my oil level with bike on the centerstand, but check this out from the "Old Q & A":

DATE: September 26, 1998
QUESTION: How to check oil correctly - 1981 GS850L

I have a 1981 GS 850 L and I was wondering, (its probably obvious) is the oil level suppose to be checked running or off, in the sight glass ? The level changes drastically when running! I have a Clymer's manual and it is referenced nowhere. Thanks in advance!

RIDER: Randall Olshove

REPLY: Frank Perreault
The engine should not be running and the bike should be balanced level on both wheels. It should not be on either the side stand or the center stand.

I always wanted to know where Frank got his info, but never got around to asking him. He sure sounded like he knew what he was talking about!

[kdchart]

To me this makes sence - level is level.

I think I'm going to split the difference in the future. Put the level at the full mark with both wheels on the ground and it should be above the low mark while on the stand.

I'm probably splitting hairs.

Kevin

[fastpakr]

I don't buy that - the only way to get it level while on the center stand is to get out a level and painstakingly set it up just right. The sight glass should have been designed to show it at the normal center stand position, i.e. rear up and front down. I've never heard of having to do anything beyond that.

[rustybronco]

put bike on center stand, level bike side to side with a level (shim as necessary under center stand leg to achieve a level bike) then take a 4' level to and lay it along side bike parallel to the bike and as close to the tires as possible keeping the mid point of the level and the mid point between the two tires on the same plain perpendicular to the bike, lift one end of 4' level until it shows level in the sight glass of the level (with the other end touching the floor), note which end has the clearance (front or back end of bike), hold the level still and measure between level and floor and record measurement, go to rear wheel and measure between floor and the lowest point of the tire (note it may be best to find the high and low spot of tire and turn the tire to the mid point of the two)-record, divide the measurement by 2 (two)-record. if the clearance between the...

JUST KIDDING !!!

have a good weekend all!

[JMHJ]

Clymer says put it on the centerstand ('79-'84 GS850-1100 Shaft Drive, Third Edition - 1985). My (1982) owner's manual however, doesn't specify.

I had tried the off the center stand method, as posted, but it's difficult to tell if the bike's perfectly upright when you're squatted down beside it holding the front brake with one hand, seat rail with the other, and just trying not to drop the thing.

Centerstand makes more sense. I changed my oil and filter the other night, and refilling with 3.8 qts as the owner's manual suggests brings the level right to full when it's on the centerstand and cold. But that's on a slightly sloped garage floor . . .

[beby99]

put bike on center stand, level bike side to side with a level (shim as necessary under center stand leg to achieve a level bike) then take a 4' level to and lay it along side bike parallel to the bike and as close to the tires as possible keeping the mid point of the level and the mid point between the two tires on the same plain perpendicular to the bike, lift one end of 4' level until it shows level in the sight glass of the level (with the other end touching the floor), note which end has the clearance (front or back end of bike), hold the level still and measure between level and floor and record measurement, go to rear wheel and measure between floor and the lowest point of the tire (note it may be best to find the high and low spot of tire and turn the tire to the mid point of the two)-record, divide the measurement by 2 (two)-record. if the clearance between the...

JUST KIDDING !!!

have a good weekend all!

Geezzz man....do you write manuals for a living??

[KGB]

There's 2 lines on the sight glass.
Split the difference, you don't need to fill it to the top line.


Change the oil, fill it between the lines and go for a ride !

[rustybronco]

Geezzz man....do you write manuals for a living??

Naw friday boredom at work.
i was just trying to get a point across that its close enough you don't need to split hairs.