Triumphrat

greatescape

OK, here's another dumb newb question. Sorry, but I just want to make sure I'm not missing something really obvious (which happens sometimes).

Is there any good trick for checking the oil if I only have a side stand? Obviously the bike needs to be level to get an accurate reading, and I don't have the money to drop on a center stand or jack right now. Obviously the PO has been checking the oil for the last 4 years (granted, he worked in a motorcycle shop).

So short of asking my girlfriend to sit on the bike for me while I check (which she graciously did for my first oil change), is there a better way to do this? I can barely see the oil window if I straighten up the bike from the handle bars and look down, but I come dangerously close to dropping my bike every time I try this. I guess I could try leaning it up against a wall, but that seems sketchy too.

Forchetto

I have two methods: I place a block of wood of the right thickness under the side stand to make the bike almost, but not quite vertical. walk round the oil window side and take a look.

Another one is simply to go down on one knee at the right side and slowly pull the bike towards you. If there's a good light you'll soon see the oil rising in the window.

Sp00ky

The easy way ....

In the morning before I ride, I simply pull the bike upright off the side stand from the R/H side of the bike.
Balance it perfectly upright for about 10 seconds, then let it go back down onto the side stand.

Crouch down and look at the oil level sight glass. There will be a film of oil on the inside of the glass indicating where the oil was when the bike was upright.

Easy....



S.

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2010 Street Triple. Black.

"Just because you're breathing doesn't mean you're alive"

McBike

My wife has a 4" round mirror with a stand. I just place it next to the bike and look down.

Mike

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2007 Black / Red T100 AI removed, Hella H4 "E" Class Headlight, Feked Toga style mufflers 118 mains 40 pilot 2 3/4 turns out, Dual Star heated grip kit.
First Bike: 1966 Yamaha YL1 Twin Jet
The older I get, the faster I went.

greatescape

All good tips. Thanks a lot fellas.

Dan in Cibolo

As a Newbee, I used the block of wood method. Of course, I had to also use a flashlight. Balancing the bike and looking at the same time may work for some, but was very dangerous for me.

In an older post, some owners swear they could sit on the bike, and lean over to read the oil level. They must have necks that are about two feet long. LOL

__________________
Previous owner of a beautiful
'02 Bonneville ... British Racing Green
Sold 28 Aug '09
Previous Motorcycles: R-51 & R-53 BMW; '58 Triumph TR6SR; '70 Honda 750.

teachnsurf

So when should one check oil?

When the motor is cold?

or

10 minutes or so after she's been running?

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This is my Bonneville. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My Bonneville is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. My Bonneville, without me, is useless. Without my Bonneville, I am useless.

TIE-Pilot23

Telescopic Inspection Mirror...

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Forchetto

Either will do.

mgrosso

What do we know about the subject "wet sump" and exhaust smoke?