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so how do you guys check the oil levels on your bikes without risking a fall over. That site glass is so tucked away, it's impossible to see without either a centerstand (which I don't have), or an assistant !
I don't think I would want to kneel beside a 500 lb motorcycle while pulling it towards me, an accident waiting for a target IMHO !There are a lot of pluses to the centre stand. If you own the bike for any length of time, it's worth it just for checking the oil and lubing the chain. Add in easier chain adjustments and making the bike more stable for maintenance work, I wouldn't be without one. The bike also takes up less room when storing for the winter.
To check the oil without one, try kneeling on the right side and pull the handlebar toward you until the bike is upright. Hold it there for a number of seconds to let the oil settle and get your reading
That's how I check the oil - on one knee I put my left arm across the seat and straighten the bike up a bit and peek at the glass.I don't think I would want to kneel beside a 500 lb motorcycle while pulling it towards me, an accident waiting for a target IMHO !
:brick: Just fork out the dough and buy a center stand or have your mom look at while you keep that 500 lb bike upright. :biglaugh:I don't think I would want to kneel beside a 500 lb motorcycle while pulling it towards me, an accident waiting for a target IMHO !
you win, smart idea !Get one of those mirrors on a stalk from the auto store. You can sit on your bike, get it perfectly upright, and then use the mirror to check the sight glass. Foolproof.
I do have a center stand but, that's exactly how I check the oil level in the sight glass.That's how I check the oil - on one knee I put my left arm across the seat and straighten the bike up a bit and peek at the glass.
I used to put a couple chunks of wood under the kickstand to get the bike upright. Now I use the $20 motorcycle lift (http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/bikelift.htm).so how do you guys check the oil levels on your bikes without risking a fall over. That site glass is so tucked away, it's impossible to see without either a centerstand (which I don't have), or an assistant !