Checking oil level made easier

BIKE12 · 08-20-2011, 12:40 PM

I have always found that checking the oil level with a sight glass is unreliable and a pain.
In order to be sure my bike is level when I check the oil level I have been placing a small level on the seat.
On a recent visit to the local hardware store I spotted line levels and bought the smallest one they had.
I mounted the line level right on the motor housing using a silicone caulk.
The line level has been in place for one month of daily riding.
Checking the oil level is much easier now.

Gz Rider · 08-20-2011, 12:50 PM

...

BIKE12 · 08-20-2011, 01:03 PM

Before placing the line level in it's final spot I made sure the bike was level by verifying with a second level.

Not sure about the heat. My daily commute is only seven miles. If the adhesive fails I will find a high temperature silicone adhesive and try again.

alantf · 08-20-2011, 01:40 PM

Overkill? :??:

5th_bike · 08-20-2011, 02:26 PM

Some people need more decimal digits for pi (3.14...) then just 2.

I like the idea though. Just a little worried about UV resistance of the plastic, and crud collecting in the corners.
I'd put it under the saddle, in the box.

How about a little circular one with a ring in the middle for the bubble ("Bull's Eye level"), because this level will not tell you when the bike is on a slope.

Water Warrior 2 · 08-20-2011, 04:57 PM

There is a certain amount of leeway built into the sight glass. As long as the bike is vertical and the oil is close to full or on full you are good to go. I wouldn't get to excited about being on a slope of a few degrees. I rocked the Vstrom on it's center stand and saw no real change in the oil level. I would think the GZ would have similar results if it had a CS. That said, I do check oil level before every ride.

alantf · 08-21-2011, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Water Warrior

I do check oil level before every ride.

So do I, but with the geezer it's sufficient to grab the handlebar & pull the bike upright momentarily. If the oil shoots up the sightglass as you do this, you're good to go.I really don't think it's rocket science, & I stand by my "overkill" remark regarding the spirit level. :2tup:

08-20-2011, 12:40 PM	#1
BIKE12 Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 7	Checking oil level made easier I have always found that checking the oil level with a sight glass is unreliable and a pain. In order to be sure my bike is level when I check the oil level I have been placing a small level on the seat. On a recent visit to the local hardware store I spotted line levels and bought the smallest one they had. I mounted the line level right on the motor housing using a silicone caulk. The line level has been in place for one month of daily riding. Checking the oil level is much easier now. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-20-2011, 12:50 PM	#2
Gz Rider Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 852	Re: Checking oil level made easier ... __________________ *Alert - This person is a douche. Use these comments and advice at your own risk*
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08-20-2011, 01:03 PM	#3
BIKE12 Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 7	Re: Checking oil level made easier Before placing the line level in it's final spot I made sure the bike was level by verifying with a second level. Not sure about the heat. My daily commute is only seven miles. If the adhesive fails I will find a high temperature silicone adhesive and try again. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-20-2011, 01:40 PM	#4
alantf Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tenerife (Spain) Posts: 3,719	Re: Checking oil level made easier Overkill? :??: __________________ By birth an Englishman, by the grace of God a Yorkshireman.
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08-20-2011, 02:26 PM	#5
5th_bike Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: HoCo, Maryland Posts: 1,349	Re: Checking oil level made easier Some people need more decimal digits for pi (3.14...) then just 2. I like the idea though. Just a little worried about UV resistance of the plastic, and crud collecting in the corners. I'd put it under the saddle, in the box. How about a little circular one with a ring in the middle for the bubble ("Bull's Eye level"), because this level will not tell you when the bike is on a slope. __________________ 2005 "Saturn Black", stock + tach Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-20-2011, 04:57 PM	#6
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Re: Checking oil level made easier There is a certain amount of leeway built into the sight glass. As long as the bike is vertical and the oil is close to full or on full you are good to go. I wouldn't get to excited about being on a slope of a few degrees. I rocked the Vstrom on it's center stand and saw no real change in the oil level. I would think the GZ would have similar results if it had a CS. That said, I do check oil level before every ride.
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