Change Your Oil

[Water Warrior 2]

Some adventure is good but some are too costly. I have a history of paying some one else to fix my attempted fix which not cost effective in the long run. Although I have managed to install a lot of farkles in the last two years without needing help other than the forums and riders taking pity on me. This forum and Stromtroppers.com are a wealth of knowledge with many fine people.

[caroledee1]

The only vehicle I ever purchased new was my 86 Yamaha Radian 600. Man I loved that bike. When I had finally finished making all the payments my

step-daughter needed braces for her teeth. :sad: She does have a great smile now. I don't like being in debt so I only spend what I have saved up.

Bob, I too am glad someone else is willing to pay for the shiny part. LOL.

[badfun]

My first oil change. As you can see the oil was really dark. I was shocked when I held the bike straight up I could see a bit of oil in the window but it was hard to tell if it was low. as you can see in photo #2 the bike is on its stand and I can see the fresh oil. Judging by how much oil I added before I saw it in the window I would say I was .4 quarts low. I was unaware that I should be able to see the oil even when it was on it kick stand. I road aver 200 miles like that. It goes to show what a noob I still am when it comes to motorcycle maintenance. I will agree that it almost feels like I am riding a different bike, its' so much smoother now the clutch and the ride. Thanks you very much for this thread!




:rawk:

[jonathan180iq]

From my experience you shouldn't see any oil in the sight-glass with the bike on the sidestand. That measurement is taken with the bike standing upright.

Good choice in oil.

Also, dark oil isn't necessarily a bad thing. You only need to be concered when it smells burned.
Keep the oil fresh and synthetic and you will enjoy your bike for a long time.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by badfun

I was unaware that I should be able to see the oil even when it was on it kick stand.

Ahem....

Where DID you get the idea that the sight glass meant anything when the bike is on the side-stand ??? :??:

It does NOT.

The sight glass is to be used ONLY when the bike is straight up, in the normal riding position. :oops:

Now you probably have about .3 qt. TOO MUCH in the bike.

The initial conditions you state: Bike straight up, oil barely visible in the bottom of the glass is really OK but on the verge of being low.......about .2 qt, not .4.

[badfun]

I don't see how, I measured the oil out exactly. As soon as I buy some more Camera batteries I'll take a snap shot of what was left in the 2nd oil can.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by badfun

I don't see how, I measured the oil out exactly. As soon as I buy some more Camera batteries I'll take a snap shot of what was left in the 2nd oil can.

Don't bother. It doesn't matter.

The only thing that matters is where the oil comes up to on the glass.......when the bike is upright.......and it has been sitting at least 30 minutes after being ridden.

The amount of old oil left in the bike can vary some, maybe as much as 6 ounces, depending upon your exact technique.

Left on side stand=more left in.
Parked slightly uphill=more left in.
Done too soon after riding=more left in.
Not letting it drain long enough=more left in.

The sight glass is the only thing that REALLY matters.

[Follow up]
Last week I changed the oil in 2 riding mowers and a tractor. All 3 took less than the amount listed in the manual. Both mowers (capacity <2 qts) needed a few ounces less. The tractor with a capacity of 6 quarts only took about 5.2.

[badfun]

rgr good tips thanks.

[jonathan180iq]

Not to toot my own horn but I think should be a sticky.

[JIBTEXHNKA]

Originally Posted by jonathan180iq

Not to toot my own horn but I think should be a sticky.

then i'll toot it for you :2tup:


STICKY THIS!