Oil On Dipstick

[My Name Is Dave]

OK, not to sound like a complete dork, but I'm baffled here. I changed my oil at 600 and again at 1000 miles. The day after the latter change I went out to ride and checked the oil. Huh, not reading on the dipstick, what the...? So I try to loosen the drain plug a little and see if any comes out. Ah, a little does, let's tighten it back up...oh shaZam!, it fell out. 3 quarts of oil on the ground.

So I finish cursing the high heavens and go get 3 more qts. Fill back up, check, head over to the ex-girlfriend's house to hang out.

Now I am at 1,120 miles. I checked the oil yesterday, both on the centerstand and sidestand, and i cannot see any damned oil. It's 95 degrees and sunny as hell, so I don't know if I am being fooled by the lighting, but I know for a FACT that there has been no leaking and no consumption of oil (bike is brand-new). Is there a trick? I know that the little diamonds on the stick will indicate where the oil is, but I can't tell if it's showing totally full or totally empty. I feel so stupid for asking, by the way.

Why oh why can't I see the oil level?  :dunno:

Dave  

[davipu]

because it's new oil and you can see through it relative easily.

[RVertigo]

Check it on the center stand (or hold it up), pull the stick, wipe it off, put it back in (without screwing it in), pull it back out and:

Put it back on a dry spot on the paper towel.  You'll know for sure if there's oil or not.

[My Name Is Dave]

Thanks for not making me look like an idiot (a new post regarding a move from a GS5 to a Gixxer 1000 comes to mind for some reason...)

I knew it had to do with the oil being new, but I thought a trick in lighting or something else had to be used. Food coloring? I keed, I keed.  

Dave  

[RVertigo]

You can grab it with your hand too...  But, it's kinda oily.  

[mjm]

....It's 95 degrees and sunny as hell, .... I know for a FACT that there has been no leaking and no consumption of oil (bike is brand-new).
Dave  

Two things.  This bike will use more oil in hot weather than in cold.  New bikes use quite a bit of oil until the rings seat.  With your milage that should have happened already - would not guarantee it though.

[knowlsey]

i use a plastic weld rod thats the same length, its white and i can see how much oil i put in when renewing, those spy holes are bluddy handy

[what?!]

lick the dipstick...you'll know for sure

[My Name Is Dave]

lick the dipstick...you'll know for sure

Damn you, I think I burnt my tongue. God bless it, that hurt!

Dave  

[Kerry]

With new oil, it's easier to see the level on the BACK of the dipstick.  Then turn it around to find where the line falls in the E-to-F hatched area.