i can't get a consistant oil level reading

[rritterson]

GS500F, 3400 miles, I'm the only owner, all recommend service done.

I washed my bike and lubed the chain today. I thought I'd take the chance to also check the oil level. Much to my surprise, it looked VERY low (just below the L mark on the dipstick). I moved the bike to level ground (it was facing slighly uphill), and checked it again. This time it looked full and empty. So I checked again and it looked completely empty like the first time.

back and forth it went. I checked about 10 times, 70% of which said it was low and 30% said it was fine. One of the times the level was right at F.

I took the dipstick out, cleaned it, then lifted the bike up off of the sidestand until it was vertical, put the stick in until it was sitting in it's hole (not screwed in) and then pulled it back out to check. Did I do something incorrect?

So, how much oil is really in there?

Also, if it is actually low, can I ride the bike to buy oil or should I walk?

[94suzuki500]

if the bike reads on the dipstick you can ride it to get oil.  but when checking the oil on the dip stick look at the lowest full oil mark on the dipstick.   you can put your bike on the center stand or hold it up right, the difference is not noticable.  Kerry tested it out on both sidestand and center and found it to be no different.  but i would check it on the center stand because it would make sure the bike is upright.  it sounds as though you did everything right though.  that dipstick can be decieving at times.  but check on the front and back when looking at it to find the lowest full spot of oil.

[scottpA_GS]

but i would check it on the side stand because it would make sure the bike is upright.

My bike on side stand is far from upright...

:dunno:  Did you mean Center stand  :dunno:

[94suzuki500]

ya i meant center stand, i fixed the post.  my bad, thanks for seeing that.

[scottpA_GS]

[rritterson]

FWIW, i gave up and bought a quart of oil. That brought it obviously back into the range where it should have been.

BTW- how much oil makes the difference between L and F on the stick?

[Kerry]

you can put your bike on the center stand or hold it up right, the difference is not noticable.  Kerry tested it out on both sidestand and center and found it to be no different.

The first sentence is correct ... the second one is not.  (See this old post.)

Later in that thread,

screwed in side stand = placed on center stand.

I haven't tried that particular experiment yet.  Maybe tomorrow....

[94suzuki500]

Kerry, remember when i told you i wasnt too good at making sense with my typing?    this would be one of those times, i meant holding it off the side stand on the two wheels. i was explaining how the first sentance came about.  my bad guys.  but ya dont check it on your side stand, listen to kerry, he can type and make sense. good call.

[scratch]

Found this and thought it might help.
http://gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2808&highlight=level