Oil level

[SkiMad]

  Do not use a "fully synthetic" oil as they can seriously shorten the life of your engine.

Really?......Can I ask how and why?

Certainly.

Living in the Alps I regularly ride with members of the French GSowners club  (http://gs500e.free.fr)  - they have a very active website with heaps of useful info on how to maintain your GS500 (as long as you can read French).  I quote below one article relating to engine oil  which explains why semi synthetic is the way to go (I hope my translation is pretty accurate).


Translation :-

Check the level of oil regularly, ESPECIALLY if you have just acquired your GS until you get to know what its typical consumption rate is.

It is VITAL to realise that all GS's WILL consume oil, although some more than others. A harshly driven bike will generally result in excessive consumption, likewise bikes with higher mileages. The GS with its air cooling, typically consumes about 0.5Litres of oil per 1000km, however the latest GSF faired versions have an additional oil cooler incorporated within the fairing which helps keep oil temperatures lower and results in slightly lower oil consumption.

BUT remember some bikes will consume more, some less – however such consumption rates are well within normal operational specifications.

When consumption exceeds 2Litres/per 1000km then it is worth rebuilding the engine. Note - to secure the best resale price, it's also worth replacing the valve seals at the same time. Otherwise you may be storing up further problems if you don't only change all worn components during a rebuild.  After a rebuild, its worth cleaning/replacing the spark plugs after 500km to prevent any residual burnt oil building up and preventing effective spark/starting.  Remember without proper maintenance your motorcycle will work less well.

Don't use fully synthetic oil, it is expensive and is unsuitable for the GS. These types of oil include detergents specifically designed for cars, which may result in enhanced friction/scouring of pistons and an increase in engine wear. When such oils are used in a GS engine which experiences relatively high operating temperatures due to its air cooling, the consumption of oil will significantly increase with no real benefit. Hence it is sensible to avoid buying a motorcycle that already consumes oil or that is known to have been used with fully synthetic oil.

The best choice is a semi - synthetic oil (multigrade SAE 10W40)

However you can also use any mineral oil (multigrade 20W50, or slightly thicker) if your GS has an elevated oil consumption (especially as its not as expensive). In which case its also important to carry out more regular oil and filter changes (every 4-5000km) because mineral oils deteriorate more quickly than the semi- synthetic oils.

How do you check the oil level? Take the bike for a short run until the engine is hot or warm.  Stop the engine and place the bike on its Centre stand on level gound!  (This is important to avoid incorrect readings.) Remove the dipstick/filler plug located on the righthand engine cover.  Clean the dipstick with a clean rag.  Re-insert the dipstick into the filler hole so it sits centrally in the hole, BUT WITHOUT screwing it in.  Now withdraw the dipstick and note the level shown on the dipstick. (NB its VERY worth keeping a record of your findings, noting also the date, mileage and how much oil was added to refill the reservoir so it JUST reaches the upper mark on the dipstick).

WARNINGS If you over-fill the reservoir you will cause serious damage to the oil pump. If the level is a little bit below the minimum level this is not generally catastrophic, but it is vital you undertake regular checks on the oil level.) The difference between the upper and lower dipstick level marks is equal to 0.5Litres.

OK I know what type of oil to choose but I still don't know what the numbers mean: 5W50,10W40, 15W40, 20W50.. etc...

First number: indicates the viscosity (stickyness) when the oil is cold W: For winter (winter) Second number: indicates the viscosity (stickyness) when the oil is hot (eg the normal operating range). High indication = viscous oil.  Check the back of the can: API SF, SG, SH... SL: it is the norm. SF = old, SL = recent norm (in 2004).   A low W number will aid starting whilst a high hot number will help reduce oil consumption in higher mileage bikes.
To know more try: http://www.marly.com/fr/infos/classhuil.htm.

Lack of oil is the NUMBER 1 reason for engine failures in the GS500.
CHECK YOUR OIL LEVEL REGULARLY.

[sledge]

Some very debateable comments in there. I particularly like the suggestion that overfilling can cause oil-pump failure, now that IS a new one . I have yet to meet anyone who has suffered engine damage as a result of using synth instead of mineral oil in any bike. In fact plenty of people in here use it in their bikes and...........well no-one ever seems to complain. If you choose to believe all that well thats your prerogative but I hope you understand if I say I find parts of that very hard, in fact almost impossible to believe 

[pjm204]

here is a question for everyone, I don't have a center stand on my bike due to it conflicting with the exhaust....what is the best way to get an accurate reading? I have been sitting on the bike and leveling it by eye....no issues yet. I change my oil very often though.

[sledge]

Get someone to hold the bike upright while you dip the stick 

[trumpetguy]

Do not use a "fully synthetic" oil as they can seriously shorten the life of your engine.

I'm calling BS on that one as well.  Cite evidence if you wish to make a (bogus) claim like that!

Ain't true!