Checking oil level

[kord_f]

I just want to make sure I'm doing things right before adding some oil. I recently had an oil leak which I fixed by changing the o-ring. When changing that I lost 350 ml of oil. I went ahead and added 400 to account for some of the oil I lost while I had leak. When I checked the oil, the dipstick came back dry. So I added another 100 ml. Again, nothing on the dipstick. I've added a bit more and it now shows up on the very end of the dipstick. I left it sitting for about 10 minutes (not running) with then stick screwed in and when I came back to throw a little more oil in it showed about half way between low and full. Am I low on oil or am I good?

Also, here are the steps I took when checking the oil:
1. Put bike on center stand
2. Let it idle for about 5 minutes (did give it time to warm up a bit)
3. Turn it off and let it sit for a few minutes
4. Pull out dipstick and wipe it clean
5. Put it back in without screwing it in to check oil level

Any input is appreciated.

[Atesz792]

Think that's all right. Oil will be accumulating in the sump for a while after shutdown. Halfway between low and full is just about perfect.
Check the level often, like every (other) gas fillup.

[twocool]

Well if you really want to be anal about it...(and I always get a load of crap when I say this)...the "manual" says to check the oil when the engine has been fully warmed up, and then shut off for a "few minutes'....

Then....with the bike NOT on the center stand....remover the dipstick...dry it off...place it back without screwing in at all...AND THEN HOLD THE BIKE LEVEL....on it's own wheels...NOT on the center stand....then lift out the dip stick and check the oil level......

Does it really make a difference?  I dunno

A warm engine will read higher oil level than a cold engine...on the center stand the bike leans forward....so you figure what matters...

As far as not knowing where you stand on oil level..

I would start over..  drain the sump and remove the filter and drain the filter area.   Put in new filter, Then add the exact amount of oil spec'd by the manual....then warm up...let it sit...check the dipstick level...should be right to the top of the range..

Cookie

Think that's all right. Oil will be accumulating in the sump for a while after shutdown. Halfway between low and full is just about perfect.
Check the level often, like every (other) gas fillup.

[myersg11]

I misread:
"I would start over..  drain the sump and remove the filter and drain the filter area.   Put in new filter..."
... as...
"Put in a new engine!"    

On a serious note, thanks for the detailed run down.  I was wondering the exact same thing after I got burned by being low at the last oil change.

[bmf]

Always do a quick check cold before you dart to warm up, if for some reason it is too low you will fry the engine.
I do it cold and have it close to top line. Sometimes I check it warm after a long run.