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 :cheers:
because it's new oil and you can see through it relative easily.
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.
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 :cheers:
You can grab it with your hand too... But, it's kinda oily. :P
Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDX....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 :cheers:
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.
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
lick the dipstick...you'll know for sure :thumb:
Quote from: what?!lick the dipstick...you'll know for sure :thumb:
Damn you, I think I burnt my tongue. God bless it, that hurt!
Dave :cheers:
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.