I decided to do this in light of all the recent engine deaths.We have a lot of new riders and this is info they need to know.Without going into engine dynamics,air cooled engine just burn oil.It's crucial to check your oil frequently.Every gas fill up is best.Checking the oil isn't as simple as pulling the dip stick,wiping it clean,replacing it,and pulling it for a reading.Remember too,that to much oil is just as bad as not enough.So here is the proper way to check the oil.
PROPER WAY TO CHECK THE OIL.
Place bike on center stand on level ground.
Warm engine.
Wait 5 minutes.
Remove dip stick and wipe clean with a lint free cloth.
Set the dip stick in the hole.DO NOT SCREW THE DIP STICK IN!!!
Remove the dip stick for an accurate oil level check.
REVISION
Title change.
Hope this helps someone.I'm kinda surprised no one has commented on this wonderful advisory. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Perhaps you needed to use more exclamation marks. :flipoff: :icon_mrgreen:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :flipoff: :flipoff: :flipoff: :flipoff: :flipoff:
Quote from: ben2go on June 08, 2008, 10:27:09 PM
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, it must have worked because here I am commenting again! :icon_mrgreen:
tbh i had neglected this. but before i went to teh dragon saturday, i figure, dude check the oil. i did, it was BELOW the add mark. i did check it cold, but so it might be a bit overfilled, but not by much
do NOT screw the dipstick? just set it in and pull it out? awwwwwwwe are you serious? i feel like such a noob now. maybe thats why i check the oil and it seemed fine...then i changed the oil and only about 1/2 a quart came out....and i thought my bike lied to me...no it was just my fault....i wish you would have posted this a week ago haha. oh well, ill remember this now when i fix my motor.........oops
QuoteRemember too,that to much oil is just as bad as not enough
I've heard this elsewhere too. What happens if you do overfill it with oil? I did that back in the day before I knew much about my GS. Drove it about 100 miles before finding out :oops: I didn't have any consequences though, so I'm wondering how much I lucked out...
Quote from: Ry_Guy on June 09, 2008, 09:47:44 AM
QuoteRemember too,that to much oil is just as bad as not enough
I've heard this elsewhere too. What happens if you do overfill it with oil? I did that back in the day before I knew much about my GS. Drove it about 100 miles before finding out :oops: I didn't have any consequences though, so I'm wondering how much I lucked out...
Damage depends on how much you overfill the oil.
The engine has a limited amount of empty space to accomodate the moving parts (pistons, connecting rods, etc). If you fill this empty space with oil, the moving parts have nowhere to go. Because the oil will not compress, the moving parts will bend and twist and the oil will be forced into places it should not go (spark plug fouling, blown gaskets, seal leakages).
In most cases, slight oil overfilling will not cause any problems. The risk of damage occurs mostly with a significantly overfilled engine (such as if the oil level is set with the bike on the sidestand).
Is there any way the unnecessary exclamation posts can be trimmed down?
On my screen I now have to scroll horizontally to read this thread, which is kind of annoying! :dunno_white:
Quote from: beRto on June 09, 2008, 10:05:09 AM
Quote from: Ry_Guy on June 09, 2008, 09:47:44 AM
QuoteRemember too,that to much oil is just as bad as not enough
I've heard this elsewhere too. What happens if you do overfill it with oil? I did that back in the day before I knew much about my GS. Drove it about 100 miles before finding out :oops: I didn't have any consequences though, so I'm wondering how much I lucked out...
Damage depends on how much you overfill the oil.
The engine has a limited amount of empty space to accomodate the moving parts (pistons, connecting rods, etc). If you fill this empty space with oil, the moving parts have nowhere to go. Because the oil will not compress, the moving parts will bend and twist and the oil will be forced into places it should not go (spark plug fouling, blown gaskets, seal leakages).
In most cases, slight oil overfilling will not cause any problems. The risk of damage occurs mostly with a significantly overfilled engine (such as if the oil level is set with the bike on the sidestand).
Also the parts spinning in the oil will cause it to foam up and this will cause air to travel thru the oiling system.Air in the oil system causes the bearings to run dry.
Quote from: beRto on June 09, 2008, 10:07:27 AM
Is there any way the unnecessary exclamation posts can be trimmed down?
On my screen I now have to scroll horizontally to read this thread, which is kind of annoying! :dunno_white:
I'll see what I can do just for you. :kiss3:
All better now? :laugh:
Quote from: ben2go on June 08, 2008, 02:31:11 PMEvery gas fill up is best.
Well let's be realistic then! :cheers: Putting the bike on the centerstand isn't super convenient when at the gas station, and unscrewing a hot dipstick sucks. And what if it's low? Do you have oil with you? I have a few more realistic suggestions:
At your house, BEFORE going out to ride, with the bike on its kickstand and on fairly level ground and engine cold, unscrew the dipstick.
Sit on bike, get it upright so it's well balanced.
Pull out dipstick, no wiping needed because when it was on the kickstand the level was below this point.
If oil is between the hashmarks, you're ready to ride. Replace dipstick.
Having checked mine both hot, cold, on centerstand and just with me sitting on it, I've found almost no difference. The lazy way is just as good, and since it's easier and quicker, you'll do it more often. The EXACT level just isn't a big deal, and like other fluids, oil doesn't expand that much between hot and cold. Don't take my word for it, compare it for yourself.
Thanks for the input!
Quote(spark plug fouling, blown gaskets, seal leakages).
Ah hah...Might this be the reason I have low compression in the cylinders?
(Sorry, don't mean to hi-jack the thread)
Quote from: Ry_Guy on June 11, 2008, 01:29:09 PM
Thanks for the input!
Quote(spark plug fouling, blown gaskets, seal leakages).
Ah hah...Might this be the reason I have low compression in the cylinders?
(Sorry, don't mean to hi-jack the thread)
Doubtful.Low compression is usually caused by bad valves/seats,worn/collapsed piston rings,and/or worn/scored cylinder walls.Bad head gasket is rare but possible.
Quote from: ecpreston on June 11, 2008, 12:36:22 PM
Quote from: ben2go on June 08, 2008, 02:31:11 PMEvery gas fill up is best.
Well let's be realistic then! :cheers: Putting the bike on the centerstand isn't super convenient when at the gas station, and unscrewing a hot dipstick sucks. And what if it's low? Do you have oil with you? I have a few more realistic suggestions:
At your house, BEFORE going out to ride, with the bike on its kickstand and on fairly level ground and engine cold, unscrew the dipstick.
Sit on bike, get it upright so it's well balanced.
Pull out dipstick, no wiping needed because when it was on the kickstand the level was below this point.
If oil is between the hashmarks, you're ready to ride. Replace dipstick.
Having checked mine both hot, cold, on centerstand and just with me sitting on it, I've found almost no difference. The lazy way is just as good, and since it's easier and quicker, you'll do it more often. The EXACT level just isn't a big deal, and like other fluids, oil doesn't expand that much between hot and cold. Don't take my word for it, compare it for yourself.
Takes 10 seconds to put the bike on the centerstand.
I've had no issues with the center stand.It makes fueling easier because I don't have to streach over the pump guards while balancing my bike.We have crash guards around our fuel pumps.6 to 8 inch schedual 80 steel pipe bent in a [ shape and burried in concrete.They stick up 32 inches from the surface.So,I'd rather get off my bike to fuel up,check my oil and do a walk around to see if any thing is loose or missing.
I havn't checked me oil level in months,
used to do it every week untill I noticed it does'nt waste more than a drop...
what if we don't have a center stand? :dunno_white:
Quote from: pjm204 on June 11, 2008, 05:53:21 PM
what if we don't have a center stand? :dunno_white:
Your engine asplode :flipoff:
Quote from: pjm204 on June 11, 2008, 05:53:21 PM
what if we don't have a center stand? :dunno_white:
Simply hold the bike vertically on level ground. The owner's manual actually states that the bike should be held vertically for checking oil, rather than on the centrestand; however, the measurements are practically the same.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=11547.msg96564#msg96564
No center stand and you have to check the oil while straddling the bike. If you can't flat foot it then you're screwed and have to get help.
Quote from: wreckhog on June 11, 2008, 04:30:37 PMTakes 10 seconds to put the bike on the centerstand.
Quote from: pjm204 on June 11, 2008, 05:53:21 PM
what if we don't have a center stand? :dunno_white:
exactly. I took mine off too.
Are you being serious?.........the level doesnt have to be spot-on to the nearest 1cc and there is very little difference between readings using the center and side stands but you can lean the bike against a wall or block the sidestand up by 3 or 4" with some timber or a rock to get it a bit closer to vertical.
Quote from: sledge on June 12, 2008, 07:37:10 AM
Are you being serious?.........the level doesnt have to be spot-on to the nearest 1cc and there is very little difference between readings using the center and side stands
I agree that the level does not have to be spot-on. According to Kerry's empirical test, there is a significant difference in the reading between centre and side stands:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=11547.msg96564#msg96564
| | |
| (http://www.bbburma.net/MiscFotos/100_1646_OilLevel_Centerstand.jpg) | (http://www.bbburma.net/MiscFotos/100_1647_OilLevel_VerticalOnBothWheels.jpg) | (http://www.bbburma.net/MiscFotos/100_1648_OilLevel_Sidestand.jpg) |
edit: copied Kerry's table directly into this post
Quote from: beRto on June 12, 2008, 07:49:02 AM
Quote from: sledge on June 12, 2008, 07:37:10 AM
Are you being serious?.........the level doesnt have to be spot-on to the nearest 1cc and there is very little difference between readings using the center and side stands
I agree that the level does not have to be spot-on. According to Kerry's empirical test, there is a significant difference in the reading between centre and side stands:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=11547.msg96564#msg96564
Almost a quart low with my bike on the side stand.
I have never been overly concerned about oils levels in my bikes, certainly not enough to worry about the difference between upper and lower levels and which stand its on, near enough is good enough for me. As soon as you take the bike out on the road and you are leaning into bends, travelling over bumps, up and down hills etc, the oil gets flung around the level goes all over the place and it becomes insignificant, even at minumum level there is still more than enough to cover the oil-pump pickup and pass around the engine/gearbox. Sure I regularly check levels and monitor consumption but I dont start panicing if its at the minimum. Not saying it doesnt matter in the long run, I am saying if you are at minimum level its not a big issue short term unless you are going on a long trip or burning or loosing oil big time and I would rather be running short on good quality oil than full-up with 2nd grade stuff.............The time to really worry is when the red light flickers in the bends.
I'm still urging everyone to read this.I don't like blown engines.Makes me wanna :cry:
Quote from: Ry_Guy on June 09, 2008, 09:47:44 AM
QuoteRemember too,that to much oil is just as bad as not enough
I've heard this elsewhere too. What happens if you do overfill it with oil? I did that back in the day before I knew much about my GS. Drove it about 100 miles before finding out :oops: I didn't have any consequences though, so I'm wondering how much I lucked out...
:laugh: If you don't have an airbox anymore you'll first notice that your right foot starts slipping off of the peg for some reason.....oh,and your shoes/boots are covered with oil...and there's smoke....and your swingarm is covered with it....and your back tire is slicker than a fresh condom :laugh: Oh, and with the heat the we've been having....ANYWHERE stateside you would definetly feel it. :laugh:
Quote from: beRto on June 12, 2008, 07:49:02 AM
Quote from: sledge on June 12, 2008, 07:37:10 AM
Are you being serious?.........the level doesnt have to be spot-on to the nearest 1cc and there is very little difference between readings using the center and side stands
I agree that the level does not have to be spot-on. According to Kerry's empirical test, there is a significant difference in the reading between centre and side stands:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=11547.msg96564#msg96564
| | |
| (http://www.bbburma.net/MiscFotos/100_1646_OilLevel_Centerstand.jpg) | (http://www.bbburma.net/MiscFotos/100_1647_OilLevel_VerticalOnBothWheels.jpg) | (http://www.bbburma.net/MiscFotos/100_1648_OilLevel_Sidestand.jpg) |
edit: copied Kerry's table directly into this post
This should be stickied, and the title changed to "CHECKING OIL PROPERLY, OR DESTROY YOUR ENGINE"
This particular post should be included in the topmost post of the thread.
my 2 cents :)
edit cause i answered a question before seeing there was a page 2 :laugh: :laugh:
the 500 has a dipstick and not a window? :icon_lol:
thats funny, I didn't even notice yet. Although to be fair, I've owned it for a week and not run it yet, or even gone over that part of the bike. Since the engine is SOOO similar to that of my '78 GS400, I assumed it would be the same. I've never owned a bike with a dipstick yet
Quote from: beRto on June 09, 2008, 10:05:09 AM
Quote from: Ry_Guy on June 09, 2008, 09:47:44 AM
QuoteRemember too,that to much oil is just as bad as not enough
I've heard this elsewhere too. What happens if you do overfill it with oil? I did that back in the day before I knew much about my GS. Drove it about 100 miles before finding out :oops: I didn't have any consequences though, so I'm wondering how much I lucked out...
Damage depends on how much you overfill the oil.
The engine has a limited amount of empty space to accomodate the moving parts (pistons, connecting rods, etc). If you fill this empty space with oil, the moving parts have nowhere to go. Because the oil will not compress, the moving parts will bend and twist and the oil will be forced into places it should not go (spark plug fouling, blown gaskets, seal leakages).
In most cases, slight oil overfilling will not cause any problems. The risk of damage occurs mostly with a significantly overfilled engine (such as if the oil level is set with the bike on the sidestand).
As I understood it to be with car/truck engines, generally if you're overfill is less than 20% you should still be okay. Same for bikes? :dunno_white: That much I don't know for sure.
Not good to over fill our bikes.The crankshaft will be churning the oil into foam.
You will never bend a rod due to overfilling with oil :laugh:. Where does the compression come from? This is a twin cylinder engine with a 180 deg crank offset. The volume inside the crankcase never changes, as one pot goes down the other goes up and the internal volume remains constant throughout each revolution. If pressure does build up in the crankcase it generally finds its way out through the breather on the top of the cam cover......unless you have put an air filter on there in the belief it is doing some good and restricted or even blocked the path out of the engine, then it will find the next weakest route and blow a crankcase gasket or shaft seal.
Oil churn causes foam to form on the top surface of the oil level, the pump draws oil in via the pickup at the bottom of the sump. Its extremely unlikely that foam will ever enter the pump. If it is drawn into the pump the pump will cavitate, oil- pressure will immediately drop and the oil-light will trigger giving you a chance to investigate way before any damage is done.
how far up the exhaust do I put the dipstick ? Do I have to keep the engine running ?
no that would be a bad idea to have the engine running when you check it
Quote from: groff22 on July 18, 2008, 11:16:40 AM
how far up the exhaust do I put the dipstick ? Do I have to keep the engine running ?
??? I'm not sure if you're joking or not. The exhaust has nothing to do with checking the oil.
Insert the dipstick into the oil filler hole (i.e. the hole that you unscrew the dipstick from). And as natewesselink said, leave the engine OFF
This prolly should be a stickie considering the rash of newb's of late as well as the spate of seized up motors from what I can only presume are last year's newb's, but then what do I know, I been accused of stickie-ing too much.
Cool.
Buddha.
it buuurns! :mad:
Quote from: beRto on July 18, 2008, 12:21:45 PM
Quote from: groff22 on July 18, 2008, 11:16:40 AM
how far up the exhaust do I put the dipstick ? Do I have to keep the engine running ?
??? I'm not sure if you're joking or not. The exhaust has nothing to do with checking the oil.
Insert the dipstick into the oil filler hole (i.e. the hole that you unscrew the dipstick from). And as natewesselink said, leave the engine OFF
Okay, I don't know for sure if a previous owner caused this by checking the oil while the engine was running... but I can't think what else it'll be.
So shut that engine off!
(http://image.bayimg.com/dajphaabo.jpg)
(http://image.bayimg.com/dajpiaabo.jpg)
(also, please let me know if the images don't work... I've never posted images to this board before.)
Pics came through.Either the po checked it while running or threaded the dipstick in wrong.
Quote from: skynxnex on July 18, 2008, 05:47:05 PM
Quote from: beRto on July 18, 2008, 12:21:45 PM
Quote from: groff22 on July 18, 2008, 11:16:40 AM
how far up the exhaust do I put the dipstick ? Do I have to keep the engine running ?
??? I'm not sure if you're joking or not. The exhaust has nothing to do with checking the oil.
Insert the dipstick into the oil filler hole (i.e. the hole that you unscrew the dipstick from). And as natewesselink said, leave the engine OFF
Okay, I don't know for sure if a previous owner caused this by checking the oil while the engine was running... but I can't think what else it'll be.
So shut that engine off!
(http://image.bayimg.com/dajphaabo.jpg)
(http://image.bayimg.com/dajpiaabo.jpg)
(also, please let me know if the images don't work... I've never posted images to this board before.)
I'm going to guess that groff22 WAS joking, but obviously, someone else wasn't all that bright! :cookoo: Yikes! :o That's gotta be good to have floating around in there with moving parts.
Quote from: arbakken on June 25, 2008, 08:40:39 PM
the 500 has a dipstick and not a window? :icon_lol:
thats funny, I didn't even notice yet. Although to be fair, I've owned it for a week and not run it yet, or even gone over that part of the bike. Since the engine is SOOO similar to that of my '78 GS400, I assumed it would be the same. I've never owned a bike with a dipstick yet
A window?! :icon_confused: Is that common?
Yup. Both 1982 Yamaha's I have owned (one I still do) had a window. That one is glass, at least, unlike the "specially made to degrade upon exposure to sunlight and brake fluid" plastic used by both Yamaha and Suzuki (and probably others) in the brake reservoirs. Jerks.
Quote from: DoD#i on July 19, 2008, 06:03:17 AM
Yup. Both 1982 Yamaha's I have owned (one I still do) had a window. That one is glass, at least, unlike the "specially made to degrade upon exposure to sunlight and brake fluid" plastic used by both Yamaha and Suzuki (and probably others) in the brake reservoirs. Jerks.
My 2002 EX500 (Ninja) had sight glass too.
STICKY THIS TOPIC!!!
I blew my engine back in early May cause I'm a dumba$$ and wasn't checking my oil levels properly. I ride about 400 miles a week and I check it at least twice a week now.
Quote from: theUBS on July 19, 2008, 12:11:42 PM
Quote from: DoD#i on July 19, 2008, 06:03:17 AM
Yup. Both 1982 Yamaha's I have owned (one I still do) had a window. That one is glass, at least, unlike the "specially made to degrade upon exposure to sunlight and brake fluid" plastic used by both Yamaha and Suzuki (and probably others) in the brake reservoirs. Jerks.
My 2002 EX500 (Ninja) had sight glass too.
same goes for my 2002 EX250. The sight glass takes a fraction less amount of time to check, but me being as lazy as I am I prefer a sight glass.
It's getting so bad here that I think a person could make a decent living by investing in an at home GS500 engine rebuilding business.
Looks to me like that damaged dipstick may have come in contact with one of the drive gears while the engine was running---and even at that he would have to have inserted it at a very strange angle to even make contact.
So how much oil does your GS500 burn? I had to fill up about a 1/4 liter after ~1200 km.
Thanks!
My little GN250 I had before my GS500 had been run dry of oil at some point. The GNs tending to eat their oil to the point of topping them up fortnightly. The previous owner had run it dry and since the cam is suppose to sit in a journal full of oil (so no bearing even) it had eaten into the head. When I bought the sucker I thought it just had seriously out of whack valve gaps and the seller told me nothing other then a story that confirmed my first thought :mad:.
Got it home adjusted it and well still noisy. Took it to someone more knowledge and he told me it was a sound he had heard before. (This person being an ex suzuki mechanic from years before my time). I was a little peeve. Bought another head and the week the new second hand head turned up the cam had eaten through enough of the head to sit to low, jumped the timing chain off, did all sorts of lovely things with my valves.
It did live again, just wished I had changed the piston and bored it out when I changed the head cause after the noisy cam and timing chain noise was gone, I could hear the piston slapping. Oh well. Sold it to another fellow who learnt on it for about 4 months, got his P plates and sold it to another learner. The bike made us both a profit. :icon_lol:
Quote,
`Having checked mine both hot, cold, on centerstand and just with me sitting on it, I've found almost no difference. The lazy way is just as good, and since it's easier and quicker, you'll do it more often. The EXACT level just isn't a big deal, and like other fluids, oil doesn't expand that much between hot and cold. Don't take my word for it, compare it for yourself`.
Oil is checked hot not for oil expansion but to allow the oil to of been pumped to the cylinder head etc,thus giving opperating level.
I just had to say that I knew this chic who tried to change her own oil on her hyundai. She filled it up all the way to the oil cap on top of the engine! :icon_lol:
Saw something similar this weekend with fork oil. Someone had filled this dude's forks to the top. I'm surprised as hell he hasn't blown a seal.
Yeah, I knew a hyundai that was overfilled by the dealership, about double, they had to replace the engine!
bump
Quote from: wreckhog on June 11, 2008, 04:30:37 PM
Quote from: ecpreston on June 11, 2008, 12:36:22 PM
Quote from: ben2go on June 08, 2008, 02:31:11 PMEvery gas fill up is best.
Well let's be realistic then! :cheers: Putting the bike on the centerstand isn't super convenient when at the gas station, and unscrewing a hot dipstick sucks. And what if it's low? Do you have oil with you? I have a few more realistic suggestions:
At your house, BEFORE going out to ride, with the bike on its kickstand and on fairly level ground and engine cold, unscrew the dipstick.
Sit on bike, get it upright so it's well balanced.
Pull out dipstick, no wiping needed because when it was on the kickstand the level was below this point.
If oil is between the hashmarks, you're ready to ride. Replace dipstick.
Having checked mine both hot, cold, on centerstand and just with me sitting on it, I've found almost no difference. The lazy way is just as good, and since it's easier and quicker, you'll do it more often. The EXACT level just isn't a big deal, and like other fluids, oil doesn't expand that much between hot and cold. Don't take my word for it, compare it for yourself.
Takes 10 seconds to put the bike on the centerstand.
Oil should not be checked on center stand...bike should be on flat surface, both wheels on the ground...bike held vertical....it's easy......
But I don't check at gas station....I check before and / or after may ride....at the home garage...
Cookie
Weird, I read this today and checked 30 minutes after and it was low. It smoked slot on startup a week ago and suddenly it is down 250ml. Filled it up and it ran real nice.
Per the manual:
1. Hold the motorcycle vertically without the center stand.
2. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes.
3. Stop the engine and wait three minutes.
4. Check the oil level. The oil filler cap threads should not be run in but just touching the filler hole upper edge.
'Nuff said!
Quote from: MysterYvil on June 07, 2011, 09:34:06 PM
Per the manual:
1. Hold the motorcycle vertically without the center stand.
2. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes.
3. Stop the engine and wait three minutes.
4. Check the oil level. The oil filler cap threads should not be run in but just touching the filler hole upper edge.
'Nuff said!
Very good! As we always say "RTFM!"
Cookie
Quote from: yooblonder on July 19, 2008, 12:38:13 AM
Quote from: arbakken on June 25, 2008, 08:40:39 PM
the 500 has a dipstick and not a window? :icon_lol:
thats funny, I didn't even notice yet. Although to be fair, I've owned it for a week and not run it yet, or even gone over that part of the bike. Since the engine is SOOO similar to that of my '78 GS400, I assumed it would be the same. I've never owned a bike with a dipstick yet
A window?! :icon_confused: Is that common?
My '09 Ninja 650 has a glass window (sightglass), but it's buried in the fairing so I have to use a vanity mirror, or have Mrs. read it while I hold the moto level. My '86 Eliminator had one, easy to see from the seat. My other partner's '06 Ninja 250 also has one; easy to read, but unfortunately sited so that if the moto is tipped onto its right side, the rear brake level bends and crunches into the glass, breaking it or knocking it loose...