Hello,

So I had my oil done with my last service, but when I check my oil with the dipstick nothing is showing up? Clean as a whistle.

I put the bike on the centrestand, pop the dipstick out and wipe it, put it back in and there isn't any oil on it?


Am I doing something wrong?

Cheers 

Sounds like not enough oil.
If your oil light goes out, you do have oil....just not enough of it.

Okay, I will go out and buy some more. How can I tell when I've put enough in without overfilling it?

Cheers 

Go about a 1/2 cup at a time.

Be sure motorcycle oil and not car oil. There is a difference.

Okie Doke!

My mechanic told me he uses Motul 3000, so I'll have to find some.

errr just to check ... how long ago was the service? ... if its still pretty much virgin oil .. sure its not just so clear that you not see it on the stick easily? ... 

Check it a few times looking at BOTH side of the stick.

Service was done in the last 2 months. It has oil on it when I take it out to wipe it down, but it comes back out clean (maybe clear).

And nothing on the other side of the stick either.

Does the red oil light always come on when the bike isn't running?

yep .. engine not running means oil light is on... the oil switch needs pressure to turn the light off ..

so if the dipstick has oil on it after running you know the colour of the oil ... if you cant see that colour on the dipstick then yes you definitely need to add some...

if you happen to have a little old plastic kitchen measuring jug that you can spare for the oil then its easy to pour in the filler and keep a neat track of how much you added! 

It is possible the dealer measured the oil before running the engine.
After running after an oil change, the filter and other areas fill with oil and you need to add more. About 1/2 a pint or so disappears when the oil filter and other drained cavities fill up.
When changing oil, first fill to the full level. Then run bike for a few minutes so the oil light goes out and the filter gets filled up. Then check the oil again and you always have to add a little more.

Excellent, thank you for the advice and replies. I will be picking up some oil tomorrow from a Suzuki Dealer. Might get some rear brake pads too (they're a bit squeaky and in need of replacing).

Cheers 

Rear brake is notoriously squeaky on a stock GS500.  It's their thing...  so don't think they need replaced just because of squeak.  Of course, if you have checked the wear line, by all means replace if they are worn.  I'd ask your dealer if they can hook you up with some anti brake squeal lube to apply to the back of the pads whether you choose to replace them or not, especially if the squeak bothers you.  Many dealers have little packets that they may just let you have, as mine does... or the auto parts stores have it too... our local auto parts has it at the counter checkout for some change. The squeal makes me self conscious of my riding aura... embarrassing when you have a nice looking bike and that rear brake is squawking at every stop light or sign   



- Bboy

Quote from: ParkerMax on January 16, 2014, 05:29:51 PM
Hello,

So I had my oil done with my last service, but when I check my oil with the dipstick nothing is showing up? Clean as a whistle.

Clean oil is sometimes difficult to see. The solution is to tape a thin strip of white card to the stick, makes it much more easy to see the level. Just make sure its secure and DONT leave it on the stick when you are done.