Checking the oil

[Marky Mark]

Ok, I read the manual, and think I understand the Byzantine ritual for checking the oil. Run the bike for a minute or two, turn it off, let it sit ten minutes, and then with the bike level check the dipstick. I did this and there was no oil on the dipstick. After adding a quart, there was still no oil showing on the dipstick. The next day, I repeated the procedure, added a second quart, and the level was (barely) up to the low mark on the stick.

Today, just messing around I level the bike and check it (cold), and it's over a centimeter past the "full" line. I'm guessing if I run it, some oil would be distributed in the motor, thus lowering the level in the tank, but I'm surprised it makes that much difference. Am I over-thinking this, or is getting the correct oil level that much work?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Rocket65]

Somebody will correct me if I am wrong, but I think it will show to be a little low in oil if you check it cold. When you run it, and let it sit for a few minutes it should show full.

 

[Triple Trouble]

The Rocket III has a dry sump motor which means that the oil is stored in an oil tank and pumped into the engine by the pressure side of the oil pump. To ensure that the sump stays "dry" the return side of the pump is twice the volume of the pressure side. Some oil may drain back into the engine from the tank when the bike is turned off and there is an anti-drain valve to stop this happening. The idea of running the engine for a bit before checking the level is to give the return (or scavenging) side of the pump a chance to get any excess oil out of the sump. It is not usual to have to add oil as these motors burn very little.

 

[Marky Mark]

So I'm guessing that if it's showing too much oil cold, I really need too syphon some out?

 

[TURBO200R4]

my manual does not say anything about letting it set for 10 minutes before checking it.
i just let it idle for a minute so it will fill the filter and pump the oil into the tank, turn it off and check oil with bike upright.
i would not check or drain oil with out a minute running.
herman

 

[GPMAZ]

I just check mine at the end of a ride. At 30K I've never had to add oil.

 

[Rick McC.]

Mine has no sign of leaks, and doesn't smoke (it better not, either) so I haven't ever checked the oil.

It just had the first service 300-400 miles ago.

Rick

 

[TURBO200R4]

Mine has no sigh of leaks, and doesn't smoke (it better not, either) so I haven't ever checked the oil.

It just had the first service 300-400 miles ago.

Rick

sometimes a new motor will use oil until they get broke in. you might want to keep an eye on it for the first 1500 miles.

 

[warp9.9]

They are right fire her up for a minute and then while sitting on her and holding her up right shut her off and check the oil. As for losing some during break in maybe while it has the smei synthetic in it the first couple hundred miles but because of the nickel seal piston liner rings seat fast. What year is you bike? It could be the anti leak down valve is leaking a little after 10 minutes so eliminate that 10 minutes. If you accidently added to much like some people have a turkey baster removes it from the tank easily. Just make darn sure you wash it out real good so your ole lady does not catch you or there could be hell to pay.

 

[Rick McC.]

sometimes a new motor will use oil until they get broke in. you might want to keep an eye on it for the first 1500 miles.

Thanks; it's got almost 1200 miles on it now.

Rick