Oil check window location

[Xenomorph]

If you're going to manufacture a motorcycle without a centrestand why not place the oil check window in a location where it can be read with the bike on the side stand?

Surely there's somewhere on the sump or engine casing on either side of the bike where a window could be situated! Oil level check is such a fundamental part of general maintenance I'm surprised that manufacturers still expect owners to do the 'balance bike, crane neck and pray' trick every other day.

[tmcgee]

Well, it won't read right on the centerstand. Best way to check the level is with a helper if there's one around. Usually, I just stand on the throttle side of the bike and bring it to upright.

[greywolf]

With a side stand, the oil reading would vary too much with the suspension preload settings and especially the condition of the stand pivot.

[WeeMcD]

Well, it won't read right on the centerstand. Best way to check the level is with a helper if there's one around. Usually, I just stand on the throttle side of the bike and bring it to upright.

I always check the oil level using the centerstand. Why would this be a bad idea? It is more likely to be level on the centerstand then with me trying to level it out and kneal down to look through the window at the same time.

[greywolf]

The window is toward the front of the engine sump. On the center stand, the reading will be more full than it actually is. Pick up the back and the oil will flow to the front.

[K1W1]

We could go back to dip sticks. :)

I don't have any problem at all with the location. I just stand on the right side of the bike pull it up from the stand so it's vertical and look at the window. I'm stopping the bike falling to the right and if it falls to the left the stand is there and we are only talking of it falling a couple of inches anyway.
The window is a guide only anyway. Whether you have the bike on the centre stand or not there is enough tolerance between the high and low marks for you to know whether your oil level is okay. It's it's low enough to be of concern you probably haven't checked it recently anyway.

[fryeg7]

it's not difficult at all to squat next to the bike, grab the throttle with one hand, the passenger grab rail with the other and pull the bike up to level and look in the sightglass . . . .

frye

[Xenomorph]

Everyone keeps saying how difficult it isn't but I fairdinkum sh*t myself every time I try it on my own - I just can't believe the geniuses who figure all this stuff out can't find a better way.

[K1W1]

It seems to me that you want a similar solution to the US spending millions to develop a pen that would work in space. The Russians simply used pencils. :)
We have a pencil solution and I for one am very happy about that.
Once you get in the habit of balancing the bike and checking the oil level it becomes second nature just like most things on bikes. Just do it and don't worry then there will not be an issue.

[Cpope]

My son own a Motorcycle Super Center, mostly crusiers and rockets. When I made the trip to Texas they changed the oil, 3300 miles later (10 days) when I returned they changed it again and the tech swore that I didn't go 3300 miles, he said the oil look as good as if it was justed changed. Never used any oil the whole trip and it came out after 3300 miles almost good as new. Can't say that about my Electric Glide Classic.

[bill l]

I use one of those telescopic inspection mirrors and straddle the bike. works great.

[Xenomorph]

Thanks for the sugestion, that's exactly the kind of work around I needed!