1st Post, a few questions....

[Frenchie]

Hi, I have just joined the forum and this is my first post - a mate who's emigrating has given me his french registered Dominator 650 (), which I eventually hope to register in the UK. I have decided to do a major renovation of the bike first as it has been unused and stored outside for over two years. Having bought a new battery, some fresh petrol and a can of easy-start, it now runs - however I have one or two questions!

First, how do I check the oil level? There's nothing showing on the dipstick when the engine is off, but shortly after running it, the dipstick is covered in oil. It then seems to dissappear.

Second, it will not run without the choke applied, even when the motor has warmed a bit. I have deliberately not got it really hot until I get the answer to question one, but I'm sure it should be able to run without the choke in the summertime, when the engine is warmed up.

Third, where's the neutral switch and do they fail often? Mine does not work - I have had to short the switch to ground to get the neutral light on and hence get the starter motor to spin.

Thanks for any answers in advance .

[switch]

The switch(no pun intended, obv), is on the left side of the engine casing, just in front of the rear sprocket. Remove the sprocket cover and the wire should be directly to the front of the sprocket. My guess is the wire got shorted along the way -- or something. It's not nice if you have to replace the switch - you need to remove the left crankcase cover to do it.


If the bike's been sitting for ages, the carb is probable all gummed up. Remove, clean and re-install.


On, and for Pete's sake, CHANGE THE OIL if you haven't done so already. Put in 2L of cheap mineral oil (20w-40 or 10w-40 if it's below freezing at night). You'll be replacing this after only a few hundred miles. This is your best bet to cleaning up the engine on the inside. Dommies are downright indestructable if properly oiled.



To check the level, there are two ways:
1. manual says: cold bike, hold it upright throughout the entire test; start it and let it idle for 1 minute, then stop engine and check level
2. I say: cold bike, 10 minutes of stop-and-go riding, stop and hold the bike upright, stop and check level

First is good on rather new bikes, second is pretty much my guesswork in trying to get max level after an oil change.

[richie]

indeed checking oil on the dommie is a PITA.... Make sure you do it every few hundred kms though as lots seem to drink oil, mine included....