Definative answer

[tee pee]

I know I might live to regret this but I'm going to ask a bunch of experts, (all of whom will probably have their own opinion) for a "definative" answer. Here goes........Just what is the best way to check the engine oil level on a 2000 xlv650 Transalp? Hot, Cold , engine running, not running, on the side stand on the centre stand, middle, top, bottom of the dip stick or of course.... non of the above!!!!

[Alba]

I don’t claim to be an expert; I would measure mine with a hot engine after it has been off for a few minutes, wheels on level ground, vertical, not screwing the dip stick in and look to have the level just below the top mark.

Just checked my manual on a 02 TA and this advice is on the money...

[Wee Jack]

I don’t claim to be an expert; I would measure mine with a hot engine after it has been off for a few minutes, wheels on level ground, vertical, not screwing the dip stick in and look to have the level just below the top mark.

Mine does not use any at 22,000 miles so I only check it every 500 miles or so

I have never checked the TA but some bikes will give a false reading on the centre stand.

Steve

SPOT ON !!

[severs]

Mine's a 2000 650 with a genuine Honda centre stand. Putting it on the stand, if you have one, seems to make no difference to the reading of oil level compared to just "holding the bike upright". So use the stand if you have one.

[Lumiya]

Mine's a 2000 650 with a genuine Honda centre stand. Putting it on the stand, if you have one, seems to make no difference to the reading of oil level compared to just "holding the bike upright". So use the stand if you have one.

With bikes that have the sight glass or dipstick close to the stand (i.e. in the same vertical plane as the stand) then being on/off the stand shouldn't make much difference at all, some bikes though have a sightglass/dipstick more forward so away from the stand and these bikes can give differing readings between both wheels on floor or bike on the stand. (you'll need to check the manual in that case)

But with any reading best to take it when the bike is at operting temps and then has been stood for a few minutes (to allow pooled up/pressurised oil within the heads/pipes to have settled back down to the bottom.

Kymmy

[Ryan]

never check your oil when its hot!!!! Always check cold. If your engines been running and the oil has notdrained to the sump properly then you get a lower reading. This then makes you top it up.The resultcan be over pressurization of the engine. Putting too much in will cause as much damage as running it too low! If its warm and stood 10/15 min then cool, but certainly not a couple!! Be carefull

[ACP]

I can second this about "a few minutes". I had warmed up the engine and allowed to stand for the manual quoted "few", checked the oil and it appeared to be low! I didn't top up just then but left the bike for a further 15-20 mins, re-checked and after the oil had settled it was at the correct level.

[The Pheasant]

Interesting note in Bike magazine this month from a Honda spokesperson to the effect that they use a dipstick in order to make checking oil level easier when on your own.
How? Get astride the bike, reach down and remove the dipstick, wipe clean, balance bike between legs ie. vertical and insert dipstick to get reading. The point being that a sight glass requires the lone checker to crouch beside the bike and attempt to hold it vertical while looking at the glass.
In 25 years of riding (with many Hondas) this had never occurred to me. I have always done the crouch thing but with the dipstick in hand....