Oil Level - Check when engine hot/cold and bike level/on side stand

[stephen McG]

It would be ideal (but unlikely) if Honda would put a clear window in sump, like other bikes, so that there is no dipstick to unscrew/clean/place/read/screw back in.
you just check that oil level is visible between lines.

SMcG

[brownetara]

Thanks for all that guys,knew I'd get the answer here.

[Ryan]

Hi
Hope to put some things to bed here. I am a bike builder/restorer/commuter/European/Africa tourer/Racer/Tuner. I only say this as i hope it will prove my credentials for the following advice.

Never ever check oil hot . Warm at a push maybe. Cold in the morning with not being used overnight is ideal.
The reason transalps have no sight-glass is so a single rider can check oil level whilst on bike and not risk dropping it. Mr Honda designed the dipstick so you can sit on the bike therefore being level and bend down to check the level on your unscrewed dipstick. Clever fella!
Bike oil levels must always be checked on center stand if avail or upright. Never on side stand.
If the engine is warm you risk having oil still in the cylinder head feeding cams that will not reflect on your dipstick.
Many people also don't realize that overfilling with oil is almost as bad as under filling. This is particularly important on bikes that have no pressure relief valves.
If anyone tells you to check oil hot don't walk away RUN!!!

[ABC]

Hi
Hope to put some things to bed here. I am a bike builder/restorer/commuter/European/Africa tourer/Racer/Tuner. I only say this as i hope it will prove my credentials for the following advice.

Never ever check oil hot . Warm at a push maybe. Cold in the morning with not being used overnight is ideal.
The reason transalps have no sight-glass is so a single rider can check oil level whilst on bike and not risk dropping it. Mr Honda designed the dipstick so you can sit on the bike therefore being level and bend down to check the level on your unscrewed dipstick. Clever fella!
Bike oil levels must always be checked on center stand if avail or upright. Never on side stand.
If the engine is warm you risk having oil still in the cylinder head feeding cams that will not reflect on your dipstick.
Many people also don't realize that overfilling with oil is almost as bad as under filling. This is particularly important on bikes that have no pressure relief valves.
If anyone tells you to check oil hot don't walk away RUN!!!

No offence but I think it is certain that Honda know best about their own bikes and the Alp manual states that the oil is checked hot. No doubt if they thought it should be done cold they would have said so. I'll take their advice over anyone else's on this point. You seem to admire "Mr Honda" so it's odd that you take such a different view on this.

The point you make about the oil remaining in the upper part of the engine is dealt with in the instructions which state that the hot engine is turned off and left for a couple of minutes before the check, presumably in order to allow the oil to drain back into the sump.

[StumpyFingers]

You should always check the oil as per the manufactures instructions, as stated in the owners handbook.