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

[brownetara]

As it says - when to check the oil level - when the engine is hot or cold and should the bike be level or on the side stand.
Thanks, TB

[stephen McG]

I would say
when the engine is cold or
if bike been running, let it cool for say 10mins first.

If the oil level was low, it would same strange to warm it up before checking and then adding more.

I would suspect that it should be done on centre stand or if none, get someone to hold bike upright before taking level.

I would not recommend taking dipstick out when engine running, also do not screw in to take reading.

SMcG in Glasgow

[ABC]

This isn't correct, the oil is not checked cold, it is checked hot, at least it is on the 700 I have according to the manual.

Warm the engine then turn off and leave for 2-3 minutes with the bike upright. Remove the dipstick, wipe it and insert without screwing in. The oil level should then be between the upper and lower marks.

[Lutin]

This isn't correct, the oil is not checked cold, it is checked hot, at least it is on the 700 I have according to the manual.

Warm the engine then turn off and leave for 2-3 minutes with the bike upright. Remove the dipstick, wipe it and insert without screwing in. The oil level should then be between the upper and lower marks.

Is the correct answer.

[StumpyFingers]

Don't forget it must also be on a level surface.

[jarl]

Note: Take the level too soon and the oil won't have run back to the sump and will show a low value. Also make sure the bike has been held exactly vertical for about 10 seconds before taking the oil level, slight tilt can drastically change the perceived oil level!

[stephen McG]

I am always happy to be corrected, though I did say or hot and leave to cool.
I am perplexed though.
If you are out for long run and return, the hot oil will cool and run to low point (sump).
If the engine is not started, where will it go? upwards.

PS
since I returned to biking 14 years ago, I have had 5 bikes and not one has ever needed any top up between changes.
Have I been lucky?
I always inspect under the bike if it has been sitting a while to look for tell-tale oil drips (again nothing, apart from some drips from chain if I had been generous)

SMcG

[Lutin]

I am always happy to be corrected, though I did say or hot and leave to cool.
I am perplexed though.
If you are out for long run and return, the hot oil will cool and run to low point (sump).
If the engine is not started, where will it go? upwards.

The reasoning behind checking the oil level with the engine up to temperature is to have the oil properly circulated around the engine and you are then effectively checking what is left in the sump.

Oil has many uses in an engine other that lubricating it, such as aiding in cooling of the engine. So, it is critical to maintain a suitable oil level.

[FatFergie]

Warm the engine then turn off and leave for 2-3 minutes with the bike upright. Remove the dipstick, wipe it and insert without screwing in. The oil level should then be between the upper and lower marks.

I concur.

[YEN_POWELL]

I find a difference in level when measured cold (lower when cold), but I know what it is so can make allowances. I am fixated with oil checks and do them nearly every riding day. Usually I check it after returning home in the evening, just after I have removed my luggage, answered the call of nature etc. So the engine is at full running temperature and has had a few minutes to settle.

I don't currently have a centrestand, so I hold the bike upright and drop the dipstick in (without screwing it in). I keep it level as below, but I am a bit odd.