Hey all,

New RK (2014) owner here. Just got my bike back from the dealer who did the first 1,000 mile service. I have a few questions.

The motor was filled with Syn 3 during the service. Oil level is at the max "hot" motor mark on the dipstick (Jiffy stand position) on a 'cold' engine. Clearly, it was overfilled. The owner's manual says "Oil level on a cold engine should never be above the midway point." The dealer says not to worry..."if it was a problem we would have seen it in the post-service test ride." Any worries about oil puking or excessive crankcase pressure when the bike gets really hot on a long ride? I can't imagine that the motor casing/oil was at max temp from the relative short dealer test ride. I tried to bleed-off a little oil from the drain but the dealer used teflon tape and an o-ring on the drain plug. I'd have to pull the drain plug completely...drain all the oil and then refill.

Also, the drive belt is very tight. I measured about 3/8" of belt deflection at the belt deflection window with approx 15 lbs of force. Per the manual, 3/8" is the minimum spec for belt deflection with a 10 lb force on the belt. I don't have the belt deflection tool, but I'm fairly good at estimating amount of force. I read somewhere about bearing wear when a drive belt is too tight. Given the relative newness of the belt, can I expect more stretch/less tension from the belt in the next 1,000 miles or so? ...hence, I should not worry about the belt tension and bearing wear at this time?

So glad I have tools and the shop manual for the RK. I may have the dealer do the next service just to document the service before the 2-yr warranty expires, or just invest in a lift table and do it myself. I did a fair amount of wrenching on a jack stand for my Fat Boy for ten years with no problems. Lastly, for the more complicated work, I could use the name/fon number of a good indy in Bucks County PA (about an hour north of Philadelphia on I-95) if anyone knows.

Appreciate any feedback...
Regards

 

Suck the oil out with a turkey baster. With a hose on the end if it won't fit far enough in the filler hole. Cheap and easy.

 

What jj said...+1

 

its not suppose to be that high on the dip stick no matter what dealer says

 

They probably just dumped 4 qts in after draining 3.5. You'll have excessive blow into A/C

 

What dealer did you go to? Brian's?

 

Your oil level is nothing to worry about. 4 quarts with a new filter is the standard oil change. I have never had any issues whatsoever with 4 quarts and a filter. Dipsticks are not the gold standard of accuracy.

Without the gauge there is no way you can tell if the belt is over tightened. Before I bought my gauge I was certain my belt was way too tight. Guess what, it was spot on when checked with a gauge.

Have a beer and chill.

 

Its fine. Go ride.

 

What he said! The more condensed version of my response.

 

The monkeys at the dealer are not going to wait until every last drop is drained before they spin on a new filter and drop 4 quarts of oil in it. 4 quarts is what you put in a dry motor. They could care less that the motor is overfilled and oil is blowing out your air filter. They'll just say they all do that.

Do 3-1/2 quarts even when changing the filter and you'll be right where it should be.