I think my bike is possessed
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 640
Likes: 44
From: Mancheser UK
I think my bike is possessed
Ok, so here's a thing.
Last July,I put my bike in for its 5000 mile service with my local dealer and when I get it back it shows a bit low on the dip stick,about 2 or 3 mm below the full mark, No problem I figured they put the right amount of oil in, after all I'v just ridden 30 mile home, and done the usual check with the oil, warm, on side stand, level area etc, etc...
My wife and myself then go out on our favorite run and clock up 150 miles, I get home check the oil and its showing down another couple of mm, so I top it up to the full mark, not much oil, just a bit. I Speak to the dealer who give's sensable advice about monitoring the oil,
Ok, this is the issue, I go out numerous times, no journey shorter than 60 miles, I clocked up 700 miles in 5 days, I check the bike at exactly the same place each time using the correct procedures as per the manual. One day it will show 3 or 4 mm below the full mark, the next time it will be spot on. It may go 3 or 4 days without any change and then 'OOO I think I will show full today or down' ( Bugger ). I have now done over 1,400 miles since the service and its still at it, the dealers scratching his head at it, not a clue whats going on ( did it to him too). I have not added any oil since I topped it up, so I have come to the conclusion the bike is having a chukle with me by keeping some oil in a pocket some where or its possessed.
The bike runs grand, not a complaint just this buggering about with the oil.
Ok over to you,
Reddog GB
Last July,I put my bike in for its 5000 mile service with my local dealer and when I get it back it shows a bit low on the dip stick,about 2 or 3 mm below the full mark, No problem I figured they put the right amount of oil in, after all I'v just ridden 30 mile home, and done the usual check with the oil, warm, on side stand, level area etc, etc...
My wife and myself then go out on our favorite run and clock up 150 miles, I get home check the oil and its showing down another couple of mm, so I top it up to the full mark, not much oil, just a bit. I Speak to the dealer who give's sensable advice about monitoring the oil,
Ok, this is the issue, I go out numerous times, no journey shorter than 60 miles, I clocked up 700 miles in 5 days, I check the bike at exactly the same place each time using the correct procedures as per the manual. One day it will show 3 or 4 mm below the full mark, the next time it will be spot on. It may go 3 or 4 days without any change and then 'OOO I think I will show full today or down' ( Bugger ). I have now done over 1,400 miles since the service and its still at it, the dealers scratching his head at it, not a clue whats going on ( did it to him too). I have not added any oil since I topped it up, so I have come to the conclusion the bike is having a chukle with me by keeping some oil in a pocket some where or its possessed.
The bike runs grand, not a complaint just this buggering about with the oil.
Ok over to you,
Reddog GB
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
3 to 4mm is not very much. If my metric conversion is correct that's 1/8" or less. Are you sure you are checking the oil level with your bike sitting on the exact same flat ground each time? If you check it with your bike at slightly different angle each time, you can get different results on the dip stick. If you check the oil level immediately after shutting the engine down you will get a different reading that you will when you wait 10 minutes. There several variables that could make a 3mm to 4mm difference.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
I check my oil with the engine cold (like your supposed to) and live the level to be quite a bit below the full mark. If you keep the oil at the full mark you may get some oil dripping out by the air cleaner.
As far as the level changing it could be because the bike is leaning a bit more or less. Since your checking hot it could also be due to some oil that is still clinging to parts in the engine.
Also if your read your dipstick, one side may be for the bike on the side stand the other is for if you have a sidecar or the bike is standing up.
As far as the level changing it could be because the bike is leaning a bit more or less. Since your checking hot it could also be due to some oil that is still clinging to parts in the engine.
Also if your read your dipstick, one side may be for the bike on the side stand the other is for if you have a sidecar or the bike is standing up.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 874
Likes: 2
From: Southern Arizona
I check my oil with the engine cold (like your supposed to) and live the level to be quite a bit below the full mark. If you keep the oil at the full mark you may get some oil dripping out by the air cleaner.
As far as the level changing it could be because the bike is leaning a bit more or less. Since your checking hot it could also be due to some oil that is still clinging to parts in the engine.
Also if your read your dipstick, one side may be for the bike on the side stand the other is for if you have a sidecar or the bike is standing up.
As far as the level changing it could be because the bike is leaning a bit more or less. Since your checking hot it could also be due to some oil that is still clinging to parts in the engine.
Also if your read your dipstick, one side may be for the bike on the side stand the other is for if you have a sidecar or the bike is standing up.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,128
Likes: 27
From: florida swamp
give these guys a call
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,908
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From: Southeast Wisconsin
Personally, I would call for an exorcism.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,281
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
Better than being repossessed! I realize you are concerned with the condition of your bike but I think you are obsessing a little too much. As stated before, there are enough variables to give slightly different dipstick readings. Keep an eye on it, but not so much it gets in the way of enjoying your ride. If you ignore the demons they might leave for greener pastures.
