oil level question
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,805
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From: Corona, Ca
oil level question
I changed all the fluids on my sporty for the first time this weekend. The bike only has 5700 miles and I think the idiot kid I bought it from never did and service on the bike. Anyway, I drained the oil and less than a quart came out. My questions is why didn't the oil light come on when the oil level was so low?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Because the oil light indicates a loss of oil pressure, not a low oil level. Same as in virtually all cars and trucks.
The dipstick is used to check oil level. I guess you never bothered with checking that?????
The dipstick is used to check oil level. I guess you never bothered with checking that?????
Last edited by cHarley; Dec 5, 2011 at 10:51 AM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 97
From: Corona, Ca
I checked the dipstick about a month ago and the oil level was slightly above the first mark. I assumed this was fine, I didn't notice where the "Full" mark was till yesterday when I changed the oil. So I guess that its technically safe to run the bike on 1 quart of oil? I mean if its above the "low" line on the dipstick?? I filled it with mobil 1 20w50, the primary as well. it does feel alot smoother especially when shifting gears.
Last edited by emperor wurm; Dec 5, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Reason: sdf
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
The Low mark on the dipstick should be close to 2 quarts. An oil change for the motor should take about 2.75 quarts of oil on the refill.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Corona, Ca
I am telling you thats what the stick showed. I have put maybe 20 miles on the bike since checking it. The manual calls for 3 quarts with the filter change....so thats what I put in there. It seems to be fine.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
The Low mark on the dipstick indicates you are 1 quart low.
So if your level is at the Low mark, it's 3 quarts (full) minus 1 quart = ~2 quarts that should drain.
Most people have learned that running the oil level at the Full mark causes oil blow-by out of the breathers, so that's why most people use about 2.75 quarts to refill with, leaving the oil level about 1/4 quart or so below the full mark. 1/2 quart low is 1/2 way between the Low and Full marks on the dipstick.
So if your level is at the Low mark, it's 3 quarts (full) minus 1 quart = ~2 quarts that should drain.
Most people have learned that running the oil level at the Full mark causes oil blow-by out of the breathers, so that's why most people use about 2.75 quarts to refill with, leaving the oil level about 1/4 quart or so below the full mark. 1/2 quart low is 1/2 way between the Low and Full marks on the dipstick.
