I drain the oil on my Touring bike and add 3 quarts, run the engine and check level. Sometimes level is spot on, other times I need to add a little.
I have to agree, 3 1/2 quarts is too much.
I do believe level is correct when the oil level is at the center reading on the dip stick and not at the top.

 

Great question. The amount of oil will be the same. You haven't added to or taken any away. It may have expanded some because of the heat. I think the reasoning of warming the bike up prior to draining is to get most of the contaminants in suspension first. That way most of the crud comes out with the warm oil.

 

I seriously doubt that dealers take bikes out and warm up engine prior to oil changes.

 

Your right, they don't; however most people; or at least I wait for my bike during an oil change. It's warm from riding in.

If I'm changing I do warm it up first.

-G

 

I was also worried about the level in the oil pan being too much as in reading high on the dip stick. Correct me if I'm wrong but, it won't affect anything will it ? My oil level is well below the fill opening ... I don't see where 1/2 quart too much will be detrimental ... Or will that be hard on the seals, etc...?

 

Since I buy oil in gallon containers, I always use a measuring device. I start at 3 Qts. and go from there.... I am not the most patient guy, so sometimes I don't let a "quart" drain all the way. As for the over-amount and then siphoning the excess.... don't worry, the excess will blow out the breather tubes....

 

i pour in exactly 3 qts fire her up. kill it. let sit . check it and its exactly half way up on the dip stick every time. done deal.

 

I think you are missing something. I have never put only 3 quarts in, on my 01 and 07. I do have oil coolers on them now. I am not sure you have to add more, since old oil is left in cooler.

Did you pull the dipstick before putting plug back in? It does speed up when the dipstick comes out.

I would be more concerned with sumping. Maybe something wrong with oil pump.

Unless the newer bikes are different then my TCs

 

In a system this small, 1/2 a quart above the full line when cold is a lot of excess. I would not leave it that way. Just drain some out. No big deal. Top it off hot.
You are overthinking it. Put some action in, get it done and move on.

 

I like fresh oil so it's so easy to ride then pull in at end of day poke two holes in filter pull plug then next day add oil after work. Just did over last night. Dip stick in all night. Put in 3 1/2quart's then long ride, come back add half. Now at the half way in the good range. I did cheat this time and started bike with plug pulled , for like three seconds and more oil ran out after that. Reason I did it is I usely always pull in clutch with primary plug pulled to spin out the clutch but most the time it's not the same day I do engine oil.