Checking engine oil

[f-okie]

Ok, here's a really stupid question--Using BDM's dipstick, do you check the oil with the bike cold or hot?
The manual gives the fill tube "sight" way, stating the oil needs to be at operating temp, and bike upright and level, but when using the dipstick, it doesn't say-cold or hot, just that it's to be done with it on the kickstand....Just trying to find a way to check it "before" starting and heading out.

 

[slowrower]

Doesn't really matter hot or cold, with your scoot on the side stand look down the oil filler tube, oil should be visible and just about covering the hole where it enters the tank. if not add some oil, I have seen BDMs with no dipstick and you really don't need one.

 

[f-okie]

Thanks SR-that's pretty much what I've been doing. Just wondering

 

[Gas Man]

From Sunbill

 

[T Mack]

How?

So how do you guys open the oil fill cap. I have not really got into it but i did grab it and pull up on it and nothing. Tried to turn nothing. Looks like previous owner had some channel locks on it at 1 point... Should it be that hard to take off? 06 mastiff. T-Mack

 

[Daddycool]

It turns counter-clockwise to loosen and yes they seem to tighten up a bit over time. Tighten it snug-by-hand when you are done.

 

[T Mack]

It turns counter-clockwise to loosen and yes they seem to tighten up a bit over time. Tighten it snug-by-hand when you are done.

THX

 

[BubbleHead]

YOU CAN PUT A TINY TOUCH OF ANTI-SIEZE COMPOUND ON THE THREADS AND THAT WILL KEEP IT FROM FREEZING UP ON YOU.

 

[JerryC]

Doesn't really matter hot or cold, with your scoot on the side stand look down the oil filler tube, oil should be visible and just about covering the hole where it enters the tank. if not add some oil, I have seen BDMs with no dipstick and you really don't need one.

The engine felt hot today, so I just checked the oil (2400 miles; oil changed at 1000). I could see oil in the tank, but it looked to my unpracticed eye as very low in the drum. I could not see the hole where it enters the tank. It just looked low to me - like, most of the tank was air. I don't want to overfill, and I am going to get a 2500 service next week. My sense is to put some oil in and take it for service. Any other ideas? I guess my question is where is the hole that enters the tank, but that seems to dumb to ask.
BTW, my cap doesn't screw off - it is a plug. It took a few minutes of screwing to figure that out.:loony:

 

[T.Byrd]

You need to check your oil when the engine is hot.When you let it set over night some of the oil runs back into the crank case and will let the reading be low and if you fill back to full level when cold when it gets hot it will be over full and you don't want that.

 

[f-okie]

I've had fun with this one!!! When checked cold, it ranges from the bottom mark to none at all. When checked hot, it ranges from full to approx. 1/4 to 3/8 Over full.:loony: