Oil Level - I'm confused R1150GS

[groeger]

I'm confused on how to check the oil level on my 2001 R1150GS. The level when the bike is on the center for a long period of time is at 3/4 of the top of the glass. When I ride the bike and it's been sitting for a few minutes, the oil level is at the top of the glass or more.

I thought the levels would've been reversed.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Bfish]

you're good. just ride it. no sarcasm intended. :thumb

[cjack]

I'm confused on how to check the oil level on my 2001 R1150GS. The level when the bike is on the center for a long period of time is at 3/4 of the top of the glass. When I ride the bike and it's been sitting for a few minutes, the oil level is at the top of the glass or more.

I thought the levels would've been reversed.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Oil expands in volume when hot which probably shows higher level.

[username]

the generally accepted method of checking the oil level is this:

1. go ride the crap out of your bike.
2. park it on the sidestand for a few minutes while you take off your gear, and try to wipe the grin off your face.
3. put it on the center stand.
4. observe the oil level. the goal is for it to be halfway up the sight glass.

you need to give the oil time to drain down from the engine. the bottom of the sight glass is NOT the bottom of the sump. while the motor is running, a bunch of the oil is circulating through the motor and the oil coolers. when it is turned off, it can run back down into the sump.

HTH.

[PacWestGS]

check it warm (after a 10-minute ride or more) on the center stand.

you will overfill if cold DAMHIK

[cjack]

the generally accepted method of checking the oil level is this:

1. go ride the crap out of your bike.
2. park it on the sidestand for a few minutes while you take off your gear, and try to wipe the grin off your face.
3. put it on the center stand.
4. observe the oil level. the goal is for it to be halfway up the sight glass.

you need to give the oil time to drain down from the engine. the bottom of the sight glass is NOT the bottom of the sump. while the motor is running, a bunch of the oil is circulating through the motor and the oil coolers. when it is turned off, it can run back down into the sump.

HTH.

I was wondering if the oil drains out of the cooler or not when sitting after hot.

[j-budimlya]

I was wondering if the oil drains out of the cooler or not when sitting after hot.

I believe it does, but only if the bike is run long enough to open the thermostat to circulate through the oil cooler....is the way i understand it....and the way it feels when you keep track of the oil cooler temp....

[DarkCloud]

Oilheads require bonding to build confidence in oil levels.

After you ride your bike and the heat gauge is up to 5 bars. put it on the centerstand and check the oil level. Watch the oil level, in about a minute and a half, the oil thermostat will open and the oil will flow into the crankcase, raising the oil level in the sight glass. When the oil has completely drained down, the oil level will raise about 1/16th of an inch.

If your oil level is above the bottom of the big circle in the sight glass, you have plenty of oil. It takes 12oz of oil to go from the bottom of the sight glass to the top. If the sight glass is 2/3rds or more full, the engine will blow it out. Sometimes it goes past the rear main seal onto the clutch.

If you want to hot check your oil on the road, or when you fill it. Park it on the kick stand, after you have filled it up or after a couple minutes, if the oil completely covers the sight glass window, you have plenty of oil.

I always carry a quart of oil for my security blanket, it relieves stress.

JON
zero rallys in 06

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

When the motor is hot at running temp, leave it on the side stand for a few minutes and it will help to drain the oil from the cooler, then place on the main stand for checking. That oil expansion factor really catches you the first time doesn't it?...lol

[groeger]

I guess at this point I'm wondering if I have too much oil.

[glwestcott]

I guess at this point I'm wondering if I have too much oil.
I had too much oil once. My bike let me know it by squirting it out past the filler plug. A mess and I had to get a new plug. The main trick is to never read it until you have ridden at least ten and preferably more minutes and then let it sit for at least ten and preferably more minutes. Its a really ditzy system, but after a while you get used to knowing if you check it and its low you have to remember how long you rode it and how hot it got because it may well be a false reading. I just go with: "I know I rode it home on the freeway and didn't stop anywhere so it warmed up and got a good romp, therefore this morning it should be showing oil. If not, I'll rethink and maybe check it tomorrow or add just a tad in case..." So far that general rule has kept me riding!

[BubbaZanetti]

these things have a lot of oil circulating in them for a 1100-1200cc engine with no shared transmission oil.

my bike burns oil, always has, and i'm convinced (at 34K) always will, unless i do something about it.

my procedure has always been this: change oil, fill it up perfectly to the dot while on the centerstand on a flat, level surface.

watch as the oil is consumed, once it falls below 3/4 sight glass on the sidestand on a flat, level surface add 3-400 milliliters. i've never had oil in the airbox and never felt like i was running dangerously low. i find oil level checking to be the most offensive thing about my motorcycle and i guess i don't want it to be such a procedure every time i check.

[Xaque]

yeah, what everyone else said...

after a while you will get a "feel" for your bike and its oil consumption habits.

I do think it's very important to have the bike on the side stand for a short time than to place it on the center stand to read the level.

another quirk with my bike... sometimes the oil dissapears. I'll stop to read it and it will all be gone...

...it's a trick! It's in there somewhere... and it will show up later! Don't had a quart of oil (especially if you could have sworn it was full the last time you checked) or you will over fill... DAMHIK.

It's like blood pressures.. it's the "trends" of your oil level that's the most important

-Xaque-

[RobboZX14]

Sorry, reviving this thread.... I too have the R1150GS 2002. First oil change for me on this bike. After reading this thread, my questions is this: After the oil change, and a nice ride, I let the bike sit overnight (on center stand)and the oil level is just a hair lower then the top of the circle. Is this correct, or should I let some oil out until the level is at the half mark? first BMW and do not want any trouble!!

thanks for the help!

[j-budimlya]

You are good to go.....anywhere in the window is OK.

[Acejones]

These bikes are not delicate. A little too much or a little too little is not going to cause a disaster.

[cycleman2]

Warm up the engine, short ride whatever, shut the engine off and put the bike on its sidestand. Do something else for 10 minutes or so, and then put the bike on the center stand to check the oil.

If its full the oil level will just touch the top red line on the site glass.

Its been my experience with my R1100R that if I shut the engine off and check the oil level while the bike is on the center stand it will show about halfway on the site glass. The reason for this is if the bike is sitting straight up & down ( center stand ) the oil can't drain out of the oil cooler/s. When it sits on the side stand the oil can drain out of the oil coolers. Then you put it back on the center stand or hold the bike level & have a look. It should show as above.

[bikerfish1100]

Warm up the engine, short ride whatever, more than 15 minutes is really necessary to get fully warm shut the engine off and put the bike on its sidestand. Do something else for 10 minutes or so, and then put the bike on the center stand to check the oil.

If its full the oil level will just touch the top red line on the site glass. most would call that "overfilled". shoot for the dot in center, or 2/3 of the way up the sight glass. more than that will just get blown back out into the airbox.

.

[RobboZX14]

After a 30 minute ride, on the side for about 10 minutes, then on the center stand for 10 minutes, still looks pretty close to the top. For peace of mind, I think I will drain a bit out tomorrow. Anywhere in the window - but there should be more then a little space from the top, right???

[bikerfish1100]

ideal perfection is middle dot to 2/3 of window covered with oil.
acceptable is oil within the red circle.
unacceptable, and requesting change, (+ or -) is oil outside of the red circle.

all are after following procedure outlined by Robbo in previous post

[kgadley01]

After a 30 minute ride, on the side for about 10 minutes, then on the center stand for 10 minutes, still looks pretty close to the top. For peace of mind, I think I will drain a bit out tomorrow. Anywhere in the window - but there should be more then a little space from the top, right???

I wouldn't drain any out. I keep mine where yours is now. If you must drain some, be very carefull not to drain too much. A couple of ounces is a lot in the sight glass.

[RobboZX14]

Thanks all - I think I will check it in the morning. I am probably over thinking this a bit. I can't remember when I agonized over my other bike like this for an oil change. Most likely the first time too!

[ANDYVH]

WAY to many people agonize over this oil level thing WAY too much. Actually, the varience in oil level from the center dot in the sight glass to the top of the window is only about one pint of oil volume. Nothing to worry about.

As long as oil shows, with the bike on the centerstand, in the sight glass from the bottom to the top its good, and not worth all the worry and grief about it.

Like was said, "these bikes are not that delicate" and they don't need to be pampered and fretted about like so many people do. Ride it! Use it! Get it dirty and slopped up! I have been riding my 94 RS that way for 16 years and people don't believe its as old as it is or has the miles on it that it has.

[DennyPink]

Oilheads;

This reply might be a little delayed but, according to the owners manual the difference between the bottom and top of the oil circle is 0.5 litre which is 1/2 quart. Any oil level with-in the circle is right where it should be.

Denny Pink
R1100RSL

[RobboZX14]

After several warm up rides and inspections, I am consistantly in the 2/3rds range. This has been helpful to me, so thanks again.

Rob

[PETDOC]

Sorry, reviving this thread.... I too have the R1150GS 2002. First oil change for me on this bike. After reading this thread, my questions is this: After the oil change, and a nice ride, I let the bike sit overnight (on center stand)and the oil level is just a hair lower then the top of the circle. Is this correct, or should I let some oil out until the level is at the half mark? first BMW and do not want any trouble!!


I've got 43,000 miles on my 1150 GS and had changed the oil every 3,000 miles up to 12,000 miles on the odometer then switched to synthetic oil and 6,000 mile interval changes.
I always have used the technique of:
1) only check the oil level after the engine has been run sufficiently to warm it up (i.e., at least 5 bars on temp gauge),
2) park bike on side stand,
3) let it sit for 5 minutes or longer,
4) put on center stand,
5) leave
6) check the oil level before I ride again.
According to BMW the oil level should be within the red circle; therefore, unless I'm planning an exceptionally long ride even if the oil level is near the bottom of the red circle I often will not add oil.
Every time I change my oil and filter I add the prescribed amount of oil and almost invariably when I check my oil level after the first few rides it is above the red circle. I have yet to see oil in my airbox so I tend to ignore what may be an indication of being overfilled.
I have checked the oil level after very short rides where the bike has not completely warmed up and seen it vary from nothing in the sight glass to over the top.

[RobboZX14]

Thanks PetDoc - It really is a matter of getting comfortable with my new ride. I appreciate the help! Great information!

[PETDOC]

Here is a source for OEM oil filters at 1/2 the price BMW charges. Only difference being they lack the BMW logo and the BMW price. I dissected one of each (BMW and Mahle filters) and I can personally attest to the fact they are absolutely identical. Probably only worth the effort if you order several as you have to pay shipping.
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1177-oem-mahle-filter-oc91-for-bmw-motorcycles.aspx

[flars]

Easiest way to live with it:
1. Drain oil and remove filter.
2. Fill with 4 qts or whatever the factory calls for. You won't get extra bonus points for adding 3.7249332 quarts, letting it sit for a while, having a cold one, then coming back to check the sight glass and adding 'a little bit more, just to get it up to some imaginary point in the sight glass'. Just put 4 quarts in it and walk away.
3. At some point a few days or weeks later, start your rides this way: before you leave home (since that is where you keep your extra oil), with the bike on the side stand, glance at the oil sight glass. If you see oil in the sight glass. Ride. Notice I said 'side stand' and 'glance' and 'if you see oil'. I didn't say where on the sight glass, nor did I mention anything about the curvature of the earth, time of day, or whether you had to be on one knee, or standing erect.

Is this the factory recommended way? No. Is this the MOA/RA/IBMWRR/RT way? No. It is just the easy way, and it will make your life much more enjoyable and stress free. Does this way work? Yes. Is it perfect? Well, yes, because I don't have any nervous disorders or heart problems. And besides - I get to snicker under my breath whenever someone wants to discuss oil sight glass levels.

I check my oil now and then, here and there, and sometimes ride a bunch of miles before I remember to look at the oil level, and I have actually added oil between oil changes a couple of times...I think. My RS has 151,000 miles on it. My RT has 66,000 miles. Ain't got no oil related failures yet, but the motors could blow up at any time I guess.

Ride. Eat barbeque. Sleep. Repeat. (take a shower now and then)

[bikerfish1100]

4 qts will overfill.
3.75 works better.

is that additional 250ml a major concern? obviously not. But why tempt fate?

[Merlin III]

I am having the same problems with my new to me 2001 1150GS. I heated up the engine to two bars, let it set on the sidestand, then put it on the centerstand for about ten minutes. The site glass indicated that it was at about 3/4 full. I added some oil and moved it up to about 7/8 full.

Today after a 4 hour ride, I checked the oil again and the site glass is full when read on the centerstand. This #$@*! me off. Also I did notice some seepage out of the oil filler cap.

Other responses stated that the excess oil would blow back back into the airbox. I assume they mean the air filter compartment? Could someone please clarify this point. My overfilling can't be too excessive, but here again I wonder is I should try to drain some of the oil off?

[Happy Wanderer]

I am having the same problems with my new to me 2001 1150GS. I heated up the engine to two bars, let it set on the sidestand, then put it on the centerstand for about ten minutes. The site glass indicated that it was at about 3/4 full. I added some oil and moved it up to about 7/8 full.

Today after a 4 hour ride, I checked the oil again and the site glass is full when read on the centerstand. This #$@*! me off. Also I did notice some seepage out of the oil filler cap.

Other responses stated that the excess oil would blow back back into the airbox. I assume they mean the air filter compartment? Could someone please clarify this point. My overfilling can't be too excessive, but here again I wonder is I should try to drain some of the oil off?

Two bars is probably not enough to open the oil temp thermostat and as such oil up there does not drain down and affects proper measurement in the sight glass. Overfilling these bikes with oil is a common problem because of the way the oil cooler works.

There are several posts here saying how long to ride your bike before checking the oil and the consensus is: get it good and hot! (That's five full bars for me) Then side stand the bike on level ground for at least five or ten minutes to drain all the oil down. Take a look and the sight glass will be pretty much all the way full. Center stand the bike on level ground and wait five to ten minutes again and take another look. The oil level should be at the center dot or a wee bit higher and that is where you want it.

There is a drain plug for the airbox located at the left rear corner of the airbox. The plug is very similar to your plasitic filler plug. Open it and stick your finger in there. If it comes out with oil on your finger or oil starts dripping out just put a rag under the hole and leave it over night. Usually, when a bike is over filled with oil this is where it ends up.

[Merlin III]

There is a drain plug for the airbox located at the left rear corner of the airbox. The plug is very similar to your plasitic filler plug. Open it and stick your finger in there. If it comes out with oil on your finger or oil starts dripping out just put a rag under the hole and leave it over night. Usually, when a bike is over filled with oil this is where it ends up.[/QUOTE]

I found the plug, partially opened it, and oil started dripping. I will leave it over night so that it will drain completely. The cap apparently got hung up and I don't want to make a mess trying to get it completely off with oil dripping from the drain hole.

Would I be on fairly solid ground in thinking that since I did a four hour drive with apparently too much oil in the crankcase that all or most of the excess oil ended up in the airbox reservoir? And if my assumption is correct, I would think that there would be no need to try to drain any oil from the crankcase, does that sound right?

Thanks for your help.
Phil

[Happy Wanderer]

[/QUOTE]
I found the plug, partially opened it, and oil started dripping. I will leave it over night so that it will drain completely. The cap apparently got hung up and I don't want to make a mess trying to get it completely off with oil dripping from the drain hole.

Would I be on fairly solid ground in thinking that since I did a four hour drive with apparently too much oil in the crankcase that all or most of the excess oil ended up in the airbox reservoir? And if my assumption is correct, I would think that there would be no need to try to drain any oil from the crankcase, does that sound right?

Thanks for your help.
Phil[/QUOTE]
If it was over filled enough to blow oil into the airbox my guess would be that it is still somewhat over filled. Only way to know for sure is to ride it till the oil is good and hot and check it as described. If you do decide to take some out and while it's hot wear some latex gloves. It comes out hot enough to burn your hand real good if you are not careful. Use a clean pan so that you can put some back if need be. Getting a slippery oil plug back in gets tricky with hot oil. :)

There was a previous post saying to just pour 4 quarts in there and forget about it. That is wrong. The manual states clearly, 3.75 liters (quarts are very close to liters) with a new oil filter and 3.5 if you don't change the oil filter. 4 quarts WILL overfill it.

Oh, and most of us never change the oil without changing the filter. Changing the oil and filter every 5000 miles is easy to remember and that is what is called for. Unless you race the bike you don't need to change the oil every 3000 miles. Waste of oil resources and money.

[Merlin III]

I decided to drain some oil. I opened the plug until I got a constant drip. I drained it to the middle of the circle. I tightened the plug, took it for a test ride, looked for drips, and did an oil level check using the prescribed procedure.

The oil level now is near the upper part of the red circle. I clearly lowered it to the center. Someone mentioned that synthetic oil expands when hot. Maybe this has something to do with it. What I learned was that this is a piss poor way for owners to keep track of their oil levels. From now on I will only fill it to the lower quadrant-case closed.

[Walking Eagle]

'94R11RS -- Use of the SIDESTAND for 30 mins or so after a ride is mandatory on my bike, because otherwise, if I throw it up on the CENTERSTAND, NO OIL SHOWS (at all) in the window, and it won't drain down over time. Days and days, and NO oil shows. . .

I know from experience that mine burns very little oil (50k), so to get an accurate read, or any read at all, I MUST do the above. . .

Everybody here may have a slightly different method -- maybe no two are exactly alike, thus the love.

Walking Eagle