Proper Oil Level on 02 R1150RT

[brprider679]

When viewing the site glass how far up should my oil level be? I recently had it serviced and it came back in the middle level position. Is this correct or should it be to the top level of the site glass? Also, is slight oil consumption (approx. 1 pint between oil change intervals) normal on this bike?

[bikerfish1100]

middle is correct, a pint between changes is virtually nothing.

[kgadley01]

When viewing the site glass how far up should my oil level be? I recently had it serviced and it came back in the middle level position. Is this correct or should it be to the top level of the site glass? Also, is slight oil consumption (approx. 1 pint between oil change intervals) normal on this bike?

on your bike, theres a method to use to get an accurate reading. after getting the bike warmed up to operating temputure, turn it off and leave it on the side stand for 10 minutes. then put it on the center stand and check it. I keep mine between halfway and 3/4 in the site glass.

[maxscycle]

after getting the bike warmed up to operating temputure, turn it off and leave it on the side stand for 10 minutes. then put it on the center stand and check it.

The problem with this metheod, is that your going to get an artificially high oil level reading. This method drains the oil cooler some. But when the engine is running, the oil cooler is full. So what ever drains back from the cooler is now causing a misreading. Book says, warm bike, centerstand bike, warm a few minutes and check it.
max

[bikerfish1100]

The problem with this metheod, is that your going to get an artificially high oil level reading. This method drains the oil cooler some. But when the engine is running, the oil cooler is full. So what ever drains back from the cooler is now causing a misreading. Book says, warm bike, centerstand bike, warm a few minutes and check it.
max

ummmmmm...... i don't think so. you want to know that amount of oil in the system- which would include whatever oil gets sent to the cooler once the engine is warmed up. otherwise- you could NEVER accurately check your oil level with the bike cold- as your thinking would require that you must send oil to the cooler first to get an accurate reading. that's not an "artifically" high reading- as you are only reading oil that is in the system, and nothing else.
i would think either method could work fine- as long as you are aware that if you never tilt the bike when warm that you may read artificially low, as compared to the tilt when warm method, which will read (nearly) ALL oil.

[dhgeyer]

I don't have the same bike you do - mine's an earlier generation, but I think the two things I have learned from my own experience may help. First, to get consistent readings, it doesn't seem to make as much difference whether or not I put the bike on the sidestand temporarily as it does how hot the engine is. If it's good and warmed up the oil will drain out of the coolers completely after 15 minutes or so. If not, it won't. Don't ever be fooled into adding oil because it has not drained down completely, as you'll end up with it overfilled.

The other thing I have learned is that, on my bike at least, too much is far worse than too little as long as you have enough to maintain proper oil pressure. If I put in the amount that the manual recommends I get significantly more vibration, and the plugs foul rather quickly. I keep mine with the oil in the sight glass at or below the mid point in the window - never any more than that. As long as I can see some oil in the sightglass after it's completely drained down, I don't worry.

The amount of oil you're using is great. Be happy.

[OfficerImpersonator]

ummmmmm...... i don't think so. you want to know that amount of oil in the system- which would include whatever oil gets sent to the cooler once the engine is warmed up. otherwise- you could NEVER accurately check your oil level with the bike cold- as your thinking would require that you must send oil to the cooler first to get an accurate reading. that's not an "artifically" high reading- as you are only reading oil that is in the system, and nothing else.
i would think either method could work fine- as long as you are aware that if you never tilt the bike when warm that you may read artificially low, as compared to the tilt when warm method, which will read (nearly) ALL oil.

Are you advising the reader to ignore the protocol specified in the manual and follow your routine instead?

[BONEY]

These bikes hold lot of oil. The difference between the top of the sight glass and the bottom of the sight glass is a small amount.

There are as many superstitions about checking and maintaining oil levels as there are theories about which oil is the best. Some even advocate letting your warm bike sit on the side stand long enough to brew a cup of tea before putting it up the the center stand.

Here's mine:

Use a good oil that meets the specs set forth by the factory.

Leave your bike on the side stand when you park it. Before you ride it next time, look and see if there's oil in the sight glass. If there is, ride it. Whether you decide to heft it onto the center stand or not is your choice.

Cold bike on sidestand + oil in sightglass = ride.

Are you advising the reader to ignore the protocol specified in the manual and follow your routine instead?


I'll save you the effort of asking me the same. I'm advocating not making mountains out of molehills regarding oil levels. The level of oil in the oilheads seems to be in a constant state of flux for those who check, double check, and then second guess. It's easy to over fill them, and the extra ends up in the air box. It's easy to get different level measurements depending on whether the oil cooler drained, or not. Something the factory book does not reference. I'm advocating finding a set method by which you feel comfortable measuring the oil in your bike that creates the same circumstances every time. Following the factory book does create that. So does my method. It's a matter of what your level of comfort is, and how exacting you want to be.

[bikerfish1100]

These bikes hold lot of oil. The difference between the top of the sight glass and the bottom of the sight glass is a small amount.

There are as many superstitions about checking and maintaining oil levels as there are theories about which oil is the best. Some even advocate letting your warm bike sit on the side stand long enough to brew a cup of tea before putting it up the the center stand.

Here's mine:

Use a good oil that meets the specs set forth by the factory.

Leave your bike on the side stand when you park it. Before you ride it next time, look and see if there's oil in the sight glass. If there is, ride it. Whether you decide to heft it onto the center stand or not is your choice.



I'll save you the effort of asking me the same. I'm advocating not making mountains out of molehills regarding oil levels. The level of oil in the oilheads seems to be in a constant state of flux for those who check, double check, and then second guess. It's easy to over fill them, and the extra ends up in the air box. It's easy to get different level measurements depending on whether the oil cooler drained, or not. Something the factory book does not reference. I'm advocating finding a set method by which you feel comfortable measuring the oil in your bike that creates the same circumstances every time. Following the factory book does create that. So does my method. It's a matter of what your level of comfort is, and how exacting you want to be.

what he said.
and yes, i'll go with ignore whatever manual you are referencing. if oil is checked cold, right after an oil change , and it gives you a correct reading, than how can knowingly leaving oil in the radiator give a correct level that is anything near consistent with your oil change level?
btw- it's not "my" routine- it's one that is very well documented on this forum, a number of other BMW forums, and supported br trained factory techs.

[kgadley01]

damn guys, I was just passing on what works for me, that by the way I learned on this Forum. now ya'all kiss and make up. :stick

[BONEY]

damn guys, I was just passing on what works for me, that by the way I learned on this Forum. now ya'all kiss and make up. :stick


There is nothing wrong with the method you're using. So long as you stick to it. The problem arises when you start checking it under different circumstances.