Low Oil Level In Sight Glass

[brprider679]

After servicing my R1150RT at the dealer I noticed the oil level was in the middle of the sight glass. I know this is not a big issue but I like to edge it toward the top of the glass closer to the full mark. I added 1/2 pint or less and took it out for a short spin to get the temp up so I could check it again. After riding I waited about 20 minutes and rechecked the level. This time it barely registers any oil at all! I can't find any leaks or drips. What is going on??

[PGlaves]

After servicing my R1150RT at the dealer I noticed the oil level was in the middle of the sight glass. I know this is not a big issue but I like to edge it toward the top of the glass closer to the full mark. I added 1/2 pint or less and took it out for a short spin to get the temp up so I could check it again. After riding I waited about 20 minutes and rechecked the level. This time it barely registers any oil at all! I can't find any leaks or drips. What is going on??

Two comments: the spec for that bike is to fill to the dot - not halfway higher or the top ring. At the dot.

And, you can drive yourself nuts trying to check the oil - the level varies a lot by how much oil doesn't drain out of the cooler or hides other places. It can take a long time for trapped oil to drain down and reappear in the sight glass.

Get it right - then check it cold in the morning after it has been undisturbed overnight and you will be doing the best that's possible.

[Ozonkiller]

I have found on my '96 RS that it runs smoother with the oil level at the bottom of the glass. I will add that my bike uses no oil between changes, so I don't worry about running it on the low side.

[Ozonkiller]

Hey Paul,

How far are you from Goliad, Texas? I'll be there this weekend running the Texas Mile on my ZX14.

If you or anyone else come out, look me up. I'm riding a blue Kawasaki ZX14 with #14 on the front.

Sorry about the hijack:doh

Tom

[PGlaves]

Hey Paul,

How far are you from Goliad, Texas? I'll be there this weekend running the Texas Mile on my ZX14.

Tom

About 500 miles

[MrB]

I have found on my '96 RS that it runs smoother with the oil level at the bottom of the glass.

It runs smoother--How can that be?

[chris_d]

same experience on my 95 RSL....noticeable increase in vibration above the red dot

[Motowalt]

The recommended method for the 1150GS is:
Bring bike up to temp, at least 4 bars showing.
Park on side stand for 5 minutes to let the oil drain from the oil cooler.
Then place on center stand.
Check 5 minutes later.
That should give you an accurate reading...your particular model of bike may vary.

[Ozonkiller]

I actually posted a thread on this some time ago.

In short... I added oil while on a ride to Nova Scotia a number of years ago. I picked up this strange subtle vibration. 5000 miles from home. It got my attention. After I got home, I did a full service. Vibration was gone.

Fast forward... same scenario. Same results.


"Hmmm", Says I

After a bunch of experimenting, I found that as little as 100 cc's makes a difference.

[PGlaves]

same experience on my 95 RSL....noticeable increase in vibration above the red dot

Related in some way to the volume of air - and reciprocation pressures in the crankcase I would imagine.

[dhgeyer]

I have also learned on my '96 R850R to go a bit light on the oil. If I put in the specified amount I get what can best described as a secondary, fairly heavy vibration in a certain RPM range. Bike doesn't have a tach, but it's around 40 mph in 3d, or 30 mph in second. If I keep the oil level near the bottom of the ring in the sight glass, (checked after the engine has been thoroughly warmed and then had plenty of time for the oil to drain down), then I don't get that particular vibration.

[Ozonkiller]

It's good to know that I'm not crazy:scratch

I'm very diligent when it comes to trouble shooting. It took me a lot of fussing around with different things before I was convinced that I had found the smoking gun with the oil level. I can't tell you why.:dunno

Keep in mind folks that this vibration isn't a big deal or that serious. It's just when you are 5000 miles from home and something new pops up, no matter how subtle, it grabs your attention.

Since I figured out what causes it, I figure, why not enjoy the extra smoothness.

[aaaaaa]

Figuring out the oil level can be a PITA.
robert