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Thread: Oil level frustration

  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
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    23
    Ok, just had my 620 mile service done. I checked the oil (hot check) the next day and had no reading on the stick so i brought it back to the dealer.The tech who serviced my bike checked it and added a little...The way they told me to check the oil is like this:Run it til its hot, shut it off , wait 3-4 minutes and check it.(this is not the procedure in my owners manual). When this method is used there is no reading on the stick.
    I then checked it like this(my interpretation of the owners manual method): Drove the bike for at least 10 minutes, came to stop, let bike idle for 3-4 minutes while keeping bike upright, shut off, loosened dip stick and kept bike upright for additional 3-4 minutes,wiped dipstick, inserted and turned until tight, removed and checked-The level was at the lowest lie-the Add LINE. I added enough to get into the cross hatches.
    SO THEN I parked it and did he cold check this morning before I started it- The level was at the bottom ADD LINE again.
    There are no visible leaks and it doesnt smoke. The service manager at my hd dealer has an 08 R with less than 2000 miles on it and he says he's had to add a quart already.
    I havent gotten my service manual yet and wont have it until next week so hopefully that will answer some questions.
    To be honest, I'm bummed that the buell tech at my local dealer doesnt readily know the deal for my bike. (these guys at least try though-i've gotten some bad treatment at most hd/buell dealers since i'm on a buell not a hd)
    I was a mechanic so I am at least mechanically inclined and I will learn about this motor, but in the meantime I have 2 issues:
    1)wts the proper way to check the oil level(dont want to starve it or overfill it)
    2)is there anyone around s.jersey that is knowledgeable about these bikes in case there is a real issue?
    This bike is unlike any i've ever ridden- I'm lovin it.

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
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    1,344
    the sportsters had a service-manual typo a few years ago. they kept coming up 3/4 short of a quart.

    here is the 2010 1125 procedure

    Pre ride Inspection:

    An accurate engine oil check can only be made with the engine at normal operating temperature.

    1. With motorcycle on the side stand look at the oil level in the sight gauge. An indicated oil level between the lower and upper lines on the oil level sight gauge is acceptable for safe engine operation.

    2. If there is no oil present in the sight gauge lift the motorcycle to a straight up and down position to see if any oil appears in the sight gauge.

    3. If oil appears proceed to the Hot Check.

    4. If no oil appears place motorcycle on sidestand and add oil in 0.1 L (3.4 fl oz) increments just until you see oil in the gauge and then proceed to the Hot Check

    Hot Check Procedure:

    1. To bring the motorcycle to normal operating temperature, ridethe motorcycle for a least 10 minutes and 8 kilometers (5 miles).

    2. Park the motorcycle on the sidestand while idling and remove the oil fill plug.

    3. Idle the engine one (1) minute. Shut off the engine.

    4. Read the oil level in the sight gauge.a. Below the lower line: Add oil in 0.1 L (3.4 fl oz)increments until the level is between the upper andlower lines.b. Between the upper and lower lines: It is safe tooperate the motorcycle.c. At (or above) the upper line: Drain oil at 0.2 L (6.8fl oz) increments until the oil level is between the lines.

    5. Reinstall the oil fill plug.

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    756
    the 08r and 09r/cr models do not have a sight glass on the side of the case...

    the oil level comes up different on my bike every time....If i get it between the lines one time it will be over filled the next... I have changed the oil twice now and have come to the conclusion that I will now just put in 3 qts and a filter and leave it be. Unless it smokes or leaks it will be fine for the short intervals I let it go between services.

  4. #4
    Senior Member
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    Jan 2009
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    It is the same on my 09 CR. I do just like xtreme6669 and put 3 qts in.

  5. #5
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
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    23
    thanks for the replies-at least I know I'm not losing my mind. Ok got it 3 qts and thats it. The first service was done at the dealer so I'm assuming 3 qts were put in.Thanks again.
    suns out....gonna bundle up for a spin!

  6. #6
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Posts
    18
    Mine is usually the same on a hot check and with 3 quarts in, it will be just below the add line on a cold check.

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
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    756
    I would not count on the dealer having put in 3 qts... the book shows a little less.

  8. #8
    I agree with not counting on the dealer FOR ANYTHING! Also, my XB12 goes through a quart per 2k miles after proper break in period was followed, I wouldn't expect anything less on my CR. The dealership said it was normal. I just keep it full.

  9. #9
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    4
    Nothing showed up on mine. the dealer said it has to be hot to check to oil......we will see. I get it back tomorrow. had some electrical problems, and they should be fixed. I just had my 600 mile check up. I ran it and checked it, no oil showing at all, hot or cold..

  10. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
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    2,198
    Dude form what iv understood, the Rotax in the 125 was originally in design for the new Ape. But then Ape took all there engine design in house and it went to buell. From what iv been told, if you want a good tech for your 1125 you take it to and Ape Tech, they are used to working on Rotax.



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