| Author | Message | ||
     Signal4 |
I found an archived thread on this and tried to post there, but the thread didn't come back up to the top. So here's a new thread. I checked my oil last night and found it about 3 mm below the add line. I have 800 miles on the bike, and was thinking about how the break in service was coming up, and decided to check it. I had just ridden it for about 30 mins, and I think I gave it a few mins (3?) before I checked it. Today I rode to the dealership to pick up my cargo net. When I got there I hopped off and immediately checked it, it showed no oil at all. I asked the service guy, and he said that I shouldn't worry about it using some oil during break in and that I needed to wait a bit before checking the oil. I rode home (about 10-12 mins) and hopped off and immediately checked it again. No oil. I then waiting about 5-10 mins and just checked it. It comes to about the middle of the second D in ADD on the stick. Okay, so what's the real deal? Is it okay? How long should I wait to check the oil on the bike after I turn it off? Thanks! | ||
| Crempel |
You must wait until you can put your tongue on the header pipe without hearing any sizzling. Really, I can't imagine the oil level increasing much after a minute or so because there is no more pumping happening. All that can be happening is the warm/hot oil settling to the floor of the reservoir/swingarm. Since the oil is at its thinnest state this should only take a minute or so. I usually pull into the garage, take off my helmet and jacket, put them away, and then check the oil. I'd be curious if anyone else has so other input though. | ||
| Froggy |
Your bike is a 2009, its a known issue on the 08+ models that they tend to be difficult with the oil checking procedure. Put a little oil in it if it bothers you, and put some more miles on it. | ||
| Nobuell |
Have a 08XT and I used to check the oil immediately after shut-down. I would let the bike idle and then hit the kill switch and pull the dipstick. I have found that getting the bike good and hot and then check the oil with the bike idling is the most consistent method. The oil level would drop fairly quickly on my bike as many others. | ||
| Nvr2old |
I had the same experience with a new '08. After 3000 miles, it's no longer an issue. I get consistent readings on the dipstick and very little loss of oil. Most of the advice you'll get on here is to just ride it. You'll become so addicted to it you just won't care anyway. | ||
| Joesbuell |
My 09 Uly used alot in the first weekend that I did the first 1100k's. Disapered off the dipstick too! After changing the oil It has not used much in the next 2500k's. I check my oil parked in the same place in my shed and with it once hot while idling and then again staight after shutting it off. Works for me  | ||
| Jphish |
Us 08 & 09 riders have the disappearing oil mystery issue. I drained my oil (get it ALL out - let it drip for 15mins) put in exactly 2.4 quarts (Remember to replace drain plug first)- put the other 1/10th in the filter. Went for a ride to full operating temp - checked it within 30 secs of shut down. Sits right at the 2nd X on the dip stick. Be consistant on interval - if you wait 2 mins, mines at the bottom of the dip stick. If you add more than 2.5 quarts, you will have a very messy airbox and filter. For some reason it likes to pump any excess up there. Thats my experience - others may be different. PS - make sure you're on flat ground - the level is sensitive to slope. j | ||
| Signal4 |
Alright, I'll keep riding and experiment a bit more. At least if it blows up I asked the service ppl so my warranty is all good.  | ||
| Ourdee |
Signal4, Pull out your service manual and write down the names and dates of all the dealings with service. Document, document, document! I try and keep accurate records of who, when, what and where when it comes to service. | ||
| Signal4 |
So I rode it again today, and at the end of the ride I checked the oil immediately again. It's still right at the second D in ADD. Oh and to answer someone's previous question, yes I'm on level ground I'm in my garage. Also, the fan ran the whole ride today and it seemed to be running hotter than normal, at least to my right leg. Outside temps here in Clarksville were milder than when I rode last weekend. Strange. I'm getting a bit concerned again... adding oil can't cause any harm during break in can it? I'm going by the dealership again tomorrow as they are having some type of function up there I'm invited to and I'm going to say something to them again. | ||
| Signal4 |
Well nevermind... just checked it while it was idling and it shows that it is full, it is directly on the full line. So I guess it is okay! | ||
| Dirtysouth |
I don't think checking the oil while it is idling is a accurate method as the oil is being pumped or sprayed around. | ||
| Osup |
Just ride it and change the oil on regular intervals. If you feel the need to add oil, go for it. Just don't be surprised when you find a very wet and oily airbox come service time. | ||
| Jphish |
Signal - Checking level while running does let you know it's 'there' - but does not provide an accurate reading. You're close enough to 1000 mi so just change the oil & filter as per instructions & then you'll know exactly where 2.5 qts lands on the dip stick. Keep in mind the difference between the bottom and top of the X's is only 150ml - about 5 oz out of an 80 oz capacity. 2 things will happen as you wear in the motor - it will use less oil and fan will run less. Eventually I'd change to a good synthetic oil (AMS or Mobil 1 or ??) it will run cooler. j | ||
| Signal4 |
Thanks guys... I plan on having them change it to Ams oil (is it "Ams" or AMS by the way? I don't want to sound retarded when I ask for it!) when they do the 1,000 service. I actually wanted to do it myself, but the manual recommends letting the dealer do the break in service and I want to make sure I get 2 years out of the warranty. So I'll probably try and put 100 miles on it today before they close and then drop it off. Josh | ||
| Froggy |
The manual recommends many wallet lightening procedures Edit: I see in your profile you use Appleton TN as your dealer. If possible I would avoid them, I have not heard much good about them. Bumpus would be my choice in your area. (Message edited by froggy on June 13, 2009) | ||
| Jphish |
Josh - Unlikely they carry AMSoil (pronounced 'amsoil')Ya can find it in some auto parts stores but generally have to order it. for the time being just go buy 3 qts of Mobil 1 20/50 for motorcycles and tell them to put it in - they will want to sell you the syn3 HD oil - wont do any harm, but not what I'd choose to run long term. I use AMS20/50 in tranny also - but the HD Formula+ isn't bad stuff. Some folks like to run dino oil until 5K miles to insure break in - I use a robust break in process in the first 1000 mi so switched to AMSoil @ first change. Good luck. j | ||
| Signal4 |
Froggy, They got a new manager this January, and he's a Buell rider. He has been really great to me so far, trying hard to take care of me personally. Whenever I'm there and he sees me he always comes over and asks me if I'm being helped and if I need anything. He also has a knack for giving me free stuff LOL. So it's been good so far, I'm guessing he really wants to show that they appreciate the Buell folks. I'll hang with them unless they burn me, which hopefully won't occur. I will say when I was shopping I also called the guys at Bumpus to do some competitive shopping. The new manager at Appleton's worked at Bumpus for seven years before he came up here, and the Bumpus guys were really great on the phone and I wouldn't hesitate to go see them if I lived in the Murfreesboro area or if I was down that way. I can't speak of any past actions Appleton's might have made though as this is my first experience with them. But if Bumpus has a good rep then maybe the new manager at Appleton's (from Bumpus!) can bring some of the lovin back up here too. In other news, I got the 1k service done today and went with Amsoil 20-50. They were excellent on the turnaround and it cost me about 120 bucks less than Bumpus had told me it would be (they had told me the cost cause they were going to waive the fee if I bought my bike down there). When I got home I checked the oil and it was just covering the first two X's, so it looks good. See the coughing and idle issues thread for more info on that topic. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Here's my philosophy on the dipstick. If you check your oil and there is no oil showing on the dipstick you should add some. If you see none on the dipstick there is no way of knowing how much is in the engine. If you see any oil on the dipstick you are fine. The lack of 2 or 4 ounces is not going to kill your engine. The dipstick is a very crude oil level estimation device. I'm not saying that you should ignore apparently excessive oil consumption. I am saying that one should not be obsessive about oil levels. | ||
| Signal4 |
Jphish, Apparently they have Amsoil, the guy behind the counter asked me what I wanted and he didn't look the least surprised. I told him I had figured they wouldn't have it in stock, and he said they keep it on hand because so many folks ask for it. Then he said, "You want in to replace all the fluids in the bike, right?" And I was like "Heck yeah."  | ||
| Jphish |
Hey Josh - Great! Appears you have a dealer that stocks what customers want. Keep in mind Johnnylunchbox's sage council - if is shows on the dipstick... you're good to go. With the switch to AMSoil you may also notice the shifting will have more of a click than a crunch. The 1000 mi fluid change is an important one - lots of 'brakein' particulates floating around in that oil. j |
