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Adding Oil: It is about 8 ounces (1/4 qt) between the bottom line on the dipstick and the top line on the dipstick. Dont overfill! Also, check oil with engine OFF!

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Archive through September 22, 2008Robi30 09-22-08  11:28 am
         

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Reuel
Posted on Monday, September 22, 2008 - 01:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If I've gone a bit too long between checks and find I need to add a lot, I'll start it up, rev it a bunch for about 30 seconds, then check again. I only do this once. If I find myself having to add more, I'll check it again immediately after the next ride.
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Monday, September 22, 2008 - 10:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If you add a quart or more you run a risk of engine damage. It may actually, if you neglect it, need a quart. But again, once you start measuring added oil by the quart, you're in trouble.
{A regular oil change on a Blast can show full at 1 1/2 quarts}.

FWIW:I check the oil immediately after I shut the bike down in the garage. Gear on, tankbag on. I just pull the dipstick, wipe it on the rag left nearby and check it. Between the lines is good enough. I dont worry if its resting on the kickstand, upright, dipstick screwed all the way in or not. Only when I'm on the racetrack do I get obsessive about it.
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Robi
Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 09:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I will use your advise, but my tank bag is one that needs to be removed. a. It's too big, but was free; and b. the foam padding is deteriorating. Since I want to replace it and it's too big, I haven't ordered a new foam padding.

So taking the gear off serves the purpose of: a. my clumsy arse not getting spills on my jacket, and b. allows me to wipe and blow away the bits of padding that falls apart around the dip stick.

I will check it more regularly though, and I'm glad you are suggesting I don't have to be so critical about screwing it in all the way just for the routine checks.

Thank you
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 10:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Unsolicited advice:
I wouldnt worry about the foam padding. Take it off if its coming apart, unless your bag really slides around a lot. My Tourmaster bag is big and while the foam padding made the bag slide around a little less, it was more trouble than it was worth for daily use. I'll only put it on now for long trips where I'm filling the bag to capacity. Its done very little damage (if any) to the tank surface and if yours is a 2001 w/10k+ miles, then your tank is probably a little dull anyway.
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Robi
Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 10:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Good point. I had cut some of the edges out and around the dip stick. The edges are worn the most. I'll look to see which side of the velcro would be touching the tank if I took it all off. Maybe I'll just cut it further back for now.
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Robi
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - 08:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

OK. Checked last night. Pulled in. Kept it running while I got some light on. Grabbed a rag. And pulled the over sized tank bag out of the way. Turned off. Leaned upright. I did end up screwing the dip stick in about 3/4 of the way.

Oil just about 1/2 thickness of a dime below flat of the top arrow.

Will keep you posted if it goes down significantly.
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Ezblast
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - 11:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Screw the dipstick all the way in, then out.
EZ
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Robi
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - 12:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Roger. It was closer to all the way in, I just said about 3/4 for ease. I screwed in until it seated. Normally I was screwing it in until it was tight, which was a few more turns.

But I see what you're saying. That'd mean I'm right at the top line or above. I'll check when home tonight. If I'm above, how far above is safe? Or should I drain if I'm even a little above?
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Ezblast
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - 01:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

iIf a nickle thickness or two - don't worry, if more, then drain just an ounce or two at most and you would be golden.
EZ
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Reuel
Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 - 04:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I overfilled my Blast once. It had been in storage for quite a long time, I think close to a year. I added 1/2 quart, thinking I should get something visible through the hole. That was when I didn't know better. It was overfull, which means it was a while before I had to add more oil. It didn't complain any.
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Thursday, September 25, 2008 - 12:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The dipstick gets screwed in about 1/4 turn after its seats when threading it in. Tighter than that will eventually strip the dipstick and I've never heard of a Blast dipstick vibrating loose.

To reiterate, leaned over, upright, screwed in or not, doesnt matter. The correct way is screwed all the way in, but if not screwed in, halfway between the lines is full and between the lines is all you need to know. Regular checks means you can relax.

FWIW and on the subject of storage: check the oil before you park the bike for any length of time and write down the level and tape it to the speedo. That way when you go to start the bike and there isnt any oil visible in the frame (dipstick hole), you'll know its okay (unless there's a puddle of oil on the floor).
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Robi
Posted on Thursday, September 25, 2008 - 10:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

(fingers crossed) I'm not planning on storing it. The only time I'm planning on not riding is in rain, snow, ice, or lightening (or I guess anything I haven't thought about yet -- locust, meteors, tornado winds, etc).

My neighbor rides in rain. If I'm able to save up for some decent riding rain gear and get a couple of seasons under my belt, I'd probably rain ride too. But right now, I'm doing my best to stick to dry pavement.
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Rainman
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 07:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Rain is no big deal, just slow down. In fact, it's best to go ahead and get used to it because it will rain on you whenever you ride with others and result in wet and soggy motorheads giving you a new nickname that you will never shake.

Lightning can kill, locust are very squishy and meteors can be survived with a Snell 2011-rated helmet.
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Robi
Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 08:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You know, it's on my list to ride in the rain during down time, because I agree with you, one of these days I'm going to get caught in it, either way. Problem is, when ever there is down time, the couch, pizza, and remote join in unison to call my name a little louder.
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Robi
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 09:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Since last check (Wed) 9/24 as noted above above. Rode (Thur-Fri) 9/25-26. Garage Saturday - Yesterday. Rode today. So that's 3 days of commuting at about 24 miles a day, a total of 72 miles.

Checked oil after 12 mile commute home. Let it run while I got the garage open etc. Oil just above the physical bottom of the stick. Just above as in just a tad of oil on the bottom of the stick.

Put a funnel in an poured a shot glass worth in.

Is that a lot of oil to go through?
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Ezblast
Posted on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 10:47 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Pour in another shot glass. Sounds like its not really getting warmed up though. You need about 1/2 hr riding.
EZ
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Robi
Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 03:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Home last night, right in the middle.
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Reuel
Posted on Saturday, October 04, 2008 - 06:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Good spot. Put more in when it's about to get to the bottom.
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Blastlvr
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 04:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Wow, I almost screwed up my engine. I just had my 1000 mile service completed about 1 month ago and have put an additional ~700 miles on it when I decided to check the oil. Holy crap! My oil didn't touch the stick (but my light did not come on -so hopefully my engine is ok). : ( Wow, does this bike burn through the oil... What's the consensus here for checking oil? Every time I ride? Not good... why does the Blast use so much oil?
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Ezblast
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 05:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

LOL - 700 miles and never checked your oil? On a new bike - wow - check your oil once a week, or after any ride over 100 miles, consumption will decrease as bike is broken in.
EZ
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Blastlvr
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 05:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Actually, I think that's kind of excessive. The hubby's new bike (he's always had used bikes) doesn't require that frequent checking because it doesn't burn through oil that much. Even the H-D dealership stated that I should not have oil levels that low so soon (I called). Granted, I now know that the bike drinks oil, but one would think there would be some kind of warning to frequently check your oil in bold or something similar like the "Caution could cause death...of bike" (besides the ho hum, check oil with each fill up -standard oil advice). But who ever heard of a bike using that much oil without a leak??
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Ezblast
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 06:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

There is in the Owners Manual

- don't take my word, ask around - all HD's drink oil - some like Sailors drink rum - lol - its an engine design issue, does not make it a bad engine - just a bit thirsty - don't sweat it as I said earlier, it will decrease - there are a lot of reasons for this and on a new engine I wouldn't worry about it too much.
EZ
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Reuel
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 06:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The Blast's parts are of a flexible tolerance, which means it's much harder to kill if you overheat it or run it low on oil. To get that tolerance, parts are further apart, allowing the opportunity for more oil to slip past.

I've oversimplified quite a bit, but you get the idea. A vigorous break-in will decrease this situation.

Oh--it doesn't take much oil to get from the middle of the dip stick to just below the bottom. If you check every time you get gas, you'll always be fine. If you ride regularly, figure out a way to check every 200 to 300 miles.
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Blastlvr
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 08:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Doh! ok, thanks guys... I bought 3 quarts, so that I would have a decent supply handy when needed. I'll definitely start checking every 100 miles (and calibrate from there). Here's hoping there's no permanent damage...
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Blastlvr
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 08:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Since I know my oil level is pretty low, should I go ahead and add 1/2 quart and then start the engine to check my oil level. I don't want to warm up my engine when the oil level is so low. what do you think???

Thanks again!
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 08:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Never add more than 8 oz(1/4 quart) even if you are very low. If oil is on the stick or you can see it in the frame, cut that back to 4 oz (or less). It is very, very, very, easy to overfill and if you havent warmed it up enough, you will overfill. A Blast that has been sitting (weeks+) can show no oil at all, but in reality it is actually full (top line on dipstick).
Make a habit of checking when hot and if you're not going to ride it for a while (until next weekend or longer) write the amount on tape or 'post it' and stick it on the speedometer so you will be sure it has oil and you wont worry the next time you start it (unless there is a big puddle on the floor).
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Blastlvr
Posted on Monday, October 13, 2008 - 09:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

thanks... bike sitting not a problem... bike using lots of oil & not checking = problem
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Monday, May 04, 2009 - 11:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Adding oil: It is about 8oz between low and high on the dipstick. Anyone may feel free to check this themselves and give input. Mine was just a quick measure (but it isnt much between lines)!
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