How to Check Motorcycle Crankcase Oil
It is recommend that the oil level on a motorcycle be checked during every second or third fuel-up, according to Aaron Hochnadel, who has over 20 years' experience repairing cars and motorcycles. He says that if the oil is low, the bearings run dry and the motor can potentially lock up, resulting in massive internal damage. On the other hand, if the oil is too high, it can blows seals out, cause leaks and hinder performance.
Check the owner's manual specific to your motorcycle to determine the correct type and amount of oil to use.
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Instructions
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1
Remove the seat by sliding it forward and up. The oil dipstick and battery compartment are located under the seat of most motorcycles. The seat is locked into place to prevent theft and unauthorized access. In this case, there is a lock on the left side of the motorcycle, adjacent to the seat. Use the ignition key to unlock this case and remove the seat.
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2
Unscrew the dipstick. A thin foam layer covers the battery compartment and should be removed to allow easier access to the dipstick, which is located at the upper right corner (when sitting on the motorcycle) of the exposed area.
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3
Wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth.
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4
Level the bike.
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5
Stick the dipstick back in without screwing it into place.
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6
Take out the dipstick and check the oil level. The oil level should fall within the range of the hatch marks visible on the dipstick.
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Tips & Warnings
Always check crankcase oil when the engine is cool. The motorcycle should be on level ground and standing straight, rather than propped on a kickstand.
References
- Photo Credit Laura Fonda
