Oil check on XBR?

[manxie]

With the XBR & GB being dry sump, what are the correct procedures to check the oil level? I`ve not checked mine, but want to before I attempt to start it. I checked the dipstick on the tank and the oil is just touching the bottom of it? Probably silly questions, sorry  Cheers.

[timbo]

Not silly at all mate. As there is only one way to accurately check the oil on these bikes and the Dommie etc. The manual says to let the engine run at idle for three minutes and then check. IMHO you never get an accurate reading this way. Take the bike for a short run of a couple of miles at least, to fully warm up, then let it sit at tick over for three minutes. Switch off, and check oil level, with dipstick not screwed in. 

[timbo]

The fact that the oil is just touching the dipstick at cold, will be fine. Let us know what the true reading is once you've done the procedure suggested above.

[manxie]

Spot on Tim, thanks. It will be in a while because I want to leave my fuel tank empty as it needs to go to the paint shop  so could be in a week or so before I have any results for you  Thanks again, Steve 

[CrazyFrog]

The fact that the oil is just touching the dipstick at cold, will be fine. Let us know what the true reading is once you've done the procedure suggested above.

Infact, for the SLR650, which I assume to be the same regards the oil circuit, the manual recommends adding 1litre, then running the engine for 60 seconds before adding the rest when doing an oil change, IIRC.

[manxie]

Nice one!! Would it be ok to put a cap full of Castrol R in the tank....for that lovely smell   

[themoudie]

Steady Steve! 

Mineral oil and castor DON'T MIX, the castor reacts and becomes a gum. I know an egg cup full in 15 litres of ethanol c**p doesn't sound much, but having spent and then having all this extra work done, only to gum up the works? 

However, your bike mate. 

I trust the Island is looking bonnie in the spring light and warmth?

My regards, Bill

[manxie]

Hi Bill, the Cassy R will NOT be used!! Thanks. 

Yeah, the island is looking well in places. The mountain is shut for TT prep work so travelling from Andreas (which is dug up) to Douglas every day is a pain via Laxey (still no bridge in Laxey  ) However, this morning was a pleasure to drive to Douglas, coming around the coast, the sea was like glass with the sun rising on it, not a breath of wind....beautiful!! Not long now `til the TT .... manic times 

[themoudie]

Aye Steve,

5 a side in each direction, the 5th column having a mental aberration of their own mortality! 

Have a good one.

My regards, Bill

[BrendanO]

. The manual says to let the engine run at idle for three minutes and then check. IMHO you never get an accurate reading this way. Take the bike for a short run of a couple of miles at least, to fully warm up, then let it sit at tick over for three minutes. Switch off, and check oil level, with dipstick not screwed in. 

Second this. Recently changed the oil, checking level and topping up as manual. Checked it after a long run and oil poured out of the tank filler: I sh@t myself, thinking I had overfilled, maybe blown seals, etc. Took out about 150ml, all seems well after a 750 mile weekend (Edinburgh -Bedford return for the CX Rally).

[manxie]

Just a bit of advice please fella`s? Ideally as Tim says, take it for a couple of mile run before checking the oil but with my GB, I can`t do that as it`s not reg`d, taxed or insured  After running it for ABOUT three mins, it`s about half way up on the dipstick. Should I run it for longer, maybe five minutes, to simulate a couple of mile run? Cheers, Steve.

[timbo]

It sounds OK Steve, but just take the risk, and go for a spin up one of the quiet roads near Andreas. Then check 

[manxie]

Oh, ok then .... you`ve talked me into it  Cheers Tim.

[Moto63]

Hello, hello, hello, hello....what's all this then??.... Who d,ya think you are, john Mac Guinness??
Was that you Steve I've just seen pootling past Steve parish and Jamie whitham on the itv4 TT preview program Steve ? 

[SteveC#222]

Look hofficer, bang to rights on the CCTV



.....It's a fair cop Guv!