XBR Oil level - an experiment

[SteveC#222]

OK, there have been a number of posts over the years about the best way to check the oil level on an XBR. The Honda manual says let it tick over for 3 minutes but a lot of  folk find that gives a false reading.

http://www.thumperclub.com/smf/index.php?topic=6962.0

 So time for an experiment.


I changed the oil and filter on my XBR last weekend and refilled with 1700cc of new oil ( Oil + filter change, filter pre soaked before fitting) as specified in the manual  then run for a couple of minutes to circulate the new lube so it should have the right amount of oil in it. This makes it a good opportunity to find the best way to get an accurate reading.

So, bike on centre stand on level ground. Oil tank dipped by resting the level plug on top of the threads as per the Honda manual.
 
(Friday)

1/ dipped from cold - nothing on dipstick.

2/ Started from cold and allowed to tickover at approx 1200rpm for 3 minutes - 5mm on bottom of dipstick

3/ Started again straight after ( so engine now warmed up) then allowed to tick over for 3 minutes - 5mm on dipstick

4/ Taken for 4 miles run, allowed to cool down for 15 mins and then tickover for 3 minutes - 10mm on dipstick  ....hang on something wrong here!!.......top up 200cc extra oil to reach just below the top mark on the dipstick!!....it would seem you need more than 1700cc to completely fill the system!!

......Retire for the day .........

Try again on Saturday.

1/  Dipped from cold - nothing on dipstick.

2/ Started from cold and tickover at 1200rpm for 3 minutes - 10mm on dipstick.

3/ Started again (warm) and tickover for 3 minutes - 10mm on dipstick.

4/  4 mile run, leave to cool for 15 minutes then tickover for 3 minutes - oil level just below full mark!! ...success!


So, the best way to  check the oil level on an XBR would seem to be take it for a short run, let it cool down for a few minutes then let it tickover for 3 minutes and dip the tank then top up if needed.

ALSO!!!!.....don't believe Mr Honda ! when you change your oil make sure you check the CORRECT amount of oil is in the tank!!

[guest2051]

This will come in handy when i service the engine! i saw the sticker on the oil res and thought 'here we go'.

[Moto63]

Top man Steve,.......I'll defo be following that procedure in future .....oh and has anyone ever told you. You've got to much time on your hands
Cheers, Michael

[SteveC#222]

...oh and has anyone ever told you. You've got to much time on your hands
Cheers, Michael

SHHHHHHHHH!!!!.........DON'T TELL THE WIFE THAT!!!!

[JOOLZ]

Interesting experiment I might give it a go next time, I always fill the oil tank to the max level, and pour the rest down the valve cover untill the oil starts to come out of the bolt hole on the clutch cover just forward of the kick starter then bleed the system

[mthee]

4/  4 mile run, leave to cool for 15 minutes then tickover for 3 minutes - oil level just below full mark!! ...success!

timbo's method didn't feature a cool down period??? 😵 confused.com!

[mthee]

Overall, has Steve shown that an accurate reading can only be obtained when the oil is sufficiently hot after a run and that Mr Honda's 3mins at tickover only method doesn't allow sufficient oil to return to the tank because it's cooler and thicker? Strange though that, if it is down to oil temp, there was no difference between measurements at 2/ and 3/  ...?

[timbo]

Tim here. Take bike for short spin, then tick over for three minutes, (no cool down period), turn off. Check oil immediately 

[SteveC#222]

Tim here. Take bike for short spin, then tick over for three minutes, (no cool down period), turn off. Check oil immediately 

I'll try that next time.

[tommy]

Tim here. Take bike for short spin, then tick over for three minutes, (no cool down period), turn off. Check oil immediately 

how long do you leave your dommie to tickover for before checking tim

[timbo]

Three minutes mate, as per owners book. The only difference from owners book, is that you take it for a short run to warm it up properly first 

[tommy]

thanks tim i have no workshop book ,just missed out one a while back on done deal ,i read somewhere its 5 minutes for the nx ,seems a bit much  tommy