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/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> oil viewing window /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1250217925 Message started by kimchris1 on 08/13/09 at 19:45:24 |
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Title: oil viewing window Post by kimchris1 on 08/13/09 at 19:45:24 I have a hard time viewing the oil level in the window. I try holding my bike upright and looking and seems I just can 't get the hang of this. I have a new s-40 and manual says to run it for a few and then let it rest for 3 mins. Then holding straight up view the window. I have to literally get down on my knees and hold the bike with one hand which I am leary of doing. Have any of you found an easier way of viewing your oil level? I have thought of using a mirror.. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by bill67 on 08/13/09 at 19:51:55 The easy way is to have some one hold the bike up level and you look at it. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by Dj12midnit on 08/13/09 at 19:54:38 http://www.widgetsupply.com/hand-tools/inspection/8014TM.jpg |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/13/09 at 21:14:31 I put it in gear, get on right side, facing the rear of the bike, right hand on throttle & get down on my right knee, pulling down on the bar to make it easier & to stand the bike up. "FEEL" of the bike, let it rock back & forth a bit. If you are working, its leaning. Find the spot where it takes the least effort. Now, look at the window. Itll be awkward at first, but it gets real easy. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by verslagen1 on 08/13/09 at 21:49:45 The mirror is a dam good idea if you got the eyes for it. I don't anymore. I throw a pillow on the ground (knees can't take that either) on the right side about 2 feet out, kneel, elbow on ground, flashlight in hand when needed (yes I put the white cane down) and with the free hand tip the bike up. And you can get it pretty close to vertical with a block of wood under the kickstand. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by PerrydaSavage on 08/14/09 at 00:30:55 607364657A7771737827160 wrote:
That's what I do ... works great! |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by PhilM on 08/14/09 at 01:04:20 You should have got one of these with the bike (Part number Suzuki Savage KS-Ext1.0) I think I might have a spare one somewhere. Let me know if you want me to mail it to you. It cost me $19.95, so just add postage from the UK to get your total price. http://www2.b3ta.com/host/creative/23179/1250236580/standextender.jpg |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/14/09 at 03:22:46 Im gonna have to get me another one of those. I busted mine, turning the TV off.. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by PhilM on 08/14/09 at 03:31:37 2F3036312C2B1A2A1A22303C77450 wrote:
Just PM me your bank details and I'll ship it today. It'll be with you in 28 days, or so. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by False Illusion on 08/14/09 at 06:08:32 I got a mirror at the $ store. It's 8 1/2" x 11" in size with a cool silver and black checkered border around it. 8-) On level ground, I just sit on the bike...normal upright position...and with the mirror in the right hand, lower it until the window is in view. After the oil is checked, I hang it back on the garage wall...get my black comb out, and do a Fonzie hair check. Aaaaaaay!!! ;D |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by sakara on 08/14/09 at 06:10:56 rofl Justin; nice. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by photojoe on 08/14/09 at 07:19:29 Down on one knee, mini high powered flashlight in left hand (helps when it's really sunny out) right hand on brake and lean it up straight. Only once had the problem of my kick stand flipping up on me using this technique. Heard "something" figured it was the stand. Took a bit of slow moving to get on my feet without dropping her. Lucky it was quiet enough that I heard it or would've qualified for a darwin award. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by voldigicam on 08/14/09 at 19:25:38 My tank bag has things in it. I pull out the tire gauge and check the front wheel & front suspension, check the tire pressure, look at the tread and walls. Do the rear, also look at the bags and belt. Sit down on the bike, pop the pressure gauge into the pencil keeper in the bag and pull out my extender mirror. Rock the bike to be sure I'm level, then use the mirror to take a peek. The window fills the little mirror and I can see it perfetly. I fold it up, clip it in with my mileage book. Then check the lights and other controls, if the gas is getting low on the trip meter (no gauge) I pull the tank cap and look in. If it's low, I put on "prime." Then I put on my helmet, visor up, and gloves. Back out. Pull out choke and start up. Blip the clutch in neutral a couple of times, make sure I've got oil everywhere, and friction zone the beast over the gravel and grass up to the pavement. Pop the choke in a notch and I'm on my way. At the top of the hill, after the stop sign, I push the clutch in all the way. I've only had to bend over at each wheel. I have a tire pump right at hand, too. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by runwyrlph on 08/15/09 at 07:25:40 i face the oil window toward sun or light, hold it upright with the front brake with right hand so it's more stable, kneel/lean down to view window. it's really hard to see if you don't have sun or direct light (e.g. in my dank, dark garage) a trouble light on the floor behind me helps |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by serenity3743 on 08/17/09 at 10:12:31 7840414465280 wrote:
Ah seen a whoal piahl o' them kickstand extenders at a vacant lot th'other day. Would ye believe somebuddy is usin' 'em to build a house with? ;D |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by Phelonius on 08/17/09 at 10:30:23 Stand on the starboard side of the bike. Grasp the frame down tube in front of the engine and the frame just in front of the rear shock. Lift the machine to eye level while holding it as near to verticle as possible. The oil level can be easily read in this position. Phelonius ;) ;) ;) |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/17/09 at 10:33:11 When I do that I put a magnetic level on the side of the engine, so I can tell when its straight up & down. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by verslagen1 on 08/17/09 at 10:37:27 Wow, you got a aluminum magnet? I only have the plain iron magnet, where did you get it? |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by PTRider on 08/17/09 at 10:47:49 081711160B0C3D0D3D05171B50620 wrote:
When you're holding the bike upright, and it takes very little effort to hold it there, it's straight up & down enough. The last 1° or 2° aren't significant. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/17/09 at 10:57:00 I got that special magnet from the same place I got the magic muscles to hold that bike out in front of me. I was expecting someone to jump on that. WHY would I need that level? To do what? To see if the bike is straight up & down as I hold it out in front of me? Come onnn.. When I do that I put a magnetic level on the side of the engine, so I can tell when its straight up & down. seriously? This follows Phelonius's post on holding the bike straight out in front of you.( Generally considered to be impossible), So, I tossed in an impossibility that I claimed to do, when I was doing HIS impossible thing.. Get it? Maybe this is indicative of a problem. Maybe this is part of why you cant see whats wrong with the govt. Gotta be able to read between the "LInEs". |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/17/09 at 10:59:34 7B7C63300 wrote:
When you're holding the bike upright, and it takes very little effort to hold it there, it's straight up & down enough. The last 1° or 2° aren't significant.[/quote] Come on guys, Ive posted my method several times. & I am not so silly as to believe it must be exactly vertical or the engine will blow up. The line at the top is a general guideline. A little more, a little less, no biggeee.. Seriously, have I said things that would make people believe I am that stupid? |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by verslagen1 on 08/17/09 at 11:31:25 342B2D2A3730013101392B276C5E0 wrote:
His was more obvious and more difficult to come up with a one liner. So don't get uptite, I spent a whole 10 seconds trying to figgure out if there's even a verticle surface on the engine. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by youzguyz on 08/17/09 at 11:45:56 I refuse to mention that having the front of the bike higher or lower than the back can throw off your oil level in the site window as well. And I won't mention the use of any tires sizes other than stock. OH CRUD.. I just mentioned those things.. :-X ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by bill67 on 08/17/09 at 11:51:09 I f you lean the motorcycle toward you It don't take as much oil to get between the lines. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by Digger on 08/22/09 at 21:13:04 Here's what I do when I need to do some work on the bike that requires it be level and I'm too lazy to put it on my lift or my stand: Chock both wheels: http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8527/level3eah4.jpg http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2847/level2evc7.jpg Attach a tie-down strap to the frame: http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1198/level4eqk2.jpg Secure the other end of the tie-down strap to something sturdy: http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/144/level1evy5.jpg Place two pieces of of 2X4 under the kickstand: http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5947/level5emc8.jpg Now, your bike is level and is not going anywhere: http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9008/level6ejm7.jpg |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by Oldfeller on 08/23/09 at 02:13:35 If you are willing to cheat a bit and run your oil level up to the very tippy top of the window you may find that the oil will just peep over the lower edge of the window when sitting on the kickstand on a level parking lot. This gives you an easy functional check that you can do without any gyrations. I use the "peep over the bottom" check every time I gas up, and if I don't see it then I do the straighten it up straight and bend my back to do the real check. And no, a little extra oil does not cause the world to stop rotating on its axis -- it does not get high enough to get up into the crank rotation and when running much of your oil is up in circulation and your crankcase level drops significantly anyway. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by kimchris1 on 08/23/09 at 06:00:15 Thank you all for your suggestions. I have found that placing something under the kickstand in order to make the bike level helps me to view the oil window. I must admit while I love this bike I miss the dipstick on my Rebel.. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by voldigicam on 08/23/09 at 06:46:27 I have a whole list of things I do. My specific method for oil check is to use my extension mirror (only takes a sec) while I'm seated. I get the window in view and then lean the bike until the oil is in the middle. Then I look at the lean of the bike. If it's not leaning, the oil is good! I always have my mirror in my tank bag, so I can always check. Just don't get it out if girls in skirts are hanging around, they'll get the wrong idea! Near as I can tell, if I couldn't see the oil in the window via a mirror from the seated position I couldn't see well enough to drive. This really saves my knees. I suppose those with good knees can squat down. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by PTRider on 08/23/09 at 10:58:59 312E282F32350434043C2E22695B0 wrote:
When you're holding the bike upright, and it takes very little effort to hold it there, it's straight up & down enough. The last 1° or 2° aren't significant.[/quote] Come on guys, Ive posted my method several times. & I am not so silly as to believe it must be exactly vertical or the engine will blow up. The line at the top is a general guideline. A little more, a little less, no biggeee.. Seriously, have I said things that would make people believe I am that stupid?[/quote] Some of the people reading these postings don't know what can be within a range and what needs to be right-on-the-money. Answers on the forums are for everbody that reads it. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by 23Skidoo on 08/23/09 at 15:59:26 erm.. I just wanna comment on how Diggers' garage has gotta be the most well kept garage in the world... I hang my head in shame..... But on the good side I'm doing my bit for the spider population.. :-) As for the original question.. It's a knack and all about balance.. As mentioned I put into 1st to be safe, Hold the front brake and from the right side pull the bike towards me whilst sitting on the floor.. If in doubt have a friend hold the handlebars from the other side.. The last thing you want is to let the bike fall over, worse over you.. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/23/09 at 19:28:56 Some of the people reading these postings don't know what can be within a range and what needs to be right-on-the-money. Answers on the forums are for everbody that reads it. IF there was no "range" there would only be ONE line in the window. It is self evident that the amount of oil necessary in the engine is not an exact, to the ounce, thing. No car, no bike, as far as I know, not one engine out there, requires an exact amount of oil in it. Ill ship you a razor, should you need to split another hair, for someone else. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by Digger on 08/23/09 at 22:12:53 515030080A070C0C630 wrote:
Thanks for the kind words, however, I've got my share of spiders....black widows, no less. [smiley=shocked.gif] |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by verslagen1 on 08/23/09 at 23:00:41 tripped today nearly pulled the bike down on top of me as I bent down to check the oil. As it turned out, I had only brushed the bars. But it would've been a funny sight. As I knelt there, lmao, 'help, I've fallin' and I can't get up' and could just picture it... a savage lying on it side, growing arms and legs. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by ralfyguy on 08/24/09 at 06:35:04 322D2B2C31360737073F2D216A580 wrote:
I have a small magnetic level, and I lay it flat on top of the starter. I compared it to the hand-leveling and it is spot on. This works great, and I do it like this all the time. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by shiphteey on 08/24/09 at 06:49:37 Just did an oil change on the Savage the other day. It took almost exactly 1.5 Liters when fully drained out and filter changed to get the oil level right in the middle. A. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by Routy on 08/24/09 at 07:25:21 I'm a newbie, and apprecieate all the help I've received here,....but really now,.....if there was ever a question I would have never even thought of asking, it would have been about an easier way to use the viewing window. Come on folks, heres how simple it really is,....... leave a short 2x4 laying around, maybe a couple 3 of them, being as their cheap,.......then park the stand on just one of them. (note..the bike is not level, nor does it have to be) Now get off the bike,... bend over a little,.....if you see ANY oil in the window, its good to go. If you don't see any, it mite be time to add......????..I'll let you know how much if it ever uses any ! ;D Now this,...when I first got my 40, (no manual, dealer didn't tell me a thing, and I hadn't found this great site) I went to check the oil, but the dipstick must have broke off the filler plug !!!!! (I never had nothing but a Honda many moons ago) Not only that, I couldn't get the starter to turn over !!! ( I had just hauled my new/used bike home, (90 mi) and couldn't even ride it. (the dealer had started it each time I was there) After messing w/ it for too long,....and by this time, very PO'd, I made that embarassing call to the dealer, only to find out that the viewing window was even there,..and that the clutch had to be engaged to close the starter circuit,...which I still can't figure out why ::) Rich |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by Phelonius on 08/24/09 at 09:31:37 Ever since the crash that crushed my shoulder and chest in June, I have not been able to check the oil in the prescribed manner. I shall have to purchase a mirror or just change oil every time I ride. BTW Diggers garage cannot possibly be that clean. It is obviously a photo shop thing. I am surprised that no one else caught that. Besides, with the bike tied like that you have to choose to work on the front half or the back half. Unless maybe he goes outside and around the building and comes in the other door. Phelonius |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by Duane on 08/24/09 at 10:02:50 I belive diggers garage is legit. If I had not seem my grandpas garage I would not belive it. My grandpas garage is cleaner than my kitchen. :o |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by Skid Mark on 08/24/09 at 10:36:39 I believe Digger's gargae is legit too. Some guys have a knack for keeping a clean well organized shop. A big thumbs up to Digger!!! I wish I was one of them. When I retire, hopefully I will have the time and resources to have a shop like that. |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by verslagen1 on 08/24/09 at 11:57:40 http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9008/level6ejm7.jpg Nope, that's gotta be the "Show garage" The working garage is 'round back. ;) |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by Digger on 08/24/09 at 20:31:41 You guys slay me! |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by False Illusion on 08/26/09 at 17:50:02 764E434A49484F5355260 wrote:
I think you're on to somethin' here Phelonius! I believe this is the original photo of Diggers garage... http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt32/False_Illusion/TheGarage.jpg Wait...that's my garage.. :-?...sorry Digger! ;D |
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Title: Re: oil viewing window Post by runwyrlph on 08/26/09 at 17:53:55 hey..... isn't that MY garage? oh - no it's too clean and organized :) |
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