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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Oil level extremely low.
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Message started by stewie on 10/22/12 at 10:50:14

Title: Oil level extremely low.
Post by stewie on 10/22/12 at 10:50:14

I recently bought a used '97 Savage LS650. After riding around for a few hours, the bike started backfiring after I turned the engine off. I did some investigation and found that the choke was left half way out by the previous owner. The bike is starting and running fine now, however, I noticed the the oil level is not visible in the oil inspection window. It looks as if the bike is running dry.

I called the previous owner to ask him when he last replaced the oil in the bike and he claims he did it 3 months ago when he bought it and that he couldn't see the oil level in the inspection window when he did. I plan to replace the oil/filter tomorrow but I'm wondering if I should be concerned that the bike seems to be burning oil quickly. Is the inspection window always accurate?

Title: Re: Oil level extremely low.
Post by Blinky on 10/22/12 at 10:56:12

The bike needs to be level to read the oil level. Block up the kickstand and take a look. These bikes will consume oil, particularly at highway speeds. Unless you are blowing blue smoke or staining the pavement, just keep it topped up and enjoy.
For what it is worth

Good info with pictures for the oil change in the the technical section.
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=tech;action=display;num=1099572561

Title: Re: Oil level extremely low.
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/22/12 at 10:58:58

Bike needs to be upright, vertical, to check the oil level.

Title: Re: Oil level extremely low.
Post by Routy on 10/22/12 at 11:15:34

Be safe, check the oil on the side stand, make sure you can see the oil level 1/4 way up the glass. Using the side stand method will not only carry more oil reserve, you also won't accidently get the bike on top of you like I did !

From what you say, you just think its using excessive oil, you don't actually know that.

Title: Re: Oil level extremely low.
Post by Serowbot on 10/22/12 at 11:16:12

You can generally ride these bikes at speeds under 70mph, forever,.. and never use a drop of oil..
75+mph,.. will use oil...(check at each fill-up)...

At least,.. that's been my experience... :-?...

Title: Re: Oil level extremely low.
Post by J C Stokes on 10/22/12 at 13:03:24

Owners manual advises to start the engine and let run foe a few minutes. Stop engine and wait for three minutes. Then hold the bike vertical and check the window. Capacity without filter change 1.6 US quart. With filter change 1.8 us QUART.

Title: Re: Oil level extremely low.
Post by Greg on 10/22/12 at 14:22:43

I do the side stand method mentioned earlier. I find that it shifts into 5th easier that way as well.