Does everyone wait till it stops dripping, then rock it back and forth and drain some more. Cause I put in two quarts then warm it up then let it sit and it is right at the bottom line. Then I top it off.

Ian wrote on 07/05/08 at 06:33:16:


Tip the bike slightly off level and see if the level comes into view.

I have had my engine apart, that's how I bought the bike (cheap).  You should be able to get away with oil to the top of the window.  The issue that arises is too much oil splash.  Which turns into oil vapor and goes out the vent, which gets messy.

 To check the oil level I use a piece of wood that makes the bike "almost" level and fill to the line. "Almost level" as in if you bump the bike it might tip over, but the wind won't blow it over...    I have since (with the help of my 13 YO son) checked the bike at level.  The oil comes to just the top of the window.

I Just changed the oil on my "new" 87 Savage.  I used 10w-40, like it said right on the cap, but now there is a slight tick/knock when running the motor.  I didnt use a special "motorcycle" oil, just some castrol syntec blend I already had.  I didnt have the tick before and I am wondering if its the motor oil?  The motor died when riding for the first time since Ive had it as well, and was losing power in lower RPM.  The oil level is right below the top line.

Also, Ive noticed that the pads rub the disc ever so slightly on my front brake, whats the easiest way to "widen the gap" between the pads.

Thanks

thoner7 - your ride is old enough and loose enough you could probably run 20W-50 in it to quiet the valves. I'd change the filter with each oil change - they are cheap insurance.

You ride the bike turn it off, let it sit about 5 minutes then check the level.