Charon wrote on 11/07/10 at 05:35:21:



Just to add some more data, the official Suzuki LS650 Service Manual states:

Oil change: 1.9 quarts
Filter change: 2.5 quarts
Overhaul Engine: 2.5 quarts

OF,

I'd really like to see the results of the poll, but I can't vote.

I've never had any "trouble" checking the oil level on my Savage.

How about a "No Trouble" option?

TIA!

Digger,
All you told us it that it don't matter if the level is above the windows...site glasses, whatever, on a lot of bikes, not just the savage.
And I'm tellin ya if it don't make any difference,...or cause any problems, as the poll has proven, MORE IS BETTER and if it makes for a safer method checking the oil as in the savage case, it is BETTER YET

to have good idle speed to pump the oil up that long way to the cam.
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Just one more reason to check the oil on the side stand.

But there is one good thing about checking it the other (stupid) way,......if its low on oil, just lean it toward you a little, so the cam can really starve for oil,......too full, lean it the other way ! Either way, you'll feel better that you did it rite.

OF does it that way so his bike has the right amount of oil in it.He just tilts it back and forth.

Now for the serious Digger answer -- as serious as I can get on a Thursday anyway ....

Digger, the JASO OEM oil checking method works as good as it works -- the poll indicates it has some flaws in the application method when used on a Savage and it has crashed bikes and caused personal injury to our list members.  

85 issues reported at this point in time, four personal injuries and three crashed bikes to be all persnickety about it.

It results in an oil level/amount that is lower than the list side stand method's oil level/amount.

The list side stand method has EASE and complete consistency of use, and if implemented by a list member should always be done using the ONE TIME ONLY hot check for expansion test to verify there is no chance of oil getting up into the crank spinning area.  (our bikes have shock mods, side stand pucks, etc etc etc that must be rung into the equation).

It is another "Suzuki Savage Expert Method" that requires you to think it through and apply it to your own circumstances (including how durn level your driveway or garage is)

them green behind the ears newbies need to stick with Road Runner method

So far no one who has used the side stand check has reported an issue with the list side stand method -- and that is significant in that some just did it to prove it wrong (them Doubting Thomases, they make up the very best pool of witnesses they really do).


If your bike is using some oil between oil changes or if you have ever run your oil level too low using the Suzuki Method (and a little slackness or a long trip can certainly do that to you) you may want to give the List Side Stand Method a try.

(remember to do your hot test, please)

The Hot Test is the final comprehensive "I ain't got me no problem" oil level test that only has to be done once to verify things are OK -- it is easy enough to do, just do a road runner on a fully hot from a hard ride idling engine.

You are looking for your running at idle fully expanded (HOT) oil to give you at least half a window or more of oil clearance to the oil shelf (which is right above the window).

By doing the Hot Test you are affirming your modded shocks, girder front end, or WHATEVER YOU MAY HAVE DONE TO YOUR BIKE isn't causing you any issues with your normal running down the road hot oil level.

Some of you jokers should be doing this test once anyway because of the extreme mods you have done to your bikes ....


Once again, expert methods for the experienced Savage riders .....




THE NEWBIES CAN CONTINUE TO DO IT THIS WAY ......





 
So your Savage fell over on your head while you were checking your oil window level while trying to hold your bike perfectly vertical and perfectly still .....  

Silly Coyote, you should try the list side stand check method.