So as per the recommendation from some of you guys, I decided to do my first oil change myself. Everything went as planned until I put the oil in. I drained the oil (found the right bolt), put in a new filter (the right way, I think 😜) and started the filling process. As per this forum, I put in about 2 liters, and and straightened it out but nothing was showing up in the measurement window, so I added maybe another half. I straighter the bike out, and now the oil filled the entire window, so now I'm like holy nuts!! I figured I did something wrong, went back online and read another topic on this  forum and came across a similar problem. The recommendation that was given was to let it idle for a little, turn off and let cool for a few minutes, then re-check. I did just that, I checked the oil window and it was between the lines, BINGO!! Thought I had figured it all out, but then this morning (it's like 40 outside), before starting the bike, leveled it and checked again, nada window is empty, I'm like ok, let me ride to work and see what happens. Get to work, about 3-4 miles with street lights. Checked it again, now the oil fills the entire window 😱. Did I put too much in? is this normal? please guide me!

It's all a matter of perspective.

When you say you leveled the bike, were you on the bike at the time? As you leaned over to the right to view the window, did the bike tilt to the left in the process?  If you were off the bike was someone holding it for you?

The bike holds two quarts of oil, if you added two quarts, then it's in there. I'd suggest draining the oil you have in there (2-1/2 quarts give or take) and adding two quarts. Straighten the bike until the oil is between the lines on the site window - then remember the angle it's at so you are checking the same every time.

I found the window to be confusing, also. Other bike guys told me to get an extendable inspection mirror and use that while sitting upright on the bike with a cold engine. New oil is almost transparent, but after the initial run-in should show correctly. Clean the little window thoroughly before checking.  Or you can just try to bend way over while trying to hold it upright, or get a pal to hold it up while you crawl around on the floor trying to read it.

JOG

Clymer says 1.9 qts for oil change. 2.1 for oil & filter change. 2.5 qts. for overhaul(completely empty engine).

Ruttly wrote on 10/28/16 at 10:04:30:

Whut, Dude? I've been goin Awww Day, finally sitting down at 12:30 a.m....
The clutch cable that was gonna Be here Tuesday, came in today. The stock cable didn't make 5,000 miles. The plastic bushing on the Too Short pewter slug is gonna do the same thing. I'm gonna hafta do some work on the thing before I install it..


You guys have it.. Why the oil isn't in the window, IDK,
If the window is full, then there is no line to see.

IDK how much oil was put in, but I would be looking for bubbles in the oil if it was much more than recommended.


Brand new oil with the sun shining on the window is hard to see.

A bit or two that you have all missed is that oil EXPANDS some when it it at operating temperature.  Some oils expand more than others .....

Next item you have all missed is that an appreciable amount of oil goes up into the gallery system and into the clutch when the engine is running.

If you would like to see your "overfill" simply disappear, simply start the engine rev it lightly and then let it run while you look.

Final test on the side stand method has always been to let the bike idle when warm while holding it upright & vertical on a level place and watching the window -- if it stays solid black it really is overfilled.   If it has any foamy partial clear air space at all, then you are fine.   This takes 2 people and a flashlight and some patience to perform this check.

Too many shock mods, added puck stuff put on to the kickstands, and lots of various other mods out there require the use of this final analysis method to OK your chosen fill level and method.

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