Proper oil level in sight glass

[dsinned]

As everyone knows keeping an eye on engine oil level is important to check every once in a while.  But the sight glass oil level indicator is in an awkward position and hard to see inside the fairing.  There's virtually no sunlight exposure in there to see it clearly.  Okay, miniature flashlight to the rescue kept on the bike's ignition key ring!  However, to get an accurate reading, the bike must be upright and level.  Without anybody to help hold the bike steady while off the stand, with both tires on level ground, is not really possible.  The next best thing is taking a reading with the bike still on the center stand, while still on level ground of course.  Is this good enough to get a fairly accurate reading and is it really necessary to warm up the engine first as Triumph recommends?

[1150newguy]

My oil level is in the center of the sight glass when on the center stand. 30,000 miles and no oil issues, so center of the glass while on the center stand works. I check mine with the engine cold.

[w8d4it]

https://www.triumph-trophy.com/index.php/topic,272.0.html

[Coconut]

As below by w8d4it - this has already been discussed in GREAT detail - 8 pages worth in fact  !

How to check the oil level.

[w8d4it]

Originally Posted by Coconut

As below by w8d4it - this has already been discussed in GREAT detail - 8 pages worth in fact  !

How to check the oil level.

Ooops,  Sorry if the purpose of my posting the link to the earlier thread wasn't self evident.

[big bird]

Hi Coconut
Most people will not read a one page of instruction when trying to put something together . Do you think they will read 8 pages .
BB

[dsinned]

The hockey puck idea is brilliant!  But, can the front wheel be easily lifted by one person to slide the puck under the tire, while the bike is on level ground and parked on the center stand?  It might be easier to ride the bike up on a reasonable long, flat piece of wood ~1" thick.  Then, while the front tire is resting on the wood, pull the bike up on the center stand on the floor, so that both tires are raised off the ground to be approximately level front to back.  This same technique can be used to completely drain the engine oil, but let's leave that for another discussion.     

[Volfy]

I highly doubt you'll see a significant difference with either front or rear wheel touching the ground on the center stand.  Sight windows typically have MIN and MAX lines so you don't have to worry too much about getting the oil level just right.  Anywhere between the lines are okay as far as the engine is concerned.  Some people aim for the middle of the 2 lines.  I prefer to keep it close to the MAX line.  220, 221, whatever it takes.   

BTW, those 8 pages are more banter & opinions than facts & instructions.  Fun reading though.