What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

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katmol
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What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#1

Post by katmol »

I've had my '76 GoldWing since new and have never let the stupid little sight glass beat me. But now I'm older and blinder and I can't tell if it's over full or dry as a bone. Do I have to drain it and refill it? confused22

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rcmatt007
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#2

Post by rcmatt007 »

I shine a LED flashlight.... but then again.... is it half full or half empty
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
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5speed
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#3

Post by 5speed »

cyborg is checking into the feasibility of doing a run of his dipsticks.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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katmol
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#4

Post by katmol »

If it over full above the sight glass or low below the sight a flashlight does no good.
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katmol
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#5

Post by katmol »

5speed wrote:cyborg is checking into the feasibility of doing a run of his dipsticks.
That would be fantastic!!
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5speed
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#6

Post by 5speed »

I need 3. lol
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#7

Post by Track T 2411 »

If I can't tell for sure, I will tip the bike one way or the other until I see the oil line. My 2 cents...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

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"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
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andorragl
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#8

Post by andorragl »

My expirience: If you see all little window black then is over full. If is dry you will see grey metal through window.
I remember first time I check level I see all black, some crazy mechanic filled the carter with 4 liters crying1
1976 GL1000 LTD
1995 VT1100C2 ACE
2003 CB1300F1 SUPER FOUR
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katmol
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#9

Post by katmol »

I don't see black, I see amber, oil color. I'm just going drain it and change oil and filter and be done with it. I want one of those dipsticks!
andorragl wrote:My expirience: If you see all little window black then is over full. If is dry you will see grey metal through window.
I remember first time I check level I see all black, some crazy mechanic filled the carter with 4 liters crying1
Old Naked Wings and SOHC 750's
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5speed
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#10

Post by 5speed »

katmol wrote:I don't see black, I see amber, oil color. I'm just going drain it and change oil and filter and be done with it. I want one of those dipsticks!
When he gets back to me I will let you know.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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Jonesz
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#11

Post by Jonesz »

I want one as well. And one for my buddy.
Jonesz

1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
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CYBORG
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#12

Post by CYBORG »

I sense a need has come for me to make another run of those dipsticks. If I can get a commitment for at least 4 units, It might be feasible.. But understand that they will only work on 1000's without full fairings..., mount on the front of the engine, utilizing the frame down rail on the right side of the bike,,,, are chrome,...utilizing a dip stick much like a car has,... can be used to check oil on side stand, or center stand,....while you are standing up,....And will cost $75 us each. If there is still an interest, let me know, and we will proceed
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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CYBORG
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#13

Post by CYBORG »

0f course that does not include shipping
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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flyin900
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#14

Post by flyin900 »

Yep it's either $75 for a dip stick or $3K for a power hoist to lift the bike up to eye level so you don't have to bend down and squint. Two problems there... you probably can't get back up again and how can you focus on something you couldn't see even if you had the eyes of a 20 something young fellow! :joker
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
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Re: What a stupid way to check the oil on a motorcycle!

#15

Post by CYBORG »

flyin900 wrote:Yep it's either $75 for a dip stick or $3K for a power hoist to lift the bike up to eye level so you don't have to bend down and squint. Two problems there... you probably can't get back up again and how can you focus on something you couldn't see even if you had the eyes of a 20 something young fellow! :joker
That's why I designed this unit for my 78 :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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