Checking oil level on motorcycle?

Question

Are there any bikes where the oil level is taken on the sidestand? Has anyone encountered this or is it always when the bike is centered?

Answer 1

I bet all motorcycles need to be centered for an "accurate" oil level measurement. My 3 motorcycles are that way, and I'm pretty sure all the rest are. I don't think a reading from the side-stand position would make a big difference though. It depends on the model and how tilted the bike is on it's side-stand. For instance, my Buell leans over a lot farther than my Yamaha so the reading on the side might be more offset than on the Yamaha. I'd recommend just checking centered to get the most accurate reading possible.

Hope to see you on the road someday.

Answer 2

Earlier BMWs - the service manual recommended checking the oil level with the bike on it's side stand.

BMW has since revised the procedure to checking while on the centerstand.

I don't know of any modern day bikes that check the oil level on it's side stand.

Answer 3

Yes, I've encountered it for the last 4 years.  2004 and newer HD Sportsters, Softails, Dynas and Touring models all get checked with the engine oil at operating temperature while sitting on the "jiffy stand".

Edit: Oh, yeah.  Buell is checked on sidestand since 04 as well...

Answer 4

You can’t control the angle a motorcycle leans on its side stand (or on a center stand either).  You can control if it is upright, on two wheels, and on level ground.

Answer 5

Not that I know of. You should always check it while in an upright position.

Answer 6

I don't know about metric bikes but some HDs you check on the kickstand and some setting level. If you have a big dresser it could be a 2 man operation just to check the oil if you checked it when the bike was level.  You should check the oil when the bike is hot, make sure there is some in it, then warm it up.

Answer 7

The oil level in motorcycle is always checked with the bike stood up because, when stood up, the oil is evenly distributed and gives you a more accurate reading.

Answer 8

Nope..  Always stand up to check oil level

Answer 9

No there are no bikes that can check the oil level on the side stand.To check the Oil level you should center the bike.that's how you can get the correct level.