Rotella T5 10w30 + CB1100 = HAPPY!!!

[redbirds_imp]

I always used the sight window when refilling, adding oil to the top marker and then idling the motor for about 5 minutes. Then added oil if needed to bring the level back to the top mark. This usually took most of a US gallon of T6 Rotella, $26 a gallon at Wal Mart back then. Used the OEM Honda filter as I did not see that great a difference in price with other high quality filters.

[peterbaron]

I always used the sight window when refilling, adding oil to the top marker and then idling the motor for about 5 minutes. Then added oil if needed to bring the level back to the top mark. This usually took most of a US gallon of T6 Rotella, $26 a gallon at Wal Mart back then. Used the OEM Honda filter as I did not see that great a difference in price with other high quality filters.

^^+1^^

[GoldOxide_imp]

I always used the sight window when refilling, adding oil to the top marker and then idling the motor for about 5 minutes. Then added oil if needed to bring the level back to the top mark. This usually took most of a US gallon of T6 Rotella, $26 a gallon at Wal Mart back then. Used the OEM Honda filter as I did not see that great a difference in price with other high quality filters.

I consider this the standard process.

Maybe busy service garages don't wish to spend the extra time getting the sight glass optimally levelled.

For bike owners, they likely have more time flexibility and ought to be this thorough. This would also apply to dipstick implementations.

[peterbaron]

^^+1^^, so do it yourself is the best option!

[GoldOxide_imp]

... yes, there is time to run the bike a bit, let it stand, and then re-measure after a sandwich.

[Yata-Garasu_imp]

The shop likely just put it on the stand and dumped in what it said in the manual. That works for my Shadow 750s or any other bike where the manual is accurate.

Another issue with the manual showing 4.1 quarts is that it requires buying more than 4 quarts to prepare for an oil change. It's not a big deal if you buy in quart bottles, but you still end up paying for more than you need. If you buy in the gallon jugs, you just spend a lot more than needed.

At 3.5 to 3.8 quarts to fill the Eleven, I can buy a gallon of T5 10w30 for $21, and have a tiny bit left over.

I use 15w40 in my Shadow 750s.

^^+1^^, so do it yourself is the best option!

Indeed!

[the Ferret]

Everyone can do what they want with regards to oil brand/weight/amount in their own bikes, but an even gallon of GN4 10W30 has worked just fine in my CB for 71,000 miles and 18 oil/filter changes so far.

[DaSwami_imp]

4.1 gallons on my 2013 has it level with the top of the sight glass....

[Yata-Garasu_imp]

4.1 gallons on my 2013 has it level with the top of the sight glass....

I suspect that the fill quantity is slightly different for different years, but they didn't bother changing the manual... At least not the English language manuals.

It would be cool if we could find a pdf of a Japanese language CB1100 manual.

[GoldOxide_imp]

4.1 gallons on my 2013 has it level with the top of the sight glass....

I suspect that the fill quantity is slightly different for different years, but they didn't bother changing the manual... At least not the English language manuals.

It would be cool if we could find a pdf of a Japanese language CB1100 manual.

I would have not considered that for this CB1100 lump. Suppose it is possible.

The design mitigation is the use of the sight glass.