what you see behind the wiper

[Cormanus]

I've a suspicion one can overthink this. If you can see an oil line in the sight glass when it is on the centre stand, you shouldn't have a problem. If you can't see a line, the trickle a little more oil in and test again. If it's over the top of the sight glass, let a little out and try again.

[GoldOxide_imp]

I recall far more often than not my CB1100 oil level sight glass was completed filled on any given random day, as well as on other days noticeably below the upper limit marker. (*yawn*)

[Cormanus]

Please don't let us keep you up, GO.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Please don't let us keep you up, GO.

I miss the Honda oil level site glass.



Honda seems to be using dipsticks again. Ah well, not as convenient, but the same rules apply.

[Cormanus]

Funny. I’d prefer a dipstick.

[Mixagon_imp]

Hi Gecko. I have had similar issues when reading the oil level on my bike, and I have discovered this bike is very sensitive when it comes to checking the oil level because it must be as close to level as possible. If you really want to be accurate, and you don't mind the extra work of going to the extreme, here are my instructions.

1. Park the bike on as level ground as possible, using the centerstand. Eye the bike up to insure the front to back level is as horizontal as possible (the rear wheel will be off the ground of course). For/aft level isn't as critical as side/side.
2. Open the seat, and lay a carpenter's level across the frame tubes from left to right. If the bike does not show perfectly level, from side to side, then shim beneath the centerstand as required to achieve a perfectly horizontal level.
3. Check your oil level.

I know this sounds ridiculous, but that's what it took for me to achieve an accurate, and repeatable oil level inspection. I would move my bike to various locations in the garage, and on the driveway, and the oil level would change. I didn't realize how sensitive this bike is being slightly off level. Other bikes I own are not this sensitive.

Please let me know how this works for you. Ok, the rest of you can stop laughing now, but I really did do this.

Not laughing Dave...I just know that with my mechanical luck, upon attempting to shim beneath the centerstand, my bike would tip over and fall on top of me!

Not laughing Dave...I just know that with my mechanical luck, upon attempting to shim beneath the centerstand, my bike would tip over and fall on top of me!
Not laughing as I use a 5mm shim to get my bike level otherwise the oil level is over the top.

I had a similar problem with a XJR1300 and kept draining oil out weekly until I realised the oil was getting thinner and smelt like petrol. The petcock was faultly and one carb was leaking petrol into the crank. All carbs serviced and new petcock solved the problem. This can't happen on our bikes though.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Hi Gecko. I have had similar issues when reading the oil level on my bike, and I have discovered this bike is very sensitive when it comes to checking the oil level because it must be as close to level as possible. If you really want to be accurate, and you don't mind the extra work of going to the extreme, here are my instructions.

1. Park the bike on as level ground as possible, using the centerstand. Eye the bike up to insure the front to back level is as horizontal as possible (the rear wheel will be off the ground of course). For/aft level isn't as critical as side/side.
2. Open the seat, and lay a carpenter's level across the frame tubes from left to right. If the bike does not show perfectly level, from side to side, then shim beneath the centerstand as required to achieve a perfectly horizontal level.
3. Check your oil level.

I know this sounds ridiculous, but that's what it took for me to achieve an accurate, and repeatable oil level inspection. I would move my bike to various locations in the garage, and on the driveway, and the oil level would change. I didn't realize how sensitive this bike is being slightly off level. Other bikes I own are not this sensitive.

Please let me know how this works for you. Ok, the rest of you can stop laughing now, but I really did do this.

Not laughing Dave...I just know that with my mechanical luck, upon attempting to shim beneath the centerstand, my bike would tip over and fall on top of me!

Not laughing Dave...I just know that with my mechanical luck, upon attempting to shim beneath the centerstand, my bike would tip over and fall on top of me!
Not laughing as I use a 5mm shim to get my bike level otherwise the oil level is over the top.

I had a similar problem with a XJR1300 and kept draining oil out weekly until I realised the oil was getting thinner and smelt like petrol. The petcock was faultly and one carb was leaking petrol into the crank. All carbs serviced and new petcock solved the problem. This can't happen on our bikes though.

(yikes!)

That would be a nightmare. Great you caught it.

[The Gecko_imp]

Gosh, I had no idea what kinda avalanche my observation might trigger. I think we should declare first of April the CB1100 oil change day, and further agree on a time (UTC) when to start filling new oil in in sync around the globe.

[Mixagon_imp]

Gosh, I had no idea what kinda avalanche my observation might trigger. I think we should declare first of April the CB1100 oil change day, and further agree on a time (UTC) when to start filling new oil in in sync around the globe.

Good idea I will be changing mine around that date anyway.

[DrewNJ_imp]

I'm scared to death to touch that little wiper. With my luck I would have that thing leaking like crazy right after turning it......