Correct oil level

[TACstrat]

I've got a 796 with only 2K miles on it and had the oil changed at the 600 mile service.  With the bike upright and cold the oil level is only slightly above the bottom line.  There's no apparant leaks and it's not burning oil. Am I reading the oil level correctly? Is it normal to have to add oil after only 2K miles.  Any advice is appreciated.

[Howie]

No reason to add until it is below the add line.

[SpikeC]

 How are you holding the bike vertical? A small deviation from vertical will have a large impact on the view in the window. As long as oil is visible in the window I wouldn't be too worried.
The important thing is finding a method of checking that is accurately repeatable.

[TACstrat]

Thanks. I've tried holding it vertical by sitting on it (hard to see the sight lines) and standing next to it (hard to keep it steady).  I put it on the rear stand but that gives me an even lower reading.  It has oil in it so I guess it's ok as long as it is above the lower line.

Maybe this needs a seperate thread, but I also find it impossible to see the brake and clutch fluid levels on the handlebar reserve tanks. Am I supposed to top them off too and how do I do so without letting air in the system?

[memper]

Sit on it and use a small mirror taped to a stick 

[Howie]

I balance the bike against my knee, easy to feel vertical.

[SpikeC]

 Speaking of checking oil level, I was a little concerned about mine and I just checked it. I have a PitBull rear stand and I was using it to stabilize the bike in a verticle position, the craning my neck to see the window. Then I put the bike all of the way up onto the stand, and it turns out that the level reads just slightly higher with the bike on the ground than when on the stand. The difference is so slight that I don't think it makes any difference whether the bike is on the sand or not!
So don't worry about trying to hold your bike just so, put it on your stand and make your life easy!

[seevtsaab]

My 620 reads similar on rear stand or balanced upright.
Surprised it's hard for folks to balance the bike upright while squatting beside it to view the oil level?
Bike is pretty easy to hold upright, just don't let it get too far off center of course.

[IdZer0]

Are you measuring when the bike/oil is cold or warm? I think the manual says to check when it's warm.

[Marco99]

one simple solution

ride the front wheel on a couple of wooden boards (4-5 cm high). after use you rearwheel stand as usual.

[han711]

I've got a 796 with only 2K miles on it and had the oil changed at the 600 mile service.  With the bike upright and cold the oil level is only slightly above the bottom line.  There's no apparant leaks and it's not burning oil. Am I reading the oil level correctly? Is it normal to have to add oil after only 2K miles.  Any advice is appreciated.

I actually had the same prob earlier this season pulling from storage for my 696. Make sure the engines warm. If u have a baxley sport chock type stand that can help for any solo work to be done on ur bike. I have that and also the rear pit bill stand too.

The handlebar reservoirs I think r the worst when it comes to tryin to read the level and such. Too bad can't be replaced for the newer models

[TACstrat]

Turns out I was reading the oil level correctly and it was probably just not filled to the top line at the 600 mile service. I had it changed today by the same shop at 3000 miles and they filled it to the top line this time.  The engine light never came on and it never overheated so hopefully no harm done. Still can't read the brake fluid levels through those tiny site glasses on the reservoirs.

[suzyj]

If it were mine, I'd let oil out to drop it back close to the lower line. It's not like they use oil, and the last thing you want is oil coming out the breather.

[suzyj]

Maybe this needs a seperate thread, but I also find it impossible to see the brake and clutch fluid levels on the handlebar reserve tanks. Am I supposed to top them off too and how do I do so without letting air in the system?

Try to get the reservoir flat. If you still can't see a line, it just means its above the window.

You can lift the cap off without fear of getting air in he system. Just clean around the cap carefully before you open it, and again afterwards using water. Any brake fluid that drips on paint will eat if its left there.

[TACstrat]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll siphon some oil out in the AM, but I may keep the level below but closer to the top line. It seemed to shift smoother and run slightly cooler on my way back from the shop with more oil in it.