First Oil Change

[JoshuaCJCohen]

Hi all,
I finally got tired of paying for routine maintenance and did my first oil change today.  Watched Ducatitech and some other videos and had all my stuff ready to go.  I do have a question about when to read the oil level.

I put in 2 quarts of oil, put on the cap, ran the engine for about 2 minutes to get the oil into the filter.  Added the third quart.  When the bike is off the oil level is between the lines, almost exactly so, when holding the bike up right.  When I turn the engine on the oil level drops to the lower limit and, if I look at it from the correct angle, below the line.  Turn the bike off and a few minutes later it is back between the lines.

When should I be taking the reading?  Should I add a half quart?

Thank you,
JCJC

[ducpainter]

Always check oil when warm and with the bike upright. Between the lines is fine.

If you add the entire 1/2 qt I think you'll be over full.

On my 900 it's a pint from the add line to the full line.

[Howie]

A little under full is good.  A little over full is bad.  Follow dp's advice.

[JoshuaCJCohen]

Thank you both.  I know too much is almost as bad as too little.  I'll check again tomorrow.

[Heath]

Check when the bike is off.

[Howie]

Thank you both.  I know too much is almost as bad as worse than too little.  I'll check again tomorrow.

To much oil causes excessive crankcase pressure and can lead to seal failure.  Between the lines is perfect.

[Blackout]

I always fill the filter with oil before installing.

[the_Journeyman]

I always fill the filter with oil before installing.

This is a good idea.  I do this for any vehicle I change the oil on.   It helps the motor not be oil starved for a few seconds ad the filter fills up.  Not sure that's ever been a cause of an engine failure, but it makes me feel better.

JM