Oil dipstick question

[L J VFR]

Are we supposed to check the oil in our magna's with the dipstick screwed in and level?  Or check it with the dipstick not screwed in??   With my dipstick not screwed in and level, it is at the full mark..  Is this correct??

[hootmon]

I believe I have looked this up in my handbook, and have owned a couple of Honda's.
The standard is unscrew the dipstick, wipe with a cloth, level the bike, put the dip stick in, but do NOT screw in, remove and note the level.
I usually turn the Dipstick counter clockwise while it is inserted since it is at an angle, but that is just my thing, and not a Honda thing.

[L J VFR]

Thanks Hootman.. If this is the case, my bike might be a little over full..     It is a little above the full mark with the dipstick not screwed in.. Better drain some out I guess...

[L J VFR]

Sorry for the dumb question, I guess i should know this by now.. I just wanted to make sure.. Call me paranoid..

[hootmon]

It depends how "Overfull" you are... if it was 1/8" or so over, I wouldn't worry about it.. If you are 1/2" above... I would drain some out.

[mainerider]

It depends how "Overfull" you are... if it was 1/8" or so over, I wouldn't worry about it.. If you are 1/2" above... I would drain some out.

It is indeed supposed to be checked without being screwed in; I had that same question and found the answer in the Honda General Service Manual.
Joe

[Jester]

My understanding is that you are supposed to check the level as described above AFTER you have the bike at operating temperature. 

Jess

[Magniac]

. . . and sitting on a Cycle-istiC Centerstand.   

[mainerider]

My understanding is that you are supposed to check the level as described above AFTER you have the bike at operating temperature. 

Jess

Typically, you should warm it up for at least 2-3 minutes, shut it down and check it after a few minutes.

[Sledge Hammer]

. . . and sitting on a Cycle-istiC Centerstand.   

I know that's one of the reasons I will be very glad when I finally get mine installed. 

The other is at last being able to fix the the screwed-up rear alignment the dealer left me with. 

[hootmon]

 I have seen posts with people attaching either (Straight) PVC pipe or Copper pipe to their rear wheel that extend to or past the front wheel. This allows them to adjust the rear wheel to be inline with the front wheel...
My dad had a CB550 and used to measure from the swing arm to the axel on each side, to insure the same distance (The marks on the swing arm were not accurate!!!) But I have found this method difficult on the Magna due to the exhaust...

[Sledge Hammer]

I am not sure, but I think they must have interchanged some spacers on the rear axle. Like you say, those four exhausts sure do get in the way of checking alignment against the swingarm. (But, man, do they look good!) In any event, I sure want that centerstand on before I hit the open road. Checking oil, being able to maintain and/or adjust the chain alone, or dealing with tire or wheel issues will be so much easier with it on, I may just have to have a celebratory self-medication session at my favorite Mexican restaurant! 

[hootmon]

If you check the oil on the Center stand, won't the bike be tilted forward changing the oil level at the dipstick?
Honda Designed the dipstick for level ground, I would think...

[Sledge Hammer]

True, but I think a 2" difference over the length of the wheelbase would probably have less effect than wobbling I get when tyring to keep the bike straight while checking it myself. Also, some of the error might be taken out by sliding a 1" board under the front wheel. I should check the level before and after installation to see how far off the readings are. May even make a scribemark for the corresponding level for when the bike is on the sidestand.

[lragan]

... May even make a scribemark for the corresponding level for when the bike is on the sidestand.

I think the reason they marked the dipstick for vertical reference is that the variations on the sidestand are too high -- weight, side stand spring tension, tire size, inflation pressure, etc. all affect the reading -- unless the bike is level left to right and front to back.

I can sit astride the bike, hold it level with my feet, and read the oil level, no sweat.   I just reach down with my right hand to lift the dipstick out.

I have been checking mine cold, however.  It is part of my regular pre-ride check list. 

As the bike warms up, I see two countervailing effects on the oil:

1) Oil has a slightly positive temperature coefficient of expansion, so the volume goes up with the temperature.
2) Some of the oil will be left in other parts of the engine, not the sump, if you don't let it settle after running the engine.

Has anyone checked to see what difference accrues to cold and warm readings?