Oil dipstick question

[hootmon]

WARNING - I'm going to be NON scientific NOW...
I have checked mine hot (allowing drain time) and cold and if there is difference, it's not significant enough for me to worry about... If it changes the level a 1/4" is anybody sweating it??? I'm not THAT anal... My bike with $50K+ miles uses nearly no oil.. In a year (10K miles average) I might add a cups worth... So I usually check it cold, as level as I can make it, spin the dip stick counterclockwise. To insure levelness left to right, I usually rest the Kickstand on part of my foot while I'm Leaning. I can feel more/less pressure on my foot and know if I'm beginning to lean...
So long as there is not drastic differences in oil level... I'm off enjoying a ride...

[lragan]

You have it right, Hoot.  The differences are "noise" on the signal of oil level.  I do the same thing, by the way, and have added 10K miles to my '96 without damage (from oil deficiency, at least ). 

Thanks for the empirical data on conditions.  Good enough for me.

[Sledge Hammer]

Sounds reasonable to me, Lawrence. If we're all agreed, we can keep this thread from going as long as that "other thread" (pointing at the Regulator thread with mortified expression).

[lragan]

Sort of begs the definition of "dipstick" huh?

[Curtis_Valk]

Sounds reasonable to me, Lawrence. If we're all agreed, we can keep this thread from going as long as that "other thread" (pointing at the Regulator thread with mortified expression).

I don't agree..........if your oil level is not exactly on the gnat's ear..........um, er...............your ENGINE will explode!!! Yeah, that's it.........EXPLODE!!!

Curtis

[Jerry G Turner]

If it's a little bit low it will stop running at 50 miles per hour and if it's a little over full it will stop running at 60 miles per hour other than that it's fine.

[Charles S Otwell]

Well if it's over full and you have to drain some of it out, for pete sake put it back in the refinery barrel it came from  ..

[Curtis_Valk]

Just remember that used oil is a carcinogen, so wear your hazmat suit and stop by decon as soon as you're done. 

Curtis

[roboto65]

Just remember that used oil is a carcinogen, so wear your hazmat suit and stop by decon as soon as you're done.

Unless it is Royal Purple then it is all good 

[L J VFR]

Thanks for answering my question guys...  

[Charles S Otwell]

Hey Robert, Just how much stock do you have in Royal purple ? 

[roboto65]

You mean Allen LOL none but should have some heck they should make me a partner

[L J VFR]

I put Rotella 5w-40 synthetic in my bike last oil change.. Talking to Dave Dodge  regarding SS brake line last week, he told me not to use this oil..  He said he don't approve of the 5w part of the oil.  Said I need to at least put a 10w in it..  Just FYI..  He said he really likes the Valvoline durablend oil..  Or just stick to traditional dino Rotella 10w-40.    Thought you guys might want to know this..    I can't seem to find a synthetic rotella 10w-40 anywhere as well.

[hootmon]

Ok.. Her is my oil input.. (techies will enjoy the read!!)
read the following literature http://www.amsoil.com/lit/g2156.pdf
It documents all the standard test against most major oils used in Motorcycles.
It explains what each standard test is designed to indicate and the results for each oil in that category.
It also breaks the tests into two groups 40 and 50 weights.

One thought of mine is if you only put less than 5K miles a year on a motorcycle, probably cheaper Dino oil is fine.
The more miles per year you put on the bike, the more synthetic makes since.

I use Amsoil 20/50 motorcycle oil personally.. (10/40 is fine, but since I live in HOT Florida, I prefer the 50).
I put right at 10K per year, and change my oil once a year in Early May (just before the Summer season).
I have had the oil tested and all parameters come well within spec. at the end of the year cycle. So the extra expense is worth it to me so I only have to do it once a year, AND gain some of the added benefits of the better oil product.

I am NOT saying everyone should use AMSOIL, you should consider your milage pattern, read the literature, and decide for yourself which product/price makes since for you.

[L J VFR]

Good write-up Hoot.      I have read somewhere else where someone has used 50w oil as well.. I have almost bought 50w but always end up buying 40w.  It get hot on occasion here in Arkansas, but not like in Florida..  Any more opinions on using 50w oil vs 40w oil??   Maybe on an engine with more than 50,000 miles??  (Did we just start a new oil thread.. )