Checking Oil in Sight Glass without Center Stand.

[twistedwankel]

I have trouble checking my oil with rear hard saddle bags on and not being unable to get to the lifting bar. Have to either "guess" bike is level or unlock, remove and put bike on center stand.

So for $3 @ Lowe's I got an aluminum string line level which can be laid on any flat cool surface. I can do this quickly before a ride. I don't recommend leaving this sit for any length of time on a hot engine or permanently mounting either. It's small and easily stored.

Sure they had two plastic ones in a package for $3 but they looked cheap and I only needed one.

 

[bonanzadave]

Great Idea. Its just a little un nerving to me being on the opposite side of the side stand (checking the sight gauge) when you set it back down. It always feels like shes going over.

 

[Zooks]

Great Idea. Its just a little un nerving to me being on the opposite side of the side stand (checking the sight gauge) when you set it back down. It always feels like shes going over.

Me too. Weird huh? Your brain tells you that the stand will stop it but there's always that tiny moment. :shock:

 

[twistedwankel]

Great Idea. Its just a little un nerving to me being on the opposite side of the side stand (checking the sight gauge) when you set it back down. It always feels like shes going over.

I suppose one could use one of those "mirrors on a stick" and straddle the bike still using the level in the same manner? Personally I was more concerned with the 550lb thing falling over on me not knowing where weight center was (without the level) and stooping down on the non-stand side while balancing the bike.

 

[dpep]

An old bike mirror or a small dollar store mirror work great while sitting on the bike. If it is middle of the glass sitting on the centerstand, it will be top of the glass sitting on the ground. If you are showing middle of the glass on the ground it will show low on the centerstand. At least that is the way it works on my G models.

 

[tkent02]

Might come up with a little dipstick?
Like a certain spot on your long screwdriver poked in the filler hole that equals the right amount?