Oil Window Thingie

[BanditDave]

How reliable or accurate is the oil window thing in the leftside of the bike?  I ask because it seemed like my oil level dropped alot recently so, i added some more and according to the window i hadnt lost much oil at all.

thanks,
david

[B12Teuton]

As long as the bike is level, it works well.

What year/model is your bike?

[PaulVS]

As long as the bike is level, it works well.

What year/model is your bike?

As long as the bike is PERFECTLY level, in my experience.

[dsartwell1]

I always check mine on the centerstand in the same place in the driveway so the geometry is always the same. Next time you change your oil, after you add the exact amount of oil take note of where in the window the oil level is so you have a reference.

[terrebandit]

What model bandit?  I wouldn't be a 2001 or 2002 B-12, would it?

Dave

[BanditDave]

its an '00 B6

[Red01]

You also want to check the window when the oil is warm, like shortly after shutdown. Give it a minute or so to settle. (That's per the owners manual)
Checking it cold may yield different results.

[txbanditrydr]

When changing the oil I refill so the sight glass is exactly halfway covered.  I can then top off if need after the oil is brought up to temp.... it's easier to add then to remove oil.  

[Daytona]

How reliable or accurate is the oil window thing in the leftside of the bike?  I ask because it seemed like my oil level dropped alot recently so, i added some more and according to the window i hadnt lost much oil at all.

thanks,
david

  Hey am I way off here or what??? The oil thing on the left side of the bike??? The window on the R side is very touchy! on the 1200 anyway! Question for those who know? Does the suzuki folks say to check on hard stand? or just on level area, on tires???? I know just a pint too much will cause the 1G 1200 too run much hotter, oil up the air filter & stock air box, cause oil to ooze from the valve cover, in front of the exhaust cam sprocket! (with a good seal)

[Red01]

The owners manual for my 2G says to check the oil on level ground with both tires on the ground and held straight up. Engine off, but oil still at operating temp.

In order to make things easy on myself, I noted early on what the full level was in this condition with the bike on the centerstand. You do need to "recalibrate" this system if you raise or lower the bike.

[Bazza]

Paul is correct, in fact all manufacturers recomend checking the oil with the bike flat on the ground.

With the B-12 if you fill it up to the full mark on the site glass, you will actually be over-full when checking it flat on the ground.

Ask me how I know this!

Bazza

[Daytona]

[BanditDave]

How reliable or accurate is the oil window thing in the leftside of the bike?  I ask because it seemed like my oil level dropped alot recently so, i added some more and according to the window i hadnt lost much oil at all.

thanks,
david

  Hey am I way off here or what??? The oil thing on the left side of the bike??? The window on the R side is very touchy! on the 1200 anyway! Question for those who know? Does the suzuki folks say to check on hard stand? or just on level area, on tires???? I know just a pint too much will cause the 1G 1200 too run much hotter, oil up the air filter & stock air box, cause oil to ooze from the valve cover, in front of the exhaust cam sprocket! (with a good seal)

my bad, yes it is on the right

[chippi]

Ask me how I know this!

I'll ask but I thing we all know the answer here  
I was once in suck a rush to cange my oil I filled up with trany fluid    That was a late night

[JV]

Is there anything wrong with overfilling?