I checked my oil level today for the first time since getting the bike serviced a few weeks ago. So I put the bike on the centre stand, as I’ve always done, and I was very surprised to see the sight glass full. I immediately contacted the dealer and he told me the bike shouldn’t be on the centre stand as it tilts the engine forward. That made sense so I googled it and nearly everything I looked at said to put the bike on a centre stand or paddock stand! That’s what I’ve always done, have I been getting it wrong all these years?
I think the answer is to use the method recommended in the owner's handbook. I've just checked several - my 900SS (doesn't have a centre stand) - book says to check when upright with engine warm, and my Triumph Speed Twin says that the engine should be warmed up, allowed to settle for a few minutes and then checked when upright (explicitly NOT on sidestand). I have a handbook for an old no-longer-owned Honda, and interestingly that does say that the level should be checked with the bike up on its centre stand. It couldn't make sense to recommend using a paddock stand because there could be significant variation in how high the rear wheel is lifted off the ground.
Thanks for that. This is one of many responses to my google search. https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/unite...le-maintenance/topping-up-motorcycle-oil.html
I think because a centre stand is optional, being part of the touring pack (for the 1260 at least), they want to have the same for all versions. Hence both wheels on the ground. Paddock stands wont all be the same height, usually tip the bike even further forward, and, anyway, not everyone has one.
I wouldn't trust the Castrol advice, because it cannot cover all models. On the other hand, the Ducati owner's guide is available here: https://www.ducati.com/ww/en/service-maintenance/owner-manuals I checked the guide for the Multistrada 950, 2019, and it says (on page 261): "Position the bike with both wheels on a flat ground and in straight position."
The difference between being checked on a centrestand or with both wheels on the ground will be minimal if even noticeable. So long as the bike is upright is the key. The most convoluted check process I have seen for oil was my metric Buell. Start the bike, keep it upright, turn it off when warm and then wait so many seconds but not more than bla bla...I just always checked it cold, it had a dipstick, not a sightglass, couldn't be easier.
Just fill it up to the top of the sight glass. If there’s too much in there, give it a good spanking to burn any excess off!
That’s what I used to think until today. I’ve just taken the bike off the stand and the level is now just above the halfway mark. Oh well, live and learn. Thanks for all reply’s.
I recently bought a chinese 125 bike for my son. (I know, but it was a price I couldn't turn down). The previous owner had I suspect filled it up with the bike on it's sidestand. The clutch seemed a bit odd (kind of dragging). I drained twice as much oil from the sump as the owners manual said should be in there. When filled with the correct amount it showed the correct level when upright.
