| Author |
Message |
    
Bumblebee
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 01:40 pm: | 
|
The owners manual say to check the oil every fill up. The XB9 I have uses a quart about every 1000 miles now that it's run in. When I first got the bike it went through a full quart in the first 300 miles.
If the oil pressure light came on when you were riding and if you didn't stop pronto something ugly awaits inside.(maybe)  |
Nutsosane
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 01:51 pm: |
|
Just got finished changing oil and primary fluid. Bike was total of 1/2 quart low. I would have used 1 quart in 1300 miles to keep it topped off. The tank bag will now carry xtra oil, in addition to tool and tire repair kit. Oh yeah, flashlight, water, extra shield, CLIF bar and sidestand puck! Is it time for a ULY?NUTS |
Fullpower
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 02:43 pm: |
|
" but they say ride til the oil check light comes on." sorry TED, but that is insane. your motorcycle is NOT equipped with a "check oil light" there is a low oil PRESSURE lamp, and you do not want to cause that to illuminate while the engine is running. |
Builtbyted
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 05:29 pm: |
|
good friends,
i just picked my bike back up from my dealership. after reading your comments yesterday, i called the dealership and told them what happened. they suggested i bring the bike in. they checked things out today and are confident that there is no damage. they said the bike will continue to use oil and that i should be checking every other, if not every, time i fill it up with gas. they also scolded me for letting my tire pressure get too low. we decided to switch to syn3 oil and i'm going to let them know if the oil consumption exceeds 1 quart per 1,000 miles.
that seems consistent with what i've been reading on here.
i'll keep you all posted. |
Typeone
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 06:53 pm: |
|
*side-note, reminded by your tire pressure comment...
its amazing what low tire pressure does to the XB's handling characteristics. i know exactly when i'm a little low by the way she behaves in corners. i could never tell on my Honda with same Dunlops. |
Mountainrider
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - 07:25 pm: |
|
I have been checking my oil hot and cold and it is always the same both ways. Speaking of tire pressure is everyone running the stock settings? |
Jerseyguy
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 10:34 am: |
|
I've got 850 miles on my new SS now and I just put about 7 oz in to bring it up to full. I'll be switching to Amsoil at 1K.
As far as hot vs cold checking goes, I notice about a tenth of an inch difference on the dipstick. |
Eor
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 10:46 am: |
|
Interesting thread....
I'm a bit perplexed by the unusual oil consumption in my Uly. I'm keeping track of what I am adding.
My consumption rate is slightly more than 1 quart per 1500 miles, which I have been hearing is acceptable. I've broken it down to one ounce per 50 miles or so. If I ride 200 miles, I can reasonably assume that I will need to add about 4 ounces of oil at the end of the ride.
Other Uly owners have reported using far less oil than I. I attempted to follow the recommended break-in procedure. There are some who believe that may have been the problem...I don't know. |
Blackxb9
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 11:26 am: |
|
So what air pressure are most of you running in your tires for street? I need to check mine. This thread got me worried. |
Midknyte
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 11:47 am: |
|
its amazing what low tire pressure does to the XB's handling characteristics. i know exactly when i'm a little low by the way she behaves in corners. i could never tell on my Honda with same Dunlops.
Ok, so just how does it behave when you are running low [air pressure in your tires]? |
Fullpower
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 01:54 pm: |
|
the rear will seam a bit " squishy" if low. |
Typeone
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 02:04 pm: |
|
haha, i didn't mean to cause alarm or drive the thread in another direction. just interesting to me how sensitive the XB is. nothing to worry about though, i just find myself checking tire pressure and oil level (i don't sweat the consumption) more often than on past bikes.
i think i'm running 42 front and rear (can't remember off hand though) for regular street duty in Dunlops that are on their last legs.
the rear will seam a bit " squishy" if low.
exactly, and the front will make it feel like you're fighting the steering as well as just 'squishy'. |
Typeone
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 02:11 pm: |
|
So what air pressure are most of you running in your tires for street? I need to check mine. This thread got me worried.
btw... i'm a little surprised by the number of posts stating that oil and air checks (at the very least) are not on your list of things-to-do before almost every ride.
do you guys do visual inspections, etc before you take the bike out? i've always been in that habit. bikes require lots of maintenance even if the XBs are touted as 'low maintenance'.
(Message edited by typeone on October 19, 2005) |
Whodom
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 02:32 pm: |
|
I try to be pretty diligent about checking things. Here's what the Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends:
CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE
A motorcycle needs more frequent attention than a car. A minor technical failure in a car seldom leads to anything more than an inconvenience for the driver. If something’s wrong with the motorcycle, you’ll want to find out about it before you get in traffic. Make a complete check of your motorcycle before every ride.
Before mounting the motorcycle, make the following checks:
• Tires — Check the air pressure, general wear and tread.
• Fluids — Oil and fluid levels. At a minimum, check hydraulic fluids and coolants weekly. Look under the motorcycle for signs of an oil or gas leak.
• Headlights and Taillight — Check them both. Test your switch
• Brake Light — Try both brake controls, and make sure each one turns on the brake light.
Once you have mounted the motorcycle, complete the following checks before starting out:
• Clutch and Throttle — Make sure they work smoothly. The throttle should snap back when you let go. The clutch should feel tight and smooth.
• Mirrors — Clean and adjust both mirrors before starting. It’s difficult to ride with one hand while you try to adjust a mirror. Adjust each mirror so you can see the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane next to you. When properly adjusted, a mirror may show the edge of your arm or shoulder—but it’s the road behind and to the side that’s most important.
• Brakes — Try the front and rear brake levers one at a time. Make sure each one feels firm and holds the motorcycle when the brake is fully applied.
• Horn — Try the horn. Make sure it works.
In addition to the checks you should make before every trip, check the following items at least once a week: Wheels, cables, fasteners and fluid levels. Follow your owner’s manual to get recommendations. |
Blackxb9
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 04:03 pm: |
|
In todays fast paced world it is very unusual for me to do everything recommended. Sometimes many of us just jump on and go. We are casualties of our own fast paced, stop and go lifestyles. We rush out the door and put our lives in the hands of equally rushing cagers paying more attention to smoking, eating, talking on cell phones and putting on make-up.
Most of the time I/we do check out our trusty mount. If something feels weird it doesn't leave the garage. However some things just can't, or won't be caught in the "typical" pre-ride inspection. I check the "essentials" such and lights, brakes and tires before each ride, but belts, fluids, suspension and horns usually don't make the cut before each and every ride. I know it should, but we are creatures of habit. I suggest getting in the habit before you ever get your motorcycle endorsement. Just another risk involved with riding a 2 wheeled vehicle. |
Kootenay
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 - 05:19 pm: |
|
The dealer said they have to do an oil change and then 'secure the dipstick so it cant be removed. I'm supposed to ride it 600 miles then they check the level. I know it will be well below the fill mark by then, but they say ride til the oil check light comes on.
Ted, I'd get this in writing! I wouldn't wanna be caught short if the low oil pressure warning light came on (though I doubt it would in 600 miles), and if anything did happen, I'd want some documentation to prove you weren't checking your oil level at the shop's request.
If the shop wasn't willing to give me valid documentation, I wouldn't follow their advice, and in truth I'd probably find another dealer.
As for those recommending that we check our bikes before every ride, yes that's a good idea--but the manual states that the bike is supposed to be at operating temperature when the oil is checked! Kind of a catch-22, if you know what I mean.
(Message edited by Kootenay on October 19, 2005) |
Ted
| | Posted on Thursday, October 20, 2005 - 11:56 am: |
|
good advise, thanks Koots... |
Nedwreck
| | Posted on Saturday, October 22, 2005 - 11:31 am: |
|
My CityX came up 2 quarts low a few weeks ago. As I check the oil pretty regularly, the first indication that something was wrong WAS the oil light. Yup, 2 quarts low.
There is no oil leaking anywhere on the bike and it does not smoke. It damb well better not, it's only got 6000 miles on it.
I know my service guys well, they're spot bollock professionals. It couldn't have been them, right? Since I'm not smoking or leaking, what else could have caused it? Beats the hell out of me. Let's just say I will check the oil after a service before I leave the shop from now on.
Bob |
|
