| Author | Message | ||
     Blake |
The current 1125R owner's manual mandates that the bike be on the side-stand when checking oil level. That is incorrect. The bike should be upright and vertical on level ground. | ||
| Beachbuell |
We put the called for three quarts in and the dip stick was dry. We added another 1/3 of a quart and it barely read on the stick. I was wondering about this myself. | ||
| Xb9 |
OK, In addition to checking it upright instead of on the sidestand: The owner's manual says capacity is 3 qts. w/filter change. The 1125r minisite specs on buell.com states 4 qts. capacity with oil filter change. What is the correct capacity? | ||
| Jammin_joules |
As bigblock stated elsewhere here in, here's a paste of the online manual oil level check instructions: Ride motorcycle for approximately 10 minutes. Ride at least 5 miles 8 kilometers to ensure the oil is hot and the engine is at normal operating temperature. Readings taken with colder oil could lead to an overfull engine condition. "Place motorcycle on its sidestand" on firm level ground. An uneven surface will produce a false oil reading. Idle the motorcycle for three minutes on its sidestand. Shut off the motorcycle. Wait for two minutes after shutdown before reading the oil level, or false readings may result. See Filler Plug/Dipstick Location: Buell 1125R Models. Unscrew and remove dipstick from oil filler hole. Wipe dipstick clean. Insert dipstick into oil filler hole, screwing dipstick in completely. NOTE: Refer to Recommended Engine Oils. Use only recommended oil specified in Engine Lubrication: Buell 1125R Models. See Oil Dipstick Proper Operating Range: Buell 1125R Models. Unscrew and remove dipstick and note oil level. An indicated oil level between MIN and MAX (measured after performing steps 1 through 6) is acceptable for safe engine operation. Oil should be added in 3-7 fl. oz. 0.1-0.2 L increments, depending on how far the level is from the MAX reading. Confirm oil level by repeating steps 1 through 7. | ||
| Doerman |
The correct capacity appears to be 3quarts. When I changed my oil (including draining the oil in the filter housing) and replaced it with 3 quarts and doing the dipstick check using the procedure outlined in the manual with the above correction, then the stick reads right between low and max. Four quarts would surely have put it way up in the overfill area. | ||
| Anonymous |
Unfortunately the online manual is slightly incorrect. You must check the oil with the bike vertical, not on the sidestand. If you get the oil level to read on the stick with the bike on the sidestand it is over-full and will have carryover into the airbox until it reaches the right level. No real damage, but potentially the bike could smoke and have some leakage out of the airbox. We can't get the online manual fixed right away. | ||
| Beachbuell |
So is it three or four? Thanks!  | ||
| Donutclub |
Thanks for the clarification and the heads up! | ||
| Court |
Blake: Can you summarize:
Then, let's put it in the header here so folks can print it and take it to their dealers. I lack confidence that the dealers are getting (actually it may be arriving there, they are just not reading it) current information. I think we, of badweb, can be a huge help in getting current and accurate information out. Court | ||
| Brumbear |
This whole check oil with the engine hot or warm is a load of engineer BUTTPUCKY what if your machine has no oil in it and you fire it up cause I know mine will get nothing on the stick when cold and clink clink fart CASH UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know there is an idiot light but I ask again if you rely on an IDIOT light well you can guess the rest | ||
| Zac4mac |
If you have a catastrophic failure, this early, I expect you'd get a fresh engine. In fairly short order. What we need, soon, is a "Cold check" for oil level. More Pre-Flight than Post-flight. Z | ||
| Bob_thompson |
Dave (Brumbear) I agree my friend but you can always check to see if the engine has ANY oil before firing it up. You would be absolutely foolish not to do so, but to get the CORRECT level it must be checked hot and as the owners manual usually suggests as per almost all manufacturers. Buell I'm sure will correct the current owners manual with a buelletin. Bob | ||
| Brumbear |
Not on mine Bob cold there is no reading on the stick I don;t have an R though I have an xb12ss when it heats up you are fine but otherwise its a crapshoot | ||
| Blake |
Why do you need a "cold check" for oil level? Just check the oil when you shut the bike down, if any oil leaks out after sitting idle, it will surely be obvious as it would puddle on the ground underneath the motorcycle. | ||
| Blake |
Court, Would you please proof the header that I just added per your suggestion? | ||
| Old_man |
Since there is no center stand, checking the oil is a two man job. One to hold the bike up and one to check the oil. Wouldn't it make more sense to change the dipstick markings to coincide with the bike on the sidestand as in the other Buells. | ||
| Brumbear |
aaaahhhh a mechanic at last Thank you life is not so complicated I know I can check the oil when I am done but thats the last thing on my mind after a nice long day in the saddle an frankly for 10 k plus FIX THE DIPSTICK don't make it our problem and bye the way most of the other manufacturers got it right. IDo not get me wrong I love Buell I just think if we are gonna get more people riding them get it right | ||
| Dalton_gang |
I`m sure it can`t be this simple but why couldn`t the dip stick be a little longer so as to reach the cold oil level? Then everyone would have "peace of mind". | ||
| Davegess |
Brumbear, I don't think you can fix the dipstick. This is a dry sump engine and it is always impossible to get a correct reading on a cold engine or even a hot engine that has been sitting. It is intrinsic to the design I think. There are advantages to a dry sump, particularly for a motorcycle. The best solution might be a sight glass but I don't know how practical they really are. | ||
| Old_man |
The dipstick does not check the sump. My point is the dipstick, if long enough, could be easily calibrated so that the proper level could be checked with the bike on the side stand. Balancing a bike upright while trying to check the dipstick seems like a recipe for disaster. | ||
| Metalstorm |
I was thinking a sight glass would be nice too but it would only work if it's set up to show low & full marks while resting on kickstand. Errr...unless of course you carry a long handled mirror with you  Anyway.. It's not a two man job. Just reach down & unscrew the dip stick while sitting on the bike. Sportster style  These things are way too minor to keep me from lusting over this bike. If any one in my area has a problem with checking the oil I will be more than happy to take it for a spin & check it for you I'd consider it by Buellistic duty  | ||
| Old_man |
Long legs? Although I'm 5'11" My inseam is 28" The last time I tried to fool with adjusting my helmet astride my bike I ended up dropping it. I'll get off the bike to check my oil. | ||
| Metalstorm |
Ah, my bad. I don't have long legs either but I do have long arms. I'm kind of like a hairless gorilla | ||
| Doerman |
Balancing a bike upright while trying to check the dipstick seems like a recipe for disaster. I do it like this: 1) follow the instruction above. 2) shut the bike off and let it sit on the sidestand for a couple of minutes 3) remove dipstick and clean it, replace dipstick 4) sit on bike and set it up vertical for for a few seconds 5) lean it back to the sidestand 6) dismount and remove dipstic to check level.. Voila! One man easy operation and it works like a charm! Asbjorn (Message edited by doerman on December 28, 2007) | ||
| Metalstorm |
Asbjorn, you are a genius! This is one of those "Why I didn't I think of that?!?" moments | ||
| Old_man |
Ah, the answer. This should be inserted into the manual. Thank You. | ||
| Buell78758 |
GREAT !!! THE NEW BUELL IS OUT, AND TOTAL CONFUSION ABOUT CHECKING THE FRICKEN OIL....LIKE IT WONT BURN ANY, RIGHT?? | ||
| Court |
Excellent. I agree with Blake. Check the oil (and IO like that procedure above) and the end of the ride. The point is being aware of the oil level. Might even want to add the "one suggested method for checking the oil safely. . . " (from above) the the header. Then. . . if'n I owned an 1125r I'd print and take that to the dealer. Well done. | ||
| Brumbear |
Again what happens if you start it and ride away with no oil in it How would you know | ||
| Bearly |
I think Old_man got it. There should be a new dip stick. Never hear of another bike that you have to balance with one hand on two wheel to check the oil, that didn't have a sight glass. I wonder if there will be a rash of tip overs while checking oil? |
