| Author | Message | ||
     Imaposer2 |
Geeeesh, I hate posting such noob questions but since this is my first Buell, and I know absolutely nothing about H-D engines, I do have to start somewhere regardless of how much experience I have with other bikes/engines.  So, I'm planning to go pick up my new (to me) '96 S1 this next weekend and want to be able to go over the bike's basic needs before doing any riding. I downloaded the Service Manual and have been reading here in attempt to pick up a few things before I pick the bike up. But I just thought about something as basic as checking the oil level and realized that I wasn't sure what the proper procedure is for these bikes. I think I remember reading something on this subject a while back and if memory serves, I am a bit confused. The last dry sump bike I owned was an '85 XR600, but I'm not even sure if that oil checking technique applies here. So, what is the prescribed method of checking the oil? And, what is the recommended level? I mean, I know the dipstick has a low and a high mark, but is there a level that has been found to be optimal, as in perhaps preventing as much oil misting out of the crankcase vents, while still being sufficient? And what about the transmission? How do I check it and what is the correct level? | ||
| Bigslug |
To check motor oil, motor should be up to operating temp and bike stood upright, not on the sidestand. For level, that depends on your bike. My M2 will burn up anything much over the low mark, while I think I could fill the S2 to the top of the oil tank without a problem. I would fill yours to the middle between the marks and see what it does. If it drops a bit and then stays, use that point as your fill mark. For the trans level, bike also must be upright. Remove the Derby cover, and the trans fluid should be at the top of the teeth of the clutch basket, you can see here in the online manual, it is in the clutch section; http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/Manuals/S1_1 996-1997_Service/BU1b.pdf Hope this helps, Mike | ||
| Ducxl |
I've done this stupid maneuver a bazzillion times. I get the bike out after a long off-season,check the oil level and no,oil,in,the,tank.I say,"gee,I drained it last Fall?" So I refill and when I start I blow the cap off of the oil tank and like all my oil on the floor!! Long story short,the oil in the tank weeps into the engine crankcase over time thus emptying into the,engine. Go for a good ride FIRST!!!! Then drain the oil tank IMMEDIATELY!!! Only then can you refill with fresh oil. | ||
| Imaposer2 |
Ducxl, That must be what I read about that created the confusion. Seems that somewhere I read that you should check the oil with the engine running for this reason. Something about the the oil staying pumped into the tank while running whereas it can drain down when not running leading one to overfill? I read the manual's directions but after reading about this somewhere or another I wasn't sure that that was actually the best method. Hell, I don't know... just thought I would ask what others found worked best for them. I definitely don't want to run it low, but I don't want to blow excess oil all over either. | ||
| Kalali |
You don't need to have the engine running. Just check the oil right after you shut off the engine. If you wait too long you'll get low reading (oil drain back into the case) and will overfill. | ||
| Buellistic |
CHECK ENGINE OIL Class 101, just PM me foe a copy ... |
