slick97spirit Posted April 25, 2009 #1 Posted April 25, 2009 there is one thing I have always hated about Yamaha street bikes. That stupid sight glass for checking oil levels. It's ridiculous that it takes 2 people to check the oil. Is there a trick to it that you guys could share with me. How do you guys check your oil level. My wife is not the kind of person that pays attention to details so I don't like holding the bike up for her to tell me the level. She doesn't understand the importance of it being at the right level......HELP :bang head::bang head::bang head:
Squeeze Posted April 25, 2009 #2 Posted April 25, 2009 placing a 2x2 under the Sidestand, or a 3x4 if you got a rised rear End ??
johnny-canuck Posted April 25, 2009 #3 Posted April 25, 2009 I had the same thought this morning when I was trying to get my wife to check it and all she saw was dirt on the little window There's gotta be a better way. I think Yamaha's engineers were sipping saki or something when they came up with this one.
Yammer Dan Posted April 25, 2009 #4 Posted April 25, 2009 As Squeeze says just find something to block it up close to level. Just don't go too far or leave it up there.
Monty Posted April 25, 2009 #5 Posted April 25, 2009 It's not just Yamaha. My Suzuki was the same way. Be glad, as some bikes have no sight glass, dipstick or anything.
93 venture Posted April 25, 2009 #6 Posted April 25, 2009 :hihi:Just pop it up on the center stand,Oh yeah i forget you 2nd gen guys dont have that option.:rotfl::rotfl:
IH Truck Guy Posted April 25, 2009 #7 Posted April 25, 2009 :hihi:Just pop it up on the center stand,Oh yeah i forget you 2nd gen guys dont have that option.:rotfl::rotfl: :sign funny post: And there you have it folks,the best line of the day....
Squeeze Posted April 25, 2009 #8 Posted April 25, 2009 :hihi:Just pop it up on the center stand,Oh yeah i forget you 2nd gen guys dont have that option.:rotfl::rotfl: I wanted to be nice ... but i thought exactly the same :crackup:
gibvel Posted April 25, 2009 #9 Posted April 25, 2009 I just use one of those telescoping mirrors, sit on the bike and put it upright and hold the mirror down there. Been thinking about making a little wooden fixture you could just set on the floorboard, next to the glass, that would hold the mirror at the correct angle to see the window.
Cougar Posted April 25, 2009 #10 Posted April 25, 2009 3x4 OR the (bike lift) to level it out after you have drained the oil and changed the filter.
papa smurf Posted April 25, 2009 #11 Posted April 25, 2009 well... I just squat down on the right side of the bike, grab the handlebar (key locked) and gently tip it. no helper, no smoke, no mirrors, no problem. just dont try to stand it up totally straight. Only enough to see that your at a safe oil level. ps it's an rsv 2gen.
eusa1 Posted April 25, 2009 #12 Posted April 25, 2009 the chrome center stand on my 2nd gen rsv works fine for me!!
BOO Posted April 25, 2009 #13 Posted April 25, 2009 I have two thoughts about this thread, 1. Don't worry about it. 2. That's what the oil level light is for. BOO
Yammer Dan Posted April 25, 2009 #14 Posted April 25, 2009 I wanted to be nice ... but i thought exactly the same :crackup: Yep I was going to be nice!! It was killing me!!!
cowpuc Posted April 25, 2009 #15 Posted April 25, 2009 well... I just squat down on the right side of the bike, grab the handlebar (key locked) and gently tip it. no helper, no smoke, no mirrors, no problem. just dont try to stand it up totally straight. Only enough to see that your at a safe oil level. ps it's an rsv 2gen. X2 Only I just gently pull the bike off the side stand and let it balance itself at center, carefully bend down and bingo.. Once you get the hang of it you will be surprised how easy it is.. I actually like the window, its those goofy bikes with the weep hole and no way to actually check the level that I dont care for...
BOO Posted April 25, 2009 #16 Posted April 25, 2009 the chrome center stand on my 2nd gen rsv works fine for me!! I have one of those also and it does work just fine. BOO
dynodon Posted April 25, 2009 #17 Posted April 25, 2009 My wife's Honda Shadow Ace Tour has almost the same stupid thing. It has a dipstick, but to get an accurate level, the bike must be upright. I can't reach the dipstick from the seat, so I use the 2 X 4 under the side stand. I LOVE the idea of the mirror with the extendable handle for checking the oil on the venture, but my '86 VR has a center stand! Still, neat idea, and I happen to have one (mirror that is).
Mariner Fan Posted April 25, 2009 #18 Posted April 25, 2009 I have two thoughts about this thread, 1. Don't worry about it. 2. That's what the oil level light is for. BOO
Monty Posted April 25, 2009 #19 Posted April 25, 2009 Buy you a wheel chock, mount it, and park the bike in it, then get off and check it. I always just grab the handlebar, lean it upright, and check mine. It has never been low, though.
Wrongway Posted April 25, 2009 #20 Posted April 25, 2009 I just place a standard sized brick under the side stand and the bike is upright. Do that when changing the oil too.
hillrider Posted April 25, 2009 #21 Posted April 25, 2009 Advance or Auto Zone or Pep boys will (for a small fee) give you a 2" mirror - on a stick. check the oil yourself, sitting on the seat.
slick97spirit Posted April 25, 2009 Author #22 Posted April 25, 2009 I just use one of those telescoping mirrors, sit on the bike and put it upright and hold the mirror down there. Been thinking about making a little wooden fixture you could just set on the floorboard, next to the glass, that would hold the mirror at the correct angle to see the window. Now this is a good idea. Not saying the others aren't too (except for the "buy a 1st Gen idea) Thanks all!!!
BuddyRich Posted April 25, 2009 #23 Posted April 25, 2009 I just use a small makeup mirror the wife doesn't use anymore. Works great
Sunman Posted April 25, 2009 #24 Posted April 25, 2009 This is one of the reasons that I bought the Carbon one lift adapter with the legs. I can set the bike down, fill the oil and rear-end gear oil and the bike is level, with no helpers. Another reason to get in touch with him. I am planning on using it for the first time next week for fluid changes.
BJB Posted April 25, 2009 #25 Posted April 25, 2009 At one time someone was making a small mirror that could be permanently attached to the bike at the correct angle. One could see the mirror and oil level by simply looking down. However, IIRC they were for V-Stars. I wonder if something like this could be made for the 2nd Gen?
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