Is the best way, or correct way to check oil level- bike on side stand, or bike sitting up level as if you were sitting on it?

 

Level and not tilted with the nose pointing down like it is when on a rear stand.

 

On the centre stand if you have one, some guys have had to removed theirs because of after market exhausts.

In which case you'd need a rear paddock stand, or I'd get someone to sit on the bike to level it up and check it that way.

 

Yes centre stand and I've read in various operating manuals to check the oil with the dip stick sitting in the side cover but not screwed in. I always thought you had to screw the dipstick in for an accurate measurement but not the case so I've read. When on the centre stand I always stick something under the front wheel to even up the distance between both tyres and the floor in the interests of accuracy. Cheers.

 

Bang on Bordo , center stand block of levelling wood under front wheel cap not screwed
in ....way I do it too

 

As per Owner's Manual attached...

 

OMG that makes its so just so all hard. "Each day before riding the motorcycle check the oil level"

So do oil stealing fairies come and attack your bike while you're asleep at night?

Can anyone put their hand on their heart and say they check the oil level in their Subaru every time before they start it?

I certainly don't; before a trip of any significance, yes, but we all get to know our vehicles, be they two or four wheels and no one, I'm sure can honestly say that they check the oil level every day.

 

I am guilty of not checking it every time I ride, maybe once a week? But I have never seen it change between oil changes (3k miles)

 

Thanks for the attachment, but I still have one question. When your bike is on the center stand, (which I do not have), how far is the rear wheel off the ground. Is it a similar distance if it where on a swing arm stand?

Thanks

 

^ I don't think it matters much. A few ounces wont hurt. The stick is somewhat in the center on the sump and would read the average.

I only check my oil level when I change it. After 3,000 to 3,500 miles, what comes out is the same as what when in. The manual says to change it 8,000 miles so it is somewhat fresh when I do change it.