Hello everyone, I just bought a 01 929 and when I was looking at it the oil was visible in the window. I trailered the bike home and I took it for a ride up to the gas station 1/4 mile at 28 degrees out. A week later I took it for a ride around the block and when I got back I had it sitting (off) in the driveway. I Started it to put it away and noticed the oil light was on. I shut it off and checked the window and couldn't see any oil in it. I cannot see any visible leak and my pipe is not oily or overly dirty. I put oil in and could see it in the window but oil light is still on. Without there being a visible oil leak where is the oil? I was reading and if the pressure relief valve was stuck would that keep oil in the motor and not let it back to the bottom (window)? I just spent a bunch of money on this bike and am hope full that this is something simple. It winter here in WI and I don't know if the cold could contribute to the valve sticking? Any input is appreciated.

 

Were you checking it with the bike upright and level?
You won't see oil in the window if it is on the side stand.

The oil light on with the bike not running is normal. If its on while the bike is running, that's a problem.

 

Could be. But I'd start with the easiest thing - the thing every owner should do when they buy any new vehicle... change the oil and filter!

You might find it was just low on oil, and after not running for a while, all the oil was in the sump and showing on the window. Once the engine runs and some of that oil is distributed through the system, it could show as low/no oil.

 

Also, you shouldn't check it out after you've had it running. The motor needs to be cold (i.e. have been off for a while). Go hold the bike upright or put it on a rear stand and check the oil level right now (presuming you haven't started it yet today).

Now, when you turn the ignition on, the oil light will come on, but as soon as you start the motorcycle, it should go away.

 

I checked it holding it upright and didn't see any oil in the window. I added some oil to it and now I see the oil but the light is still on. I'm going to do a oil change on it next weekend. The light comes on when the key is turned on but it goes out only to return a second later. Just spent a bunch of money on this with gear and everything so I'm hoping it's nothing bad. Motor sounded fine and still does. I'm going to buy a oil pressure test set this week and try that too. Valves were done at 18000 and the bike has 22700 on it now.

 

Is the light on while its running?

 

How much did you have to add?

 

Yes the light is on when its running. I added about a half quart to it but its over full now. Im going to do a full change on it next weekend. The engine is running fine, no different noises or anything strange going on. I'm going to do a pressure test and start branching out from there. Any input is greatly appreciated. I bought the Haynes service manual for it so game on, lol.

 

Take the wire off the switch and turn the key on. If the light is still on, the wire is shorted somewhere. If it goes out, check the pressure. If pressure is good, replace the switch. The switch is cheaper than the pressure gauge. It can be had from any auto parts store for only a few bucks. I'd do the switch and see what happens before buying a gauge.

 

If you say you saw oil in the window when you bought and only rode it a handful of times before being a 1/2qt low - I would think you'd see smoke out of the exhaust pipe if you're really burning that much oil. What's the inside of your oil box look like? Oily?