I'm new to this bike as I just picked it up last season for a track pig. I'm doing the first oil change and apart from not being able to find a Service Manual with an intact Section 1 (the part with all the basic torque values, capacities and specs) or an Owners Manual, I also don't know if I should check the oil level with the bike on the side stand, or on my front and rear stands with the bike upright. Sorry for the dumb question, but I'm used to my VFR and ST1300 that have center stands and fluids are always checked that way...

 

idk about on the front and rear stands... I just hold the bike up straight and check it with both wheels o nthe ground

 

Just hold it upright (or have a helper sit on it and hold it), then unscrew the dipstick, wipe it, then insert it into the crankcase without screwing it in. Thats your reading.

 

Far as I know, you always want any bike upright, on a level surface, to check fluid level. On a side stand, depending on the slope it is parked on, it won't be accurate. Also note, as buickid says, don't screw it in for proper reading.

 

Thanks guys...only been riding about 4 years and like I said the other bikes I have have center stands and specify checking the oil, chain tension, etc. while on the center stand. I can adjust my front and rear stands to hold the tires off the ground at the same distance, hence parallel and straight up. Thanks for the heads up. So what oil the is best...? LOL!

 

Anything in the proper weight for the climate that doesnt say "Energy Conserving" on it.