oil level

[doxbike]

OK, the manual says run it for a few minutes, then check the oil level after letting it sit 2-3 minutes. Yup, and the level on the dipstick (yes bike is on the center stand and the dipstick is only resting on the threads-not screwed in) is above the upper line. But let it sit for a few hours and it is below the lower limit line. Which reading do I believe? Never had this issues with my gl 1500

[AZgl1800]

I just pour in the 5 quarts, seal it up, and go ride it for 5,000 miles.

never a problem that way.

but, my bike has never had a leak, nor has it ever used oil in between changes.
and so far, it is only 114,000 miles young

[DaveO430]

I just pour in the 5 quarts, seal it up, and go ride it for 5,000 miles.

never a problem that way.

but, my bike has never had a leak, nor has it ever used oil in between changes.
and so far, it is only 114,000 miles young

That's 4 quarts.

[DaveO430]

OK, the manual says run it for a few minutes, then check the oil level after letting it sit 2-3 minutes. Yup, and the level on the dipstick (yes bike is on the center stand and the dipstick is only resting on the threads-not screwed in) is above the upper line. But let it sit for a few hours and it is below the lower limit line. Which reading do I believe? Never had this issues with my gl 1500

That's really just not possible unless there is a big puddle on the floor.

[WingAdmin]

OK, the manual says run it for a few minutes, then check the oil level after letting it sit 2-3 minutes. Yup, and the level on the dipstick (yes bike is on the center stand and the dipstick is only resting on the threads-not screwed in) is above the upper line. But let it sit for a few hours and it is below the lower limit line. Which reading do I believe? Never had this issues with my gl 1500

Yeah, that's really backwards. Usually it will go HIGHER after a few hours, as the oil gradually drips down out of the galleys and so on. I wonder if there is oil being pumped somewhere in the DCT (assuming you have a DCT) and it gradually drains back in there over time?

[doxbike]

OK, the manual says run it for a few minutes, then check the oil level after letting it sit 2-3 minutes. Yup, and the level on the dipstick (yes bike is on the center stand and the dipstick is only resting on the threads-not screwed in) is above the upper line. But let it sit for a few hours and it is below the lower limit line. Which reading do I believe? Never had this issues with my gl 1500

Yeah, that's really backwards. Usually it will go HIGHER after a few hours, as the oil gradually drips down out of the galleys and so on. I wonder if there is oil being pumped somewhere in the DCT (assuming you have a DCT) and it gradually drains back in there over time?

That's what I'm thinking, and yes, I do have the DCT.

[doxbike]

OK, Mother Honda called me back- and told me to use the level after the bike is warm, shut it off, check the reading after "a few minutes" so that's what I'll do

[ThirdWing]

I found the following:

From stone cold on the center stand I let it idle for 4 minutes until idle speed settled, shut it off and let it sit for 3 minutes. Checked the oil level and the stick came out dry. Since I had driven it home from the dealer the day before about 65 miles and the engine was not cooked i figured there was enough oil in it to run it around the block about 4 miles. Did that, shut it off and back on the center stand. I get an oil reading about 3/4 the way up between the marks toward the top mark. So fine, plenty of oil in the engine. After about an hour sitting the oil level dropped to around 1/2 way up between the marks.

Just for fun the next morning I put the bike on the side stand and let it run from stone cold to a stable idle 4 minutes. I shut it down, put it on its center stand and again after 3 minutes found a dry dipstick. Rode it around the block again (about 40 miles this time ) shut it down and on the center stand got an oil level 3/4 the way up toward the top mark.

It seems what honda told you is correct but I think the manual procedure is not technically correct. I followed it to the letter and got a dry dipstick. I could have assumed the bike did not have enough oil and overfilled it. I'm glad I rode it around and double checked it. It would be great if honda posted a diagram so I could understand this. My 1992 gl1500 and my 2002 hl1800 could be checked in any condition without this hassle.

[ThirdWing]

I hate this subject but another note. Service manual says drain the oil with the bike on the side stand to evacuate all the oil. If you drain on the center stand only and then put in the recommended amount of oil you could overfill slightly. It is a real pain in the rear to change the oil with the bike on the side stand. Ugh.

[Solina Dave]

On my '78 GL1000, I always check my oil level with the engine cold (pre-ride), and if it's low I add enough to bring it up to 3/4 of the way between the low line and the top line in the sightglass.

Comments.....................Dave

[AZgl1800]

I just pour in the 5 quarts, seal it up, and go ride it for 5,000 miles.

never a problem that way.

but, my bike has never had a leak, nor has it ever used oil in between changes.
and so far, it is only 114,000 miles young

That's 4 quarts.

uh, yeah....
was thinking of the Suburban.... solly there.
it uses a bit pulling the big Toy Hauler...

the 1800 so far, has never needed any oil between changes.