An accurate engine oil level reading can be obtained with the engine cold or at normal operating temperature. The engine will require a longer warm up period in colder temperatures if using the hot check procedure.
NOTE
- As part of the pre-ride inspection, verify that there are no oil leaks from the oil filter cover or oil lines prior to operating the motorcycle.
- The motorcycle should be upright when checking oil level.
- Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication: Buell 1125 Models → Recommended Engine Oils. Use only recommended oil specified.
NOTICE
Do not allow oil level to fall below MIN mark on dipstick or sight gauge. Doing so can result in equipment damage and/or equipment malfunction. (00573d)
NOTICE
Do not overfill oil. Doing so can result in oil carryover to the air cleaner leading to equipment damage and/or equipment malfunction. (00190b)
NOTICE
Do not switch lubricant brands indiscriminately because some lubricants interact chemically when mixed. Use of inferior lubricants can damage the engine. (00184a)
Oil Level Cold Check
Perform engine oil level COLD CHECK as follows:
NOTE
For an accurate cold check, you must wait a minimum of four hours after the motorcycle has been run.
- See Figure 1. Loosen the dipstick.
- Hold the motorcycle upright for one minute.
- While continuing to hold the motorcycle upright, remove and wipe off the dipstick.
- Insert dipstick into oil filler hole, screwing dipstick in completely.
- See Figure 1. Unscrew and remove dipstick and note oil level. An indicated oil level between MIN and MAX is acceptable for safe engine operation. Oil should be added in 0.1 L (3.4 fl oz) increments, depending on how far the level is from the MAX reading. If oil was added, proceed to the Oil Level Hot Check procedure.
Oil Level Hot Check
Perform engine oil level HOT CHECK as follows:
- Ride motorcycle for approximately 10 minutes. Ride at least 8 km (5 mi) to verify the oil is hot and the engine is at normal operating temperature. Readings taken with colder oil could lead to an overfull engine condition.
- Stand the motorcycle upright (not leaning on sidestand) on a firm level surface. An uneven surface will produce a false oil reading.
- Idle the motorcycle for three minutes. Shut off the motorcycle.
- See Figure 1. Loosen the dipstick.
- Wait for 3-4 minutes after shutdown (with vehicle still upright) before reading the oil level, or false readings may result.
- Unscrew and remove dipstick from oil filler hole. Wipe dipstick clean.
- Insert dipstick into oil filler hole, screwing dipstick in completely.
- See Figure 2. Unscrew and remove dipstick and note oil level. An indicated oil level between MIN and MAX (measured after performing steps 1 through 7) is acceptable for safe engine operation. Oil should be added in 0.1 L (3.4 fl oz) increments, depending on how far the level is from the MAX reading. Confirm oil level by repeating steps 1 through 8.
- Hand tighten dipstick into oil filler hole.
NOTE
If the oil level is at (or above) the OVERFULL mark, drain oil at 0.2 L (6.8 fl oz) increments until the oil level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick. Repeat steps 1 though 8 to confirm proper level.
Figure 1. Filler Plug/Dipstick Location
| 1 | Minimum (ADD) oil level |
| 2 | Maximum (FULL) oil level |
| 3 | OVERFULL mark |
Figure 2. Oil Dipstick Proper Operating Range