Cold Check (Pre-Ride)
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)
NOTE
An accurate engine oil check can only be made with the engine at normal operating temperature .
  1. With motorcycle on the side stand look at the oil level in the sight gauge. An indicated oil level between the lower and upper lines on the oil level sight gauge is acceptable for safe engine operation.
  2. If there is no oil present in the sight gauge lift the motorcycle to a straight up and down position to see if any oil appears in the sight gauge.
  3. If oil appears proceed to the Hot Check.
  4. If no oil appears place motorcycle on sidestand and add oil in 0.1 L (3.4 fl oz) increments just until you see oil in the gauge and then proceed to the Hot Check.
Hot Check
  1. To bring the motorcycle to normal operating temperature, ride the motorcycle for a least 10 minutes and 8 km (5 mi).
  2. Park the motorcycle on the sidestand while idling and remove the oil fill plug.
  3. Idle the engine one (1) minute. Shut off the engine.
  4. Read the oil level in the sight gauge.
    1. Below the lower line: Add oil in 0.1 L (3.4 fl oz) increments until the level is between the upper and lower lines. Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication: Buell 1125 Models → Recommended Engine Oils.
    2. Between the upper and lower lines: It is safe to operate the motorcycle.
    3. At (or above) the upper line: Drain oil at 0.2 L (6.8 fl oz) increments until the oil level is between the lines.
  5. Install the oil fill plug.
1Upper
2Lower
Figure 1. Sight Gauge: Oil Level Lines
Figure 2. Oil Fill Plug