Rocket 3 Storm R - how to check oil level?

[GTAgAu]

I think the key idea here is the dry sump concept. Oil is typically fed to the engine from a reservoir. Some dry sumps just have a small window where you can observe the level in the reservoir. Whether there is a full reservoir or low reservoir shouldn’t matter to the engine as long as there is enough to maintain a constant feed. I think this is why dealer techs are comfortable with the factory method showing MIN on the dipstick. But I’m going to keep a safety margin by keeping the level at least mid-way to MAX. if that means I have to buy a liter after a dealer service, so be it. When I start DIYing, I will figure out the quantity necessary to achieve my desired level.

DIYers, what oil are you using that is commonly available in the U.S.?
Edit: Castrol Power1 is easily available through Amazon or Walmart.

 

[mo8414]

I think the key idea here is the dry sump concept. Oil is typically fed to the engine from a reservoir. Some dry sumps just have a small window where you can observe the level in the reservoir. Whether there is a full reservoir or low reservoir shouldn’t matter to the engine as long as there is enough to maintain a constant feed. I think this is why dealer techs are comfortable with the factory method showing MIN on the dipstick. But I’m going to keep a safety margin by keeping the level at least mid-way to MAX. if that means I have to buy a liter after a dealer service, so be it. When I start DIYing, I will figure out the quantity necessary to achieve my desired level.

DIYers, what oil are you using that is commonly available in the U.S.? I looked for Castrol Power 1 and can’t find it anywhere.

I use the triumph 15-50 full synthetic oil. Hermies sells a oil change kit that comes with everything for like $146

 

[mo8414]

Hi

I’d like to share my experience because I’m quite confused about the oil level on my Rocket 3 Storm (6600 km), and it seems very similar to what is discussed here.

I bought the bike at the end of last year with around 6000 km, and the service had just been done.

When I first checked the oil myself, the dipstick was dry. I called the dealer and explained the situation. He asked me to follow the procedure from the manual again.

After doing that, the oil just started to touch the dipstick. I called him again, and he told me to repeat the procedure and wait 5 minutes. I did it again, same result. After repeating once more, the level was slightly higher, but still far below the MIN mark.

I then went to the dealer, and they confirmed that the bike had enough oil and that I should not worry, as they have never seen a Rocket 3 consume oil.

However, I prefer to be on the safe side, so I checked again at home, because if the engine runs with too little oil, it will be my responsibility.

I followed the manual procedure exactly:

• engine cold
• idle for 60–90 seconds (no throttle)
• wait 5 minutes
• check on side stand

At first, the oil was barely touching the dipstick (below MIN), so I added oil progressively, every day I add +100ml and check oil level, after adding a total of 300ml, I can clearly see oil on the dipstick, but it is still around or slightly below MIN using the official method.
I'm affraid to continue and overfilled engine oil

However:

• after a ride + 3 minutes → level shows MAX or higher depend on the day, is not always same.
• after the bike sits for a few days → level shows MAX or higher depend on the day, is not always same.

So depending on the method, I get very different readings.

How is your bike running now after you add more that 1 liter? Any issues since then?

And for everyone:
Would you consider being at or slightly below MIN (with the official procedure) acceptable on this engine?

Thanks a lot!

You are supposed to check it when its cold. Any other methode than what the book tells you is incorrect. If the oil is below where you like it just add more untill it reads the correct amount on the stick.

 

[Journeyman]

Go by the user manual... This is why I do my own work- I don't trust shops.

Btw, you can change your own oil while under warranty (in the US, anyway) if you document everything- use the Triumph branded filter, then WIX (same, same) after that.

DIYers, what oil are you using that is commonly available in the U.S.?
Edit: Castrol Power1 is easily available through Amazon or Walmart.

I use Motul 7100 (15 - 50). Not the Holy Grail, just what I use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IKCYPIS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C9WL6A?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[Nashvegas]

Go by the user manual... This is why I do my own work- I don't trust shops.

Btw, you can change your own oil while under warranty (in the US, anyway) if you document everything- use the Triumph branded filter, then WIX (same, same) after that.

I use Motul 7100 (15 - 50). Not the Holy Grail, just what I use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IKCYPIS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C9WL6A?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Same oil that I use. Good stuff.

 

[pabcri]

You are supposed to check it when its cold. Any other methode than what the book tells you is incorrect. If the oil is below where you like it just add more untill it reads the correct amount on the stick.

Thanks for your feedback, Yes I do this always in the morning when bike is cold.

 

[pabcri]

I added another 100 ml and checked again with a cold engine using the manual procedure. The level moved slightly, but still remains almost the same and below the MIN mark.
What worries me is that I have now added about 400 ml of oil in total, and the level on the dipstick only increases very slowly.
I always check in the same conditions: flat ground, bike on the side stand, steering turned fully to the left.
I’m now a bit concerned about overfilling and causing problems.
At the moment, I feel a bit lost and I’m not sure if I should continue adding oil or stop here.
Thanks in advance for your comments and help.

 

[Journeyman]

I added another 100 ml and checked again with a cold engine using the manual procedure. The level moved slightly, but still remains almost the same and below the MIN mark.
What worries me is that I have now added about 400 ml of oil in total, and the level on the dipstick only increases very slowly.
I always check in the same conditions: flat ground, bike on the side stand, steering turned fully to the left.
I’m now a bit concerned about overfilling and causing problems.
At the moment, I feel a bit lost and I’m not sure if I should continue adding oil or stop here.
Thanks in advance for your comments and help.

Hey @pabcri - I wouldn't think just 100 ml (3.4 ounches) would make much difference. Assuming you are doing the correct procedure, if it were me, I would wait and read it again (after cold and then proper warmup), then add enough oil to get it in the middle of the suggested range. The shop is doing it wrong and that is what is making you hesitant to add enough oil. Also, someone said 5 minute wait, but my manual (and the one you posted) said 3 minutes after the 60 - 90 second warmup (no throttle).

 

[GTAgAu]

Thanks in advance for your comments and help.

Well, like I previously reported, mine was just touching MIN, I added ~2/3 of a liter then using the factory method, showed 2/3 to MAX. Thats perfect for me and I quit worrying about it until I go in for my break-in service next month. If yours was below MIN or off the stick entirely, you haven’t added enough to get it where it needs to be. If you’re still below the MIN mark, I’d say it was seriously low on oil. I’d add half a liter and check it again. I think you’ll be happy with that.

Confirm that the manual for my ‘26 says wait three minutes. Also. Pay close attention to getting the dipstick fully seated. It is easy to see how it may not have been fully seated down into the well.

 

[mo8414]

Between min and max is about a quart so u can add quite a bit if its not even aflt the min mark yet.