Which oil level do I believe?

[snuffer]

If I check the oil level like the book says for cold bike (start bike and let it idle briefly, shut bike off, wait 10 minutes and check oil level) it always reads just below the low mark on the dipstick. If I've been riding and the bike is fully warmed-up, shut it off and wait 10 minutes (or 20, 30 or 40 far that matter) it always reads above the full mark. Which level do I believe?

Thanks

 

[Ygransom]

Make sure you let it idle long enough so any oil that seeped into sump is pumped back into tank. After a ride this is not an issue. Also check oil with bike off sidestand.

 

[atomsplitter]

If I check the oil level like the book says for cold bike (start bike and let it idle briefly, shut bike off, wait 10 minutes and check oil level) it always reads just below the low mark on the dipstick. If I've been riding and the bike is fully warmed-up, shut it off and wait 10 minutes (or 20, 30 or 40 far that matter) it always reads above the full mark. Which level do I believe?

Thanks

Which ever one makes you happy. The system is tolerant of a wide variation because it isn't dependent on a splash feed for main bearings. The engine is considered dry sump, therefore it depends on pump pressure for lubrication and cooling. As long as the pump has a suction the engine is protected.

 

[HellFire]

No, it's not tolerant of being over filled ... overfilling the engine will cause a huge mess. The engine will blow extra oil out if overfilled much past the full mark.
Many have found this out the hard way by forgetting to run the bike awhile first. They checked it cold and just added a half quart or more .... next thing you know the engine is gushing oil all over the place.

Let the engine run and check it hot if necessary, there is no harm in doing that as long as you don't burn yourself. You want to make sure that all the oil has been sucked out of the sump and back into the tank, that can take some time.

 

[spdn3]

long as its on the stick its alright, it has heaps of oil so it can control the temp. just ride