Checking the Oil
Hi all,
Just curious how you guys are checking your oil level. My 2018 rear brake foot control completely covers the oil level sight glass requiring me to use 3 hands to check the oil level. There has to be some trick I just haven't figured out. Advice anyone?
Just curious how you guys are checking your oil level. My 2018 rear brake foot control completely covers the oil level sight glass requiring me to use 3 hands to check the oil level. There has to be some trick I just haven't figured out. Advice anyone?
FYI, the sight glass being covered up by the foot brake does not protect it from getting cracked when riding in gravel... Doh!!!
Get a stick, screwdriver, paint stirrer, etc. and jam it above your brake pedal and under the engine case...or wherever works...to push the brake pedal down as far as it will go. Then you should get a suitable view of your sight glass. For me it sounds like your brake pedal is adjusted kind of high. However, a lot of this can be preferential, so it is what it is if it works for you. Make sure you have enough free play. I find I like my pedal a little low and with a decent amount of play during any serious off road riding, because your boot starts moving around quite a bit and causes you to ride the brake unnecessarily otherwise...at least for me.
I park the bike on level ground. Step over to the RH side of the bike, kneel down and with one hand grab the handlebar and start to lean the bike towards you. When it feels like it's level, push down on the foot brake with your free hand and look at the sight glass...more than one way to skin a cat.
I park the bike on level ground. Step over to the RH side of the bike, kneel down and with one hand grab the handlebar and start to lean the bike towards you. When it feels like it's level, push down on the foot brake with your free hand and look at the sight glass...more than one way to skin a cat.
I am huge (6'4"), 60+ and my knees are shot. Try doing that while kneeling on sharp rocks. That is what kneeling on any hard surface feels like to me.
So I guess the answer is no, there really is no other way to do it.
I will probably end up reshaping the foot lever so it doesn't obstruct the sight glass. My plan is to carry a small inspection mirror so I can check the oil while standing. I take things like checking the oil regularly seriously.
So I guess the answer is no, there really is no other way to do it.
I will probably end up reshaping the foot lever so it doesn't obstruct the sight glass. My plan is to carry a small inspection mirror so I can check the oil while standing. I take things like checking the oil regularly seriously.


