Checking the Oil

Old Apr 7, 2019 | 01:47 PM
  #1  
Haldor's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 47
1st Gear Member
Default 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?
 
Old Apr 7, 2019 | 08:19 PM
  #2  
Abramsgunner's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 286
From: Lower Alabama
1st Gear Member
Default

Originally Posted by Haldor
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?
In general.. I use 3 hands..

FYI, the sight glass being covered up by the foot brake does not protect it from getting cracked when riding in gravel... Doh!!!
 
Old Apr 7, 2019 | 09:14 PM
  #3  
TNC's Avatar
TNC
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,050
From: Abilene, TX
1st Gear Member
Default

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.
 
Old Apr 7, 2019 | 09:51 PM
  #4  
Haldor's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 47
1st Gear Member
Default

Brand new bike. Haven't adjusted anything yet.
 
Old Apr 9, 2019 | 09:18 PM
  #5  
GBAUTO's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 760
From: Young Harris, GA
1st Gear Member
Default

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.
 
Old Apr 11, 2019 | 05:54 PM
  #6  
wetfootnelly's Avatar
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 20
From: North Central Washington State
1st Gear Member
Default

Originally Posted by GBAUTO
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 thought this is how everyone does it! sheesh, not that hard..
 
Old Apr 11, 2019 | 07:04 PM
  #7  
Abramsgunner's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 286
From: Lower Alabama
1st Gear Member
Default

Yeah, that's exactly how I do it as well... and I've never dropped the bike on my head. Well, there was that one time, but I was tired.
 
Old Apr 12, 2019 | 01:53 AM
  #8  
klxnoobie's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 237
From: Rosenberg, TX
1st Gear Member
Default

Originally Posted by Abramsgunner
Yeah, that's exactly how I do it as well... and I've never dropped the bike on my head. Well, there was that one time, but I was tired.
Well that explains a lot
 
Old Apr 12, 2019 | 05:07 AM
  #9  
Haldor's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 47
1st Gear Member
Default

Originally Posted by wetfootnelly
i thought this is how everyone does it! sheesh, not that hard..
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.
 
Old Apr 12, 2019 | 03:03 PM
  #10  
Abramsgunner's Avatar
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 286
From: Lower Alabama
1st Gear Member
Default

Originally Posted by klxnoobie
Well that explains a lot
.....
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT. The time now is 03:29 PM.