[JesterAZ]

Before oil change: with the bike level the check window was completely full. Drained, changed filter, and refilled 4 qts 10w-40. Ran and cycled, let oil settle for several minutes. With the bike still level, the check window showed halfway between the low and high marks. So I crack open another bottle and it took close to half qt more to bring it to the top of the window. Seems excessive considering everyone else needs only 4 qts to completely fill.

Thinking about draining some out and checking again. :suspicious:

 

[Silkentek]

Before oil change: with the bike level the check window was completely full. Drained, changed filter, and refilled 4 qts 10w-40. Ran and cycled, let oil settle for several minutes. With the bike still level, the check window showed halfway between the low and high marks. So I crack open another bottle and it took close to half qt more to bring it to the top of the window. Seems excessive considering everyone else needs only 4 qts to completely fill.

Thinking about draining some out and checking again. :suspicious:

Never fill it completely full
It is SUPPOSED to be half way up the window, not fully covering it. The manual says about 3 and 3/4ths quarts with filter change. I have read here, most put in a full 4 qts
NEVER put in more! you will start to blow seals from over pressurization.

 

[JesterAZ]

Whats weird was the window was full to begin with. (Others have mentioned their oil light coming on if it isnt up to the top). So I was just refilling it to what it was originally...but yes, if it needs to be between the 2 hash marks than the 4 qts was enough and I have to drain some.

 

[Stryker2012]

Total oil cap. 3.91 quarts. I have always dumped the whole gallon for an oil and filter change. Window is full...never had any problems. .09 more oil isn't going to hurt a thing.

 

[chris]

Whats weird was the window was full to begin with. (Others have mentioned their oil light coming on if it isnt up to the top). So I was just refilling it to what it was originally...but yes, if it needs to be between the 2 hash marks than the 4 qts was enough and I have to drain some.

yes fill it up just to the top of the glass it will take just alittle over 4 qts if you changed the oil filter if you don't fill it up to the top of the glass then you'll get a low oil light. Theres nothing to worry about though its just a picky oil sensor :tongue:

 

[toby]

Maybe your bike wasn't as level as you thought. The slightest angle can move it up or down in the window?

 

[Silkentek]

I have never gotten an oil light coming on filling it to spec by the manual. I agree that adding a full 4 qts isn't going to hurt, but another half a qt? I would drain some. I was cautioned very sternly by our mechanic about over filling a motorcycle engine. But then toby always teases me about being extremely particular about my vehicle maintenance stuff lol

 

[ryderjay]

Oil light can flicker on hard inclines and turning, Doesn't mean your bike is in danger of being harmed. It's normal for the oil light to flicker on certain occasions when riding. As long as it's between the lines you're fine. Putting an even 4 qts shouldn't bother anything but DO NOT put more than 4 qts in. Just an fyi, take some things people recommend with a grain of salt, it's best to stick with the recommendation set buy the manufacturer's engineers than random people on the internet. Not meaning to diss anyone on here, I just know there is plenty of "information" on the internet and a large majority of it is not credible.

Overfilling an engine can cause increased pressure, which can lead to seal and gasket failure along with burning access oil. The burnt oil creates "sludge" in your engine. Access oil can also reduce power.

 

[JesterAZ]

Yea I'd rather be slightly low than way too full. Since 4 seems the norm, I'll drain the 1/2 back out and run with it. Wish it had a dipstick, hate these sight windows.

 

[Silkentek]

Yea I'd rather be slightly low than way too full. Since 4 seems the norm, I'll drain the 1/2 back out and run with it. Wish it had a dipstick, hate these sight windows.

Sounds like a good idea =) I really miss the dipstick my 950 had... I had gotten used to that, then we bought toby's stryker and we were back to the sight window like on the OLD virago I was like WHATS UP WITH THAT?! omg
Anyway... don't forget to check the coolant level now and then as well, you kinda have to check it the same way, only with help, because you practically have to lay down on the ground to see the darned bottle lol

 

[BillyD66]

And if we wanted to be totally "anal" we'd have a really good drain pan and measure what came out as well. Some would always be left in the oil filter even after draining it into the pan but I wonder if some remains in the engine as well.

I filled mine to the top of the site window after the partial fill/run exercise and had a little left. Threw it in the bottle for the lawnmower and used the gallon container to capture the used oil for the drop off center.

Right around 1 gallon is correct and the amount that went in w/ the OP is too much. Drain off some till 1/2 way on site window and refill slowly making sure the bike is as close to upright as safety will allow if you are alone.

BTW, I personally like the touchy oil sensor. I'd rather get some false positives that require a little topping off than to have to wait till X amount drained out before being warned like on many cars

And, yes, Dancer all the flipping fluid checks require probably more dexterity than many riders have left in our aching, aging bodies . We are probably relying on those electronic sensors way too much!!

 

[Silkentek]

And, yes, Dancer all the flipping fluid checks require probably more dexterity than many riders have left in our aching, aging bodies . We are probably relying on those electronic sensors way too much!!

Dancer is what I call my bike
However I agree with you lol, I would be in a real bind if I didn't have toby to help me with this stuff. No way could I possibly hold the bike upright on a level surface and then crane myself around and down to check the coolent level or the oil level LOL
I want to invest in a bike stand/jack very soon!

 

[BillyD66]

Dancer is what I call my bike
However I agree with you lol, I would be in a real bind if I didn't have toby to help me with this stuff. No way could I possibly hold the bike upright on a level surface and then crane myself around and down to check the coolent level or the oil level LOL
I want to invest in a bike stand/jack very soon!

Sorry my bad. I guess the other way of looking at things is that Yamaha is helping to keep us fit. In the end if their engineering/quality is solid I'll forgive the sore knees to check things. Though I will admit I skip a lot of it since it is such a PITA. Again, hope those electronic sensors never go bad...

 

[JesterAZ]

Drained the excess so level is half way on sight window, took a 60 mile ride and no light, all is good. :thumb:

 

[toby]

:thumb::thumb::thumb: