--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Spike55" wrote:
>
> I have an '06 (~16,000 miles now)from new and it is an all stock engine except for the doo and torsion spring. I seem to use more oil when I'm running it at 65-70 mph for long periods of time. I also seem to use more oil when I have synthetic oil in it versus Spectro dino oil 10W-40. But I can go weeks without needing to add more oil (fill to the window's top mark after the level drops to the lower line) but that usually doesn't get to happen since I always make sure it is OK before going on a weekend trip (500-600 miles).
snip
> Don R100, A6F
Hi Don, and others-
It has been a long time since anyone has commented on the usefulness of the sight glass--or it accuracy, etc
A summary of your oil volume: you are not at full capacity (as I understand it) if you are using the sight gauge as the 'full' indicator.
The operators handbook and a 'stamp' on the case indicate that my bikes have a 2.5l capacity (as does yours) with a filter change--so I did a little experiment to see where the top of the oil sight gauge was in reference to 2.5l (with a fresh filter).
I drained the oil, changed the filter and added 2L of oil. Ran the bike, and let it set for more than 10 minutes. I then added oil slowly in small increments--let it set, added more oil--to see what remained of the fresh, 2.5L volume when I reached the top of the sight gauge.
I have discovered that when I fill the oil and stop at the top of the sight gauge, I have ~10oz or 300ml remaining from that 2.5l.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/10_oz_of_water_equals_how_many_ml
What that tells me is that when I see the top of the sight gauge-line, I need to add 300ml or 10oz of oil.
Does it matter?
well, 300 divided by 2500 = 12.5% of your oil volume. Take it down to the bottom of the sight gauge, and you are nearly 15-18% below full. Knowing the beating the oil takes in the transmission, fuller is mo'better. smile.
Personally, if I see the bubble in the sight gauge, my pigs get a drink.
as a side note:
Most KLR's will start to 'consume' oil when ran for long distances above 6K and 6500rmps. not a bad thing...just keep an eye on it--and don't be surprised--or without spare oil -- if you are going to campaign your KLR at high rpms.
Some poor fellow here at DSN reported adding nearly 2qts of oil after a long, long, long ride at high rpms. Don't be that guy, or...buy his bike.... (no, it was not me,--at least, not yet....)
In summary of the usefulness/position of the sight gauge: it is a useful indicator of oil volume, but not 'full' oil volume.
One can believe the operators manual, or believe that the sight gauge is 'full'. I prefer the printed word, and use the sight gauge as a go/no go indicator for adding oil to full capacity of 2.5l--which clearly is 300 mil above the top, sight gauge line.
revmaaatin.