Oil So I changed the oil on my bike last night and my Clymers tells me that the motor wants 2.5 litres of oil. I gave it 2.5 litres and then ran the bike for a minute or so. The oil level on the dipstick only registers to the midpoint on the cross hatched oil level indicator. Is this and indication of a rebuilt motor? Should I add more oil?

Hi Dwight:
My KLR 650 holds 2 1/2 litres.
Depending on the bike, it will vary.
There should be either a dipstick or a sight guage that shows the oil level. The filter takes about 1/4 litre. Overfilling is not good/
Too low is really not good.
If you try google for your bike you might find the spec amount.
You could also call your nearest local dealer for your make and they would probably look it up for you.
Cheerfuls

There is a sump plug located at the bottom of the engine. It is very tight. Make sure you have the correct size socket to remove the plug. Use a suitable oil pan under the bike before removing the plug. Once the plug is removed and the oil is drained, stand the bike upright to get the last of the oil out. Get the correct oil, about 1 litre, replace the plug and fill the bike to the correct level using a funnel. Stand the bike upright to check oil level. Do not screw oil dip stick in to test the level.

i would suggest using a good 10w 40 engine oil and simply put the bike on the centre stand pouring in 2 litres to start thats if the bike has been drained empty then just top up little at a time untill oil is in the markers on the dip stick the bike will hold around the 3 litre mark from empty hope this helps

Good question but depends on what you want to spend any good grade motor will do just fine or you could spend the extra on synthetic oil, just change your oil at the recommended intervals.

Start the engine and warm to operating temp. and stop motor and place bike on a stand so it is level.
Drain oil into suitable container for disposal.
Let drain for 10 minutes.
Replace tank and frame drain plugs and refill with 1.2 litres of oil, 1.3 litres if changing filter. Capacity is 1.4 litres.
Oil filler cap is on the top left side front of the crankcase cover.
Run bike for a minute or so and let stand for 5 minutes. Take out dipstick (in front of left side of radiator shroud) and wipe clean. Place dipstick back in but do not turn in, take back out and read level. Adjust level as necessary.
The first site link below has diagrams in exploded view for your bike for assistance.
Alternatively, a free downloadable 35mb servicing manual is available, select motorcycle, type your model and year and download free.
Goodluck and cheers.
http://www.partforyamaha.com/pages/parts/viewbybrand/2/Yamaha.aspx
http://www.yamahaownershandbook.com.au/?r=0

Dealer's usually tell you the amount you need if the bike is completely empty. Take a turkey baster and remove some oil, ride the bike and check the oil level again. I have seen to much oil blow the dip stick out and cover everything with oil and I have seen the oil tank split.

You can download an owner's manual for free here

http://www.ktm.co.uk/250-SX-F.28.19.html?&detailview=4&cHash=dcbf8829e1

Was that with, or without, the filter change? It's possible that you are checking the spec for not having changed the filter. A fresh filter will require more oil. My $.02 - If it's in the marks, it's good to go.

with the dip stick unscrewed and resting on the top of the fill hole. Kinda curious about what to do. Thanks all.Was that with or without the filter change? It's possible that you are checking the spec for not having changed the filter. A fresh filter will require more oil. My $.02 - If it's in the marks, it's good to go.,,,

with the dip stick unscrewed and resting on the top of the fill hole. Kinda curious about what to do. Thanks all.Was that with or without the filter change? It's possible that you are checking the spec for not having changed the filter. A fresh filter will require more oil. My $.02 - If it's in the marks, it's good to go.,,,