Check the oil level

[seadog]

Betting that it is here somewhere
But I cant find it
What is the best way to check the oil level in the blessed 1700 engine?
I have been told 3 different ways,so I am hoping with the accumulated experience here I can get a method that works.
Thanks in advance

[Terros]

Kawasaki says warm engine, turn off bike let oil settle. Hold bike up off stand so it is upright and on level ground. Unscrew dip stick and wipe clean. Reinstall dip stick being sure to screw all the way in. Remove dip stick and read level of oil. This is a Kawasaki tech tip I found.
Bob

http://www.kawasaki.com/SITE/SLServiceL ... cedure.pdf

[1700Guy]

Yes that is the correct way
Duane

[seadog]

yep
I read that
The gent at the dealership said after finished a ride,let the bike stand for about 10 min,than perform the afore mentioned.
Waht i was wondering is do you guys find this is giving a reliable reading.
Holding a 900 lb upright AND unscrewing the dipstick on a hot engine ,was a little tricky,than re-inserting it and taking it out again was a little more tricky.
My riding partner(the Mrs)was a little reluctant after she felt the heat on the dipstick after we tried THAT metheod.
So
How long do you let it run before you check.
The manual is a little conflicted(warm,but not more than 15 min)
If I let that 1700 volcano run for 10 minutes on the side stand,it would just about heat my garage.
Thanks

[1700Guy]

Just a couple of minutes is fine. I use my table lift when I am doing a service or tire change. having a atv lift works works great but many a time on trips I just straddle hold it upright and check it is not that bad but use gloves on the dipstick. it is not something that you have to do that often. I will check about every 1000 miles on a trip.

Duane

[jhellman]

I'm low tech. I just put 2x4 and another thin piece of wood on top of each other on the floor and put the kick stand on them.

[seadog]

The KISS Principle
Like it

[kawasakigeoff]

I used the hot method once to get the oil level correct, that is one hot dipstick. When the engine was cold I checked the oil level again and took note of where it came on the dipstick. Now I can check the oil level without having a hot engine before I ride it.

[woody92354]

love the idea of the 2x4 method. Thanks jhellman. Will check hot/warm, then cold. Thanks and a tip of the hat to jhellman & kawasakigeoff.