Oil level in site glass

[vxiirider]

It's not 3.22 quarts, it's 3 qt- 22 ounces which converts to 4 liters.

[Tonyvdb]

It's not 3.22 quarts, it's 3 qt- 22 ounces which converts to 4 liters.

Actually it converts to 3.4 litres.

[vxiirider]

My bad, the question was converting 3.5 liters which is 3.698 quarts which = 3qt, 22oz which is the correct amount of oil to add when changing the oil and the filter on a Voyager ZG 1200.

[ghostler]

I've observed all's comments here. I gather that the location of the oil level gage is not in an optimal location, subject to considerable variation due to the attitude of the bike relative to the horizon. Optimally I imagine would be around the center of the oil pan, so that up/down variations of front with respect to rear wheel would not significantly change the level. Personally, I still like some form of indication of sufficient oil level, albeit by dipstick or window.

Has anyone added an oil pressure gage to their XII? Comments on usefulness? If they did, how did they go about doing it?

[grumpin]

I've observed all's comments here. I gather that the location of the oil level gage is not in an optimal location, subject to considerable variation due to the attitude of the bike relative to the horizon. Optimally I imagine would be around the center of the oil pan, so that up/down variations of front with respect to rear wheel would not significantly change the level. Personally, I still like some form of indication of sufficient oil level, albeit by dipstick or window.

Has anyone added an oil pressure gage to their XII? Comments on usefulness? If they did, how did they go about doing it?

Rode mine yesterday. Put it on the centerstand right after riding, in my garage. Checked the level within a minute and it was showing at 3/4 up the sight glass.

[grumpin]

It's not 3.22 quarts, it's 3 qt- 22 ounces which converts to 4 liters.

Oops! Thanks viirider!

(If this shows up twice something hiccuped the first time and it didn't post)

[ghostler]

Rode mine yesterday. Put it on the centerstand right after riding, in my garage. Checked the level within a minute and it was showing at 3/4 up the sight glass.

Basically I've observed the same with mine. I gather that due to differences in suspensions, tires, wear, etc. that there are variations in attitudes (of the bike, not riders ) I think it more important that each one be convinced in their own mind. My 2001 XII doesn't seem to consume oil like my old air cooled, which I had to watch religiously so I wouldn't ruin the engine, which was an easy oversight to do, unfortunately.

[joerod777]

I don't think 3.22 quarts is the same as 3 quarts, 22 ounces.

[joerod777]

3.22 quarts is not the same as 3 qt, 22 oz. 3 qt, 22 oz is approx. 3.69 qts You can check my math as I majored in history :)
Sorry guys...I did not see the previous corrections!

[HawkeSHR]

Slight deviation from the immediate topic: the site glass on my 1993 is totally black. I cannot distinguish the oil level. What is the remedy to either fix the site glass and/or properly check oil level? The oil/filter were just changed in December by the previous owner.

[debron]

Well, a few of things. First, pretend the sight glass is not even there. Second, assume the previous owner did not know there are TWO oil drain plugs on the XII and the oil must be fully drained from BOTH plugs or you will end up with too much oil in the engine which will cause a number of problems and leaks. Third, always change the oil and filter (and all fluids) when purchasing a "new" bike, regardless of what the previous owner told you. Fourth, refill the oil with 3 quarts, 22 ounces, then get out and ride, don't look at the sight glass, and don't worry about the oil for 3-5K miles!

[Skibou]

Maybe it's to compensate for the short riding season, or maybe to ease our frozen brains, but the oil volume question is easier in Canada, where oil is sold in litres. I admire the skill of U.S. riders who can open a one quart can and measure out 22 oz.

[ghostler]

Maybe it's to compensate for the short riding season, or maybe to ease our frozen brains, but the oil volume question is easier in Canada, where oil is sold in litres. I admire the skill of U.S. riders who can open a one quart can and measure out 22 oz.

In this part of the western theatre, our oil quart (0.946 litre) bottles are marked with a translucent plastic measuring section. Whilst pouring, one periodically uprights the bottle until 10 oz. remains, eh! (32 oz. - 22 oz. = 10 oz.)

[HawkeSHR]

Well, a few of things. First, pretend the sight glass is not even there. Second, assume the previous owner did not know there are TWO oil drain plugs on the XII and the oil must be fully drained from BOTH plugs or you will end up with too much oil in the engine which will cause a number of problems and leaks. Third, always change the oil and filter (and all fluids) when purchasing a "new" bike, regardless of what the previous owner told you. Fourth, refill the oil with 3 quarts, 22 ounces, then get out and ride, don't look at the sight glass, and don't worry about the oil for 3-5K miles!

Thanks Ron. Much appreciated. I guess my question then would be how do you keep an eye on the level? My guess would be to monitor performance, watch for leaks and the oil light on the dash... ?what is the threshold for that light to come on?) the service manual does not mention it.

Thanks again

[Me Again]

To answer your original question
Try putting it on the center stand and look again.
If you still cant see the level your prrobably ovverfilled.
The site glass will normally get that dirty..

[vxiirider]

If you are really bent on being able to see the site glass I have some small mirrors that I made up that attach to the top of the safety switch on the side stand that will allow you to see the sight glass from a standing position. I would be happy to send one to anyone that would like to have one for a couple of bucks to cover handling and postage. Send me a PM with your name and address and I will get one on it's way to you.

John Ramsay (vxiirider)

[dkempf750]

I think 3qts and 22ozs is 3.688gt

[dkempf750]

I meant 3.688 qts

[FBT]

Maybe it's to compensate for the short riding season, or maybe to ease our frozen brains, but the oil volume question is easier in Canada, where oil is sold in litres. I admire the skill of U.S. riders who can open a one quart can and measure out 22 oz.

In this part of the western theatre, our oil quart (0.946 litre) bottles are marked with a translucent plastic measuring section. Whilst pouring, one periodically uprights the bottle until 10 oz. remains, eh! (32 oz. - 22 oz. = 10 oz.)

I have an old measuring cup in the garage. I crack open a bottle of Rotella, dump 10 oz. into the measuring cup, and the rest goes in the bike. I've got a bottle that I dump the excess oil into. I should have enough for a complete oil change in a few years.

[SgtSlag]

Brilliant, FBT! I've got a bottle of Rotella in the garage, with filters. I will be changing the oil and filter within the week. I usually measure out the 3 qts., then the 22 oz. Never thought to subtract the 3/22 from the 4 qts./1 gallon bottle, to figure out how many ounces to pour out... Brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!