KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Stig / Major Tom on October 07, 2016, 01:26:55 AM
-
Or do you guys with the 250's, 300's, 500's and 700's have a dipstick?
Rather than this dumb thing that my Burgman has....
(http://i64.tinypic.com/6e1x0l.jpg)
The scooter must be off the center stand, and held level, then you squat down (keep a line level under your seat - string it across your grips) - being careful that the 500lb scooter does not get away from you, because the side stand is on the opposite side from the oil window ....and check your oil level. Burgman aged guys are not famous squatters.
What a dingdong dumb idea. Are dip sticks that hard to engineer?
Or, or , I know ----- make the oil widow be accurate WITH the scoot on the bleedin' center stand !! Boy that would be tough to engineer. Sure.
How does Kymco handle this situation? Dipstick, or window?
Stig
-
The 300s have dipsticks.
AMAC
-
Kymco guys DO have a couple of idjits in Kaoshiung since the UXV 500i has a sightglass that you practically have to disassemble the machine to look at it. Oh, you wanna see how much oil is in the engine? Get a flashlight otherwise in bright sunlight ya can't see it! So it is NOT just the Suzuki idjits!
Karl
-
Oh I get it now, the bike has the dipstick not the rider.......
AMAC
-
The Xciting has a dipstick. By the way, the Majesty has a dipstick too. It's a little aggravating to get to. BUT nowhere near the ordeal you describe.
-
I haven't had a vehicle that lost oil in a long time.....but I still feel better when I can check it. Do so on the LIKE200I and Burgman every ride ....before or after.
Even check my dumb lawnmower each start....
But have read of PCX owners who never check between changes....other than a glance at the pavement to look for a puddle. Maybe that's the modern way...and I'm just stuck old school with leaking and oil burning engines?
Early Burgman 400s will blow or burn a lot of oil at speed apparently.
Anyway.....something to grump about. Daughter says this keeps me happy. ...
Too clever, by half, that kid...
$tig
-
Have you ever checked the oil level difference in the oil window once measuring on the main stand and then both wheels on the ground.
Maybe there isn´t too much difference and you could guess pretty accurately the correct level from the main stand for the future.
Maybe then also mark the Max Level with a permanent marker line on both sides of the window. How about that?
In my opinion these windows aren´t the worst ideas of all. Quick, no rag needed for Oil level check, no burnt, dirty or oily fingers.
How many inches/cm is the rear wheel above ground on main stand? How much would this influence the measurement when the engine is approx in the middle of the scooter? ;)
-
Have you ever checked the oil level difference in the oil window once measuring on the main stand and then both wheels on the ground.
Maybe there isn´t too much difference and you could guess pretty accurately the correct level from the main stand for the future.
Maybe then also mark the Max Level with a permanent marker line on both sides of the window. How about that?
In my opinion these windows aren´t the worst ideas of all. Quick, no rag needed for Oil level check, no burnt, dirty or oily fingers.
How many inches/cm is the rear wheel above ground on main stand? How much would this influence the measurement when the engine is approx in the middle of the scooter? ;)
You would think.......
There have been several hundred pages of posts regarding this oil window on the Burgman forum.
My first thought: put in the correct amount and don't look at window. Ever. No, never!
Most of us would give $100 more to price of new Burgman to have a $.50 dipstick!!
Do not underestimate the joy of kneeling in a puddle at the gas station after a hard run on the freeway and balancing a 500lb scooter with one hand while you try to find perfect level with a spinning earth - so you can check your bleedin' oil.
And yes - Burgman scooter experts will tell you that you must check it often and only off of the center stand or the world as we know it will end. (see chapter 167 of "Burg. oil window questions"; page 14, "world as we know it ends")
Stig
-
Stig,
Can a mirror be used to make checking your oil level easier? I have a mirror on the end of a telescoping handle I use when things roll under the washer and dryer. They are cheap. Got mine at a hardware store for a $1.
-
Man! Talk about a deal-breaker!
Karl
-
...The scooter must be off the center stand, and held level, then you squat down (keep a line level under your seat - string it across your grips) - being careful that the 500lb scooter does not get away from you, because the side stand is on the opposite side from the oil window ....and check your oil level. Burgman aged guys are not famous squatters.
What a dingdong dumb idea. Are dip sticks that hard to engineer?
Or, or , I know ----- make the oil widow be accurate WITH the scoot on the bleedin' center stand !! Boy that would be tough to engineer. Sure.
Stig
Stig, Per a poster this somewhat illuminating thread on BUSA http://burgmanusa.com/forums/12-general-discussion/103737-balancing-400-check-oil-window-2.html (http://burgmanusa.com/forums/12-general-discussion/103737-balancing-400-check-oil-window-2.html) I guess I should have been trying to balance the bike. There's also a fella on page 2 with a 400 who did some fussing around & noted the differences.
The points I took away in regard to the glass are that the movement of the motor on the swing-arm as the bike is raised will make it inaccurate, but if you're aware of that then you can compensate.
Sounds like most folks just use the center stand and keep it topped, which judging from the graphics should keep it at least mid range, which is apparently fine since there aren't thousands of folks blow 'em up every day.
Still not ideal but no reason to drop a 500 lb bike on yourself. For home use you can get a wheel chalk from harbor freight if ya want. I'd think that'd be close 'nuff.
With the note that my bike's a bit different since the motor is frame mounted, I've done about ~40k miles on 650s (30k on the last one 10k+ on current) and have almost always checked it with the bike on the center stand. It's been close nuff.
-
Yes...
Posts 123--136 mention mirrors on sticks, mini video cameras on a stick, monkeys on a stick, dangling gopros on a string, tow behind scooter lifts, trained children as pillions....etc., etc.
"Buy a Forza" has the biggest following to date.
I authored that one....
Stig
-
Both my 150's(KYMCO Movie and CFMoto) have dipsticks only my 50's don't have them as they are 2t's.
-
I have to check my Helix while it is on two wheels on level ground. Not on the side stand or center stand. It does have a dipstick but it is a little tricky balancing it with one hand while checking the level with the other!
-
Yes...
Posts 123--136 mention mirrors on sticks, mini video cameras on a stick, monkeys on a stick, dangling gopros on a string, tow behind scooter lifts, trained children as pillions....etc., etc.
"Buy a Forza" has the biggest following to date.
I authored that one....
Stig
Nice :). Think I'd go with a BV350. Not sure if they have a dipstick or not, but I did like the one I test rode.
-
Nice :). Think I'd go with a BV350. Not sure if they have a dipstick or not, but I did like the one I test rode.
The BV is the prettiest scooter I've ever stood next to.
Came that close to buying one when purchasing the Forza.
Different dealers. ...35 miles apart. BV dealer sold only Italian scooters and big motorcycles.
Probably the only real scooter mechanic in 50 mile radius. Only my good experiences with Hondas swayed the Forza purchase.
If wealthy man I'd have a BV...over any Italian scoot. And import a white SH300i Honda!
Stig
-
Both of my scooters have dipsticks. Virtually all the motorcycles I have owned have/had sight glasses. I much prefer the sight glass over a dipstick. It is much easier to use and much more accurate. It is way to easy to get a false reading on a dipstick and I find I don't check it nearly as often as a sight glass.
-
The BV is the prettiest scooter I've ever stood next to.
Came that close to buying one when purchasing the Forza.
Different dealers. ...35 miles apart. BV dealer sold only Italian scooters and big motorcycles.
Probably the only real scooter mechanic in 50 mile radius. Only my good experiences with Hondas swayed the Forza purchase.
If wealthy man I'd have a BV...over any Italian scoot. And import a white SH300i Honda!
Stig
The only reason I didn't get the BV I test rode is that I waited a week, testing other stuff, then went back & it was gone. I couldn't find another in the area at the time, used or new, so bought another 650.
Can't say as I regret the power of the 650, but the BV is a great scoot, & I wouldn't have gone wrong with it.
-
Both of my scooters have dipsticks. Virtually all the motorcycles I have owned have/had sight glasses. I much prefer the sight glass over a dipstick. It is much easier to use and much more accurate. It is way to easy to get a false reading on a dipstick and I find I don't check it nearly as often as a sight glass.
My 09 v-star and 09 kymco xciting 500 both had dipsticks my 07 Burgman had a sight glass. I also much prefer the sight glass over dipsticks.I also agree it is way to easy to get a false reading on a dipstick especially with clean oil and I find I don't check it nearly as often as a sight glass.
-
My 09 v-star and 09 kymco xciting 500 both had dipsticks my 07 Burgman had a sight glass. I also much prefer the sight glass over dipsticks.I also agree it is way to easy to get a false reading on a dipstick especially with clean oil and I find I don't check it nearly as often as a sight glass.
Doc...
Can the Burgman 650 be checked on the center stand?
It is the balancing act with the 500lb Burgman 400 that is the rub.
Today I'm trying new procedure...raise front tire on boards to mimick scooter OFF the center stand, while using center stand.
Then change oil with exactly 1200ml added and check the window in all positions!
Then mark window oil level while on center stand and use that until the Rapture.
Yes?? Shouldn't that work?
Stig
-
I ain't Doc Stig, but yeah I check mine on the stand all the time, but...the motor is frame mounted as noted earlier, so the swing-arm dropping isn't a big deal.
Far as I know most 650 owners check it on the stand. Balancing the 650 lb bike while checking is a bit challenging. (Did it a couple times now, not really fun and no big diff in level IMHO).
-
I ain't Doc Stig, but yeah I check mine on the stand all the time, but...the motor is frame mounted as noted earlier, so the swing-arm dropping isn't a big deal.
Far as I know most 650 owners check it on the stand. Balancing the 650 lb bike while checking is a bit challenging. (Did it a couple times now, not really fun and no big diff in level IMHO).
Ah...I see.
Have been severely warned that center stand checking on the 400 will lead to loss of engine.
Yesterday drained 1450ml out.
Manual says 1200ml for oil change; 1300ml with filter; 1500ml with overhaul.
1450 looked good in window..all positions! ??
Suzuki says "about" in the service manual. WTH?
Put 1350ml in...will check window when I get home after this morning's ride.
Kymco should email Suzuki with advice..
Stig
-
I ain't Doc Stig, but yeah I check mine on the stand all the time, but...the motor is frame mounted as noted earlier, so the swing-arm dropping isn't a big deal.
Far as I know most 650 owners check it on the stand. Balancing the 650 lb bike while checking is a bit challenging. (Did it a couple times now, not really fun and no big diff in level IMHO).
Ah...I see.
Have been severely warned that center stand checking on the 400 will lead to loss of engine.
Yesterday drained 1450ml out.
Manual says 1200ml for oil change; 1300ml with filter; 1500ml with overhaul.
1450 looked good in window..all positions! ??
Suzuki says "about" in the service manual. WTH?
Put 1350ml in...will check window when I get home after this morning's ride.
Kymco should email Suzuki with advice..
Stig
-
Good to know. I'm unlikely to get a 400 but it could happen, & good notes for others.
-
Went to 1400ml after a short ride...this looked better aftet 30 mile ride.
So it's 1400ml for me with my shock setting and gentle garage floor slope when also changing the filter. Suzuki manual says it should be 1300ml.
Dipstickless Stig
-
Honda got the SW right with a dippy sticky.
-
Kinda a side note here.
I pointedly checked my 650 on & off the stand. It was a hair lower on the stand, but not really enough to worry about if you keep it in the middle of the glass, or even the bottom third.
-
@Stig
But the most interesting and important question remains still unanswered yet.
What is the difference now really reading the oil level in the window, once measuring on the centerstand and/or both wheels on the truly flat and leveled ground, scooter 100% uprigth like on centerstand.
Can´t imagine that there is so so much of a difference. But I am willing to learn.
-
Level and off the center stand.
(https://s10.postimg.org/b02qx2h4p/burgoff.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/f97gz8kdx/)
On the center stand.
(https://s11.postimg.org/78lyhi9wj/burgon.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/f1cm9hfvj/)
Not much in it that I can see.....as long as you replace more oil than that 1200ml marked on the engine.
Less than that and you might be stressing the engine.
Stig