How to check oil on my bike

For this bike you use the dip-stick, as there is no sight-glass. If oil is required, use Yamalube 4 or equivalent 4-stroke semi-synthetic motor oil 10W30. Do not use fully-synthetic motor oil, as this machine has a wet clutch.

PROCESS:

1. Turn the engine over until it warms up (i.e. runs at idle rpm speed without choke)
2. Turn the engine off, and leave to settle for just a few minutes.
3. Unscrew the dip-stick and wipe clean with a rag (do not leave any fluff on the dip-stick)
4. Screw the dip-stick back on (finger tight only), then unscrew the dip-stick again
5. Whilst holding the dip-stick vertically (tip pointing down), visually check that the oil is between the lowest and highest hatch marks on the dip-stick

Best readings can be taken with both wheels on the ground and the bike held upright in the natural riding position. Any tilting forwards, backwards, or to one side may give a false reading.

If the oil is too low, top-up by carefully pouring in oil (through the hole where you removed the dip-stick). Do this gradually at about 50 ml at a time. Repeat steps 4 and 5, making sure that the oil level is going up with each addition of oil.

WARNING: Do not overfill past the highest hatch mark on the dip-stick.

When you think you have the optimum oil level, run through steps 1 to 5 again to make sure oil level is correct.

Remember to replace the dip-stick when you have finished checking the oil, giving a little more pressure to the final twist of the dip-stick. Best not to use a wrench, as this may damage the thread. Clean up any spillages immediately to avoid transference to the tyres or brakes.

WARNING: If after adding oil the reading on the dip-stick does not rise, you may have a leak somewhere. Suggest you do not ride, and speak to your local Yamaha dealer.

If on the other hand there is too much oil, you can either a) remove the drain bolt, or b) siphon a little oil from the dip-stick position. Removing the drain bolt is a messy job, as you need to catch the oil in a drip pan. To siphon oil, simply use a household syringe, but remember to keep this clean so as to avoid introducing dirt/dust into the engine.

Hope this helps.

There are usually two methods to check the oil. One is a dipstick and the other is a sight-glass. You should have one or the other somewhere on the side of the engine crankcase. It should be fairly obvious and not require the removal of any body panels. If you can't find a dipstick in the side of the crankcase you will need to get down on your hands and knees and have a look for a sight-glass instead. This will be like a tiny window with a gauge against which you can check the level.