I changed all my fluids approx. 3800 miles ago, planning on changing it again at the 5000 mile point. Today I went for a ride with a friend which was about 40 miles each way, on the way back my trans started making some noise, by the time I get home its very noticeable. I drain the fluid from the trans and it only has about 1/3 of a quart??? So I rush to the parts store and get a quart of Mobil 1 gear oil and put back in it. I haven't had a chance to run it yet, dam-, I hope I haven't messed up. Am I missing something here, there is no dipstick or other way to check the oil, unless you pull the cover off, if there is some other means of checking the trans oil please enlighten me...

 

There should really be no need to check the oil level between changes. Unlike the motor which can burn oil, the only way for the gearbox to loose oil, is for it to leak out. If that's the case there would be a puddle of oil under the bike which should give you a clue you've got a problem.

 

I keep it in the garage, no oil leak noticed on the floor...

 

If the seal on the crank is leaking the blowby from the engine can pressurize the primary side and force the trans oil out the vent line onto the swingarm and tire.

 

and that should wind up dripping on the floor.

 

Not unless your like me and doing 120 mph for one hour