My 05 RK is still in its "break in " period. It has only 600 miles.

I checked my oil today, and the oil level was just a tad above the "add one quart" mark. (just barely in the "OK zone")

A friend says that it's normal to run the oil level lower during break in period, so I don't over stress the rings.

Is this true?

Should I add oil?

 

I had the same thing happen with my RG, I took it to the stealer and he added enough oil to bring it up to the half way mark without too much bitching; it did cost me 3 hours of my time through.

 

Add enough oil to bring it to the halfway mark or so.

 

A couple of issues here:

1. Oil level is best (and most accurately) checked hot. Check your owner's manual for instructions.

2. There is an issue with bad valve seals on some 05s. I'd keep a close eye on the oil level and if it looks like it's low again, check the plugs for indication of oil in the combustion chamber.

3. I have never heard of keeping the oil level intentionally low during break-in. That sounds like a recipie for disaster.

Best of luck.

 

Thank you for your replies.

Here's the better news.....

The oil level was the same the day I bought my bike. I remember this because the dealer was giving me a "walkthrough", and I remember mentioning the lower than the mark oil level.
He ignored me, and so I left it alone.

I hope I didn't cause any damage so far.

 

Nothing to worry about if it was in the "zone". I don't understand your friends theory because these engines are dry sump meaning the oil is not stored in the engine but scavenged back to the tank , so the level in the tank has no effect on the rings. The piston jets that squirt the oil on the underside of the piston would not be affected by the oil level in the tank either.

 

Thanks for clearing that up. I appreciate all your replies.


Since I have to add some oil...what oil do I get, if I can't get to the dealership?

The oil in there, it's the oil from the day of the bike purchase.


BTW.....I just read the manual, it says it's OK to check it cold. I also checked the oil again, it's at the "add 1 quart" mark