Oil level checked hot or cold??

[dan d]

Hi there,

New to forums and new to bikes, so i apologise for asking a silly question but here goes. I just bought a 2012 ninja 650 with 3000 km.

I changed oil and filter today, 1.8L as per manual. So the level was a little high after the change which I wasn't worried about so i started it and let it warm up for about 5 mins. Level was still high, so i went for a good ride and checked again, level was still high. So I was a bit worried at this stage, but the weird thing was once it sat for a few hours and cooled right down, the oil level has come down to the full level???

Is this normal??? As my experience with cars, the oil level is lower when hot and once oil settles, the level comes up??? Should I be worried??? Any tips would be appreciated!

[s man]

No mate all is well & you must have done everything correct.
I always check oil cold

[dan d]

Ok, cool! Thanks for the reply s man! Can anyone tell me why the oil level would rise when it's hot??? I would have expected it to drop??? I realise there would be little differences since i don't have my centre stand yet and maybe i didn't have it exactly level but when it was hot it completely filled the sight glass, and to have the level at the full mark the bike was obviously leaning to the opposite side... In fact it was only just off the side stand??? Thanks again!

[s man]

It reads higher when hot because of expansion. It will settle, always check when cold, & the bike standing straight upright on level ground...

[dan d]

Awesome s man! Thanks mate!

[QQQ]

I've always checked oil when it's hot. Really depends on the bike, what does ur manual say? If it's above the top line when hot then it's overfull...

[6maniac]

From the '08 Z750 manual ..

" Oil Level Inspection •Check that the engine oil level is between the upper [A]
and lower levels in the gauge.
NOTE
○Situate the motorcycle so that it is perpendicular to the
ground.
○If the motorcycle has just been used, wait several minutes
for all the oil to drain down.
○If the oil has just been changed, start the engine and
run it for several minutes at idle speed. This fills the oil
filter with oil. Stop the engine, then wait several minutes
until the oil settles. "

HTH ...

[dan d]

Thanks for the input guys. Much appreciated. Ill have to check tomorrow but am confident that after several minutes of cool down, it will be at the full level. Thanks again!