 changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Apr 2013
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OP
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How in the heck do you check the sight glass, and see when it is at the hallway level ? Or do u just dump in the 4 quarts, and be good to go ? My first 600 mile oil change here .  Not new to bikes here. Just new to the Triumph world.
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 Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
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The bike should be on a level surface and standing up straight.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Mar 2013
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Hold the bike upright from the right and check sight glass.Oil should easily be seen. Go easy when letting it back down onto the stand. If you're a weed like me it has a tendency to want to take you with it. 
05 Speedmaster,Reverse Cone Shortys,Thunderbike AIR Kit,K&N Air Filter,Snorkel Removed,Dynojet Stage 1 Kit(126 main),Needle-Clip 1 From Bottom,42 Pilot,NGK Iridium Plugs,Progressive Springs,Hagon 2810's,Barnett Green Springs,TTP Safe-Start,MOSFET R/R
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 Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
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From the Book of Duh:
Hold the front brake on while balancing the bike level to
look at the sight glass. Since you're kneeling down doing this
it's hard enough to hold the bike side-to-side. This way
you don't also have to worry about it rolling away.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: May 2007
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
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usually about 3.7 quarts will do. just a bit over the middle of the glass on level is good
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Apr 2013
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Adjunct
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OP
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Thanks Guys !! Took 4 quarts on the money. But I let it drain a good long time. Just wanted to be extra cautious on the first change. Damn that filter was on tight, but it finally come off. No filter wrench I had here would fit it.. Will pick up a wrench for the next change .. Man, that break-in oil was like water. Very dirty with only 550 miles.
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Have someone sit on the bike to hold it level. I find that if it's just a hair too full it'll blow out the breather.
Roughly 3.5 quarts does it, middle of sight glass.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Bike level... perfectly upright as you hold 'er steady while peering into the sight glass. Do it a couple o' times and you got it! That sight glass is accurate! Depend on it, love it and RIDE! (But never overfill it)
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Oil leaves a film. Bring the bike to vertical then back on the side stand. Look at the sight glass. BrianT nailed it. Either way works. All depends on where the light is. Heck you can practice the BrianT way as you repeatedly bring the bike to vertical so more oil can drain out.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
One member used to have a mirror and would sit on the bike and look at the level in the mirror. Many many ways to do it.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853 |
I will kick at 2x6 under the side stand to check it...it is some what level...
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Adjunct
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If you plan on doing most of your maintainence yourself it would be wise to invest in a motorcycle jack, it makes things like checking oil and lubing your chain a lot easier. You can usually get a decent price on one at Sears or Harbor Freight. Heck, it usually pays for itself when you do your first tire change and don't have to pay for mounting.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Damn that filter was on tight, but it finally come off. No filter wrench I had here would fit it.. Will pick up a wrench for the next change ..
This is exactly why I use the K&N filter with the nut welded on. Just a simple socket and it comes right off. I don't know anything about the quality and level of filtering it provides, but the ease of on/off is worth the small premium.
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,227 Likes: 62 |
We have had members catch that hex on the end of the K&N and lose all the oil in their bike.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
We have had members catch that hex on the end of the K&N and lose all the oil in their bike.
The Virgin Mary gave birth too, but I'd say it's NOT likely to happen again.
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Quote:
We have had members catch that hex on the end of the K&N and lose all the oil in their bike.
The Virgin Mary gave birth too, but I'd say it's NOT likely to happen again.
Happened to me! 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
We have had members catch that hex on the end of the K&N and lose all the oil in their bike.
The Virgin Mary gave birth too, but I'd say it's NOT likely to happen again.
Happened to me!
Happened to her!
ONCE!
How many times has it happened to you?
Any others?
Just sayin', Rare as hen's teeth.
I think MANY more have had road debris hit and puncture the filter body, instead of the nut.
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
"I think MANY more have had road debris hit and puncture the filter body, instead of the nut."
I fabbed up protective cover from a section of polished stainless tube with an end cap and a tube clamp. Looks nice an shiny and no filter punctures.
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: May 2010
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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What I did. [image]  [/image] [image]  [/image]
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I heard about this oil "cooler" that you that fit on your oil filter, over on a Yamaha forum about 6 years ago. Nice and heavy duty aluminum piece. Had to trim the fins to fit up underneath properly but it fits nicely on my filter. Does it help cool the oil, like the Yamaha's wanted ? I don't know or care. The bike already has a good sized oil cooler. But it's a great way to protect the filter from anything that could puncture the filter.  And yes, I have an extendable mirror (with a magnet in the handle) for checking the oil level. I also check it when she's on the Harbor Freight bike lift. The bike lift is a challenge when changing the oil, but I did get it to work better the last time (thanks to a cardboard "guide"). Steve
Last edited by Conwy; 06/07/2013 12:26 AM.
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Jeez y'all. A jack to check the oil level? Okay what jack do you use when 500 miles from home? Jerk the damn thing off the side stand and look at the sight glass. Oil filter on too tight? Don't gorilla the damn thing on. Wrench for it? lol. Seriously:  Protective cover for the oil filter? might as well line the tires with kevlar socks to thwart possible punctures. Or get a skid plate. Don't take my opinions as attacks. Making simple things complicated and UGLY is well never-mind. 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497 |
Quote:
Jeez y'all. A jack to check the oil level? Okay what jack do you use when 500 miles from home? Jerk the damn thing off the side stand and look at the sight glass. Oil filter on too tight? Don't gorilla the damn thing on. Wrench for it? lol. Seriously:
Protective cover for the oil filter? might as well line the tires with kevlar socks to thwart possible punctures. Or get a skid plate.
Don't take my opinions as attacks. Making simple things complicated and UGLY is well never-mind.
05 Speedmaster,Reverse Cone Shortys,Thunderbike AIR Kit,K&N Air Filter,Snorkel Removed,Dynojet Stage 1 Kit(126 main),Needle-Clip 1 From Bottom,42 Pilot,NGK Iridium Plugs,Progressive Springs,Hagon 2810's,Barnett Green Springs,TTP Safe-Start,MOSFET R/R
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Of course carrying an extra oil filter when you're gonna be a long-TF-way from home ain't a bad idea either... 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Quote:
Jeez y'all. A jack to check the oil level? Okay what jack do you use when 500 miles from home? Jerk the damn thing off the side stand and look at the sight glass. Oil filter on too tight? Don't gorilla the damn thing on. Wrench for it? lol. Seriously:
Protective cover for the oil filter? might as well line the tires with kevlar socks to thwart possible punctures. Or get a skid plate.
Don't take my opinions as attacks. Making simple things complicated and UGLY is well never-mind.
+1
I ain't got nothin' EXTRA down there.
And I don't get the one with the nut.
I get Purolators for $5.00.
DAMN THE TORPEDOES!!!
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Ok, my question is this: On both then ugly contraptions they only protect the sides, what happens when you have a rock or sump'n peirce the bottom of it, ya know the part actually closest to the ground.
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
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Get the one with the nut welded on the bottom. It's reinforced!
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
Mine isn't ugly. On the contrary your naked filters look like hemerrhoids.  AND my beautiful shiney protector protects the bottom as well.
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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 Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2 |
Hi Guys, another newby here....just checked my oil level in the glass (on a center stand), and the glass has fogged up!Never done THAT before!
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Could be due to quick change of surrounding temperature (from inside to outside),but unlikely. Could be due to atmospheric conditions (high humidity), but unlikely.
Or, more likely, if it's never happened before, it COULD be water contamination of the oil.
Have you been in a downpour lately?
Have you washed it lately?
Just look at a sample of the oil, looks like something between Honey-Chocolate? No problem.
IF it looks kind of milky, change it NOW!
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Jun 2012
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Cheers Erle...yes caught caught in one hell of a downpour not long ago. oil change on the cards anyway, just to be sure. 
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 Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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If you have a lift, see where you are in the sight so you won't be guessing when you are sitting. Not you, but your oil . The mirror idea is great, gonna put one in my bag. I keep a "bubble" at the top of the sight glass due to paranoia from a small leak I had. Check the " tech for newbies" too, very handy even though you know bikes.
06 in Mulberry. AI, Dunstalls, Nology coils, TTP
Keep your faith in God, but keep your powder dry.
-Oliver Cromwell
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Ok, my question is this: On both then ugly contraptions they only protect the sides, what happens when you have a rock or sump'n peirce the bottom of it, ya know the part actually closest to the ground.
I've been busy flying/driving halfway around the world, so haven't had a chance to reply.
I'm assuming you're addressing my "contraption". The walls extend down past the filter, so it should block or lessen the chance of a side blow. No, it won't stop a straight shot up at the filter, but how often does that happen? I think those heavy aluminum finned walls will lessen the chance of anything puncturing the filter, which is all I wanted.
I personally don't care if it's a shiny, chromed thing. It sits at the bottom of the engine and I expect it to get dirty.
Do you have a better solution ?
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Posts: 1,669 |
Naw, I was just being a smarta$$ and busting yer chops a little, (Moe might have instigated it on his comment) Anyway if it helps protect the filter it's really not a bad idea. I mean even if you carry a spare you could be miles down the road before you noticed and prolly wouldn't have spare oil to refill. Besides even if they are ugly you really can't see the dern thing.
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Re: changing oil. Dumb question here perhaps
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
I wrapped my filter with some Brass armor after I found a gouge halfway up the vessel body from a rock or something. I can see how people who live in parts of the world where rocks aren't that common wouldn't see a need, but I live in the land of "Glacial Till" and anybody with 5 acres, the inclination, a permit and zone compliance can own a productive gravel pit. And as far as aesthetics are concerned, somebody that wants to bend over and crook their neck to see if my filter is purty enough, well, I just don't care. Now all I have to worry about is those rocks that can jump straight up when I'm not moving. 
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