Maybe you should have asked this in your other Oil Level thread?

http://www.s1000rrforum.com/forum/maintenance/48834-oil-window-indication.html

I find the difference to be about an 1/4 inch (6mm) between absolute cold and piping hot, and I fill mine to near the top of the sight glass when it is absolutely hot. That is why they tell you to check it when it's hot - not warm, and not cold, but HOT. The level does change with temperature and you don't want to overfill it.

I'm also going to state a disclaimer. I wouldn't guarantee you the volume is linear from the bottom to the top of the sight glass either. Just be careful and add to it a little at a time once you come within the last quart or liter.

 

Probably should have, but it was an older thread and wasn't sure if this actually "fit" into it...my bad. It's on me...taking one for the team here.

 

Well, I asked this question because mine was sitting around 1/2 level in the window, cold. I added enough oil to bring it to about 3/4 level, cold. My experience has been that 3/4 cold will result in about full, hot.

But then I got concerned, because the temps have been in the 20' and 30's, and I haven't ridden for a few weeks. Made me think that adding a little (and it WAS a very little amount...about 2 fluid ounces or so...maybe 1/10 quart) was a dumb way to counteract the boredom of not being able to ride. Worried that it'll be overfull when I get to ride it to operating temp.

That's why the 1/4 inch observation from Rainman was important to me...now I think there'll be no problem.

Just goes to show how not-riding can breed some weird behavior...

The oil in the bike is fresh...oil change 200 miles ago...

 

The fact that the bike needs to be level also should be considered. The front needs to be as high as the rear when its on a stand. I use a 2x4 to lift under the front tire to near the rear height.

No leveling problem if you just have someone holding the bike upright.

Mike

 

OK..."hypothetically", if you have the rear on a Pitbull stand, what would be the effect on oil level vis-à-vis having the bike held level with both tires on the ground?