Serious Burgman 400 guys tell you that you cannot get an accurate oil level reading unless the scoot is off of the center stand, held dead level, no weight on seat, mono-shock at mid setting, moon over left shoulder. One is also supposed to check the oil level during fuel stops if running it hard and long on the interstate. (many theories about where the oil is departing to, but it is leaving)
Get out the mirror, hire a kid, or kneel in the gas/oil/water puddle at the Shell station in a driving rain storm while you hold the 500 lb scooter dead level with one hand to look at a little dirty window in the dark
From the Burgman 650 Factory Service Manual under oil change.
• Keep the motorcycle upright with the center stand.
• Start the engine and allow it to run for three minutes at idling speed.
• Turn off the engine and wait about three minutes, then check the oil level through the inspection window A. If the level is below mark “Lâ€, add oil to “F†level. If the level is above mark “Fâ€, drain oil to “F†level.
From the MyRoad Factory Service manual.
Start the engine and let it idle for 2ï¼3 minutes.
Turn off the engine and support the scooter level surface.
Check the engine oil level. The level must be maintained between the upper H (1) and lower level L (2) marks on the oil inspection screen (3). If the oil level is below or near the lower level line, add the recommended engine oil until the oil level is to the upper level.
From the Aprilia Atlantic Factory Service manual.
Position the vehicle on firm and flat ground.
Position the vehicle on the centre stand.
Switch off the engine, let the oil flow into the crankcase and allow the engine and oil to cool down.
Unscrew and extract the plug/dipstick.
Clean the partime in contact with the oil with a clean cloth.
Tighten the plug/dipstick completely, screwing it into the filling hole.
Withdrawal the plug/dipstick again and read the oil level on the dipstick itself.
And for checking the transmission oil
Put the vehicle on a solid and flat surface.
Put the vehicle on the central stand.
Unscrew and remove the cap/dipstick.
Clean dipstick with a clean cloth.
Completely screw the cap/dipstick into the filling hole.
Remove the cap/dipstick again and check the oil level.
As others have stated it seems the Kymco line with an oil dipstick says not to screw it back in to check the oil level. The Italian scooters like Piaggio and Aprilia have you screw the dipstick in all the way to check oil level. It seems the Japanese scoots with a oil dipstick (checked Honda Helix) sys not to screw it back in to check the level. You'd really think all would try to make the procedure standard, sheese.
