is your centerstand really level, for oil check?

So this is something that has always driven me a little nuts(granted that's a short trip) but obviously the manual, as well as most consensus, says to put bike on center-stand or hold level, when checking oil. But my bike is anything but level on it's center stand. Not only does it jack the back wheel way up(while front wheel remains on ground) but I get a completely different reading than when bike is just held upright and level (by a second person). I always go with the bike just being held level as that's the position more close to the actual riding position, but it can be challenging to check oil out on the road on solo trips that way.

I figure I can't be the only one who's come across this and was curious what other's thought and how everyone checks their oil.
thanks!

I believe when they refer to level, they are talking left to right when sitting on the bike.
Think of it this way, you take the bike off the side stand, and bring her upright/level.

Level might not have been their best choice in wording.
Having the bike on the center stand should be fine for checking the oil level.
My 650 does not have a center stand, so I use a rear stand on the swingarm.

A front wheel chock that holds the bike upright can work too.

First off you need a piece of flat pavement, then put the bike on the centerstand, before checking the oil. Yes, the level will be different compared to holding the bike upright but regardless. That's how Kawasaki designed the bike.

Thanks all! I do find it fascinating though, as I get 2 different readings from the 2 different positions and the manual says either works.

I use a telescopic mirror

9er rider wrote: I use a telescopic mirror

Holy smokes.. How did I not think of that?? Awesome! So no center-stand for you, you just sit on it and check level via the telescopic mirror?

Some people have too much time on their hands.
Why make things complicated when they are not.
Just stick it on the main stand and top up towards the upper level.
The few degrees difference Fore and aft when sitting on the main stand or on both wheels is of no significance.
It's the side to side vertical orientation that is of importance so make sure the ground is reasonably level in that plane.
A few drops of oil more or less isn't going to do anything as long as it isn't grossly over or under filled.

Here are a couple of former KZr topics with some more info about this:

Click here > Basic oil check

Click here > Basic oil filling

Patton wrote: Here's an easy way to check oil level when there's no centerstand or assistant to hold the bike balanced upright.

While sitting astride the bike, use an inexpensive pocket style telescoping mirror to see the oil level through the sight glass. Such mirrors are readily available from almost anywhere automotive tools are sold.

No precariously trying to hold the bike steady and level while squatted down and bent over or on your knees beside the bike.

Works even better with a flashlight or worklight on the floor with beam directed at the sight glass.

. . . .

Patton wrote:

Absent center-stand, and without a sober helper near by, with cold engine, can sit on the bike to hold it level, and use a telescoping mirror to view the oil level. I prefer this to kneeling or squatting down beside the bike and attempting to hold it steady, level and upright while viewing the oil window, which risks losing control and allowing the bike to fall over, even when cold sober.

These very inexpensive mirrors are readily available at automotive supply stores such as Auto-Zone.

. . . .

Good Fortune!

The way I look at it anywhere between fill and full is just fine. In fact I try to eye ball the oil level right in between fill and full and I don't stress out if it is a little below or above that middle.

the lower the lever....the higher the horsepower!

PaintWorkz wrote: the lower the lever....the higher the horsepower!

So if you're going to race the bike be sure to drain all the oil out first. That will give it maximum horsepower! :woohoo:

Maybe it would be better to say "check the oil while the bike is vertical"...