yamaha cruiser oil window?

[bongohead]

I just looked at a yamaha 650, and with the aid of the owner's manual, I looked in the oil window to observe whether or not there was a proper amount of oil. I could not see anything but my reflection, in the light and in the shade. The bike had been sitting for a year and a half, and she got the bike in the separation (it was his bike). Should it be that difficult to see oil in this window, or was I correct in thinking he hadn't filled it. It was stated that the oil was emptied every winter, and the wife stated he hadn't rode it for a long time.
thanks, i did get the woman to stand the bike up straight. I couldn't see anything.

 

[Rod Knocker]

I would say it needs oil. Usually you can see oil through the window no problem.

 

[Chris]

You have to get it off the kickstand in a verticle position. If you see oil in the glass while it's on the kickstand it's probably overfilled. You didn't see any oil so it might be fine, but it has to be verticle straight up and down.

 

[Mad Jack]

You should be able to see oil in this window.

With most bikes that uses this window the bike needs to be standing perfectly upright to measure the oil level. Check the owner's manual to be certain on this model.

Even if the oil is clean, you should still be able to see the oil.

If you are not certain, drain the oil and fill with the correct amount of fresh oil. It is better to spend $10 on some oil than over $1000 on repairs because the engine had no oil.

When you buy your oil do NOT buy regular automotive oil. Use motorcycle oil instead. The oil in a motorcycle runs hotter than in a car. Motorcycle oil will have additives that deal better with this higher operating temperature. Also most motorcycles use what is called a wet clutch that is bathed in engine oil. Motorcycle oil will have additives that are clutch friendly.

You will find that motorcycle oil costs more than automotive oil. However you can save yourself a few bucks by buying your oil from your local automotive parts store instead of from the motorcycle dealer. Most major automotive parts stores will have a motorcycle section and will stock motorcycle oil.