Oil coming out of airbox.

[BobBaldy]

The sightglass is black. The confederate is missing because the p.o. took it off to put Jardine spaghetti headers on and then lost it.

For pics click the link in my signature. Too bad I didn't keep up with that blog. I'll catch it up someday.

[BobBaldy]

Centerstand not confederate damn autocorrect.

[WMarshy]

Only way to clean the sight glass is take the clutch cover off and fish a pipe'et cleaner behind it. Little shot of ether on it will break it up and dry without residue. Try leaning the bike against the wall upright to check the oil if you don't have the center stand.

[IanDMacDonald]

Even the slightest grade difference from having it on anything but a flat surface will throw the oil line off in the sightglass. Don't go by that glass if you're sure you put the required amount of oil in. Or, find a surface that makes your required fill a true statement.

[donebysunday]

line level

Even on what looks like a level surface I use a maple wedge under one of the legs of the centerstand and a line level on the valve cover to make sure. Without the centerstand I think you would need to use a bike jack/lift and then level that until your line level shows level. Trying to level it with just the side stand it's likely to tip over

[motoman]

is that you have too much oil in the bike. You stated that you put 5 quarts in... the specs from the manual with oil and filter change is 3.7 U.S Quarts. If you don't change the filter then it is only 3.2 quarts. You need go ahead and drain all the oil out and replace the filter and oil and follow these specs. I would think your compression is fine but it wouldn't hurt to know for sure.

Again wrong, 4.2qts with filter change as per the original owners manual.

Basicly, if no centerstand and not tottally sure of holding perfectly level when changing oil AND filter............4quarts.......cap it and go ride.

[motoman]

BTW, if one has the Standard 81H model(Venturer), its initial capacity is 4.4quarts due to the optional factory oil cooler. Filled correctly, oil level COVERS the window fully.

[BA80]

Yep...........

[Prisoner6]

... you have too much oil in the bike. You stated that you put 5 quarts in... the specs from the manual with oil and filter change is 3.7 U.S Quarts. If you don't change the filter then it is only 3.2 quarts. You need go ahead and drain all the oil out and replace the filter and oil and follow these specs.

Again wrong, 4.2qts with filter change as per the original owners manual.

Brant,

I believe cajun31 is correct. On page 38 of my original owner's manual, it says this:

Periodic oil change:
3.0 lit (3.20 US qt)

With oil filter replacement:
3.5 lit (3.70 US qt)

When changing oil and filter on my SF (using centerstand on level ground), I refill with oil until it reaches the top line of the sight glass,

and I have never had to use a full 4 quarts. Bob's bike is a G with no apparent oil cooler, so it should be the same amount.

[motoman]

Brant,

I believe cajun31 is correct. On page 38 of my original owner's manual, it says this:

Periodic oil change:
3.0 lit (3.20 US qt)

With oil filter replacement:
3.5 lit (3.70 US qt)

When changing oil and filter on my SF (using centerstand on level ground), I refill with oil until it reaches the top line of the sight glass,

and I have never had to use a full 4 quarts. Bob's bike is a G with no apparent oil cooler, so it should be the same amount.

Better have another look at that...........page 90, original yellow owners manual(4RO-28199-10). Not sure what your lookin' at, but this IS out of the original owners manual that came with my bike when I bought it new. BTW, 3.2qt. without filter change IS correct.

[Prisoner6]

Better have another look at that...........page 90, original yellow owners manual(4RO-28199-10). Not sure what your lookin' at, but this IS out of the original owners manual that came with my bike when I bought it new. BTW, 3.2qt. without filter change IS correct.

Hi, Brant -

I'm looking at my original yellow-with-black-lettering SF owner's manual, part #3H3-28199-10 ...

And since Bob's bike is an '80G with no oil cooler, not an '81H with oil cooler, his oil capacity should be the same as mine, yes?

[BA80]

It's 3.7 with a filter change.......the end. GEEZE!

[motoman]

It's 3.7 with a filter change.......the end. GEEZE!

+1!..........Oli/ filter change, put 4quarts in the damn thing, cap it and go ride!.

[Prisoner6]

It's 3.7 with a filter change.......the end. GEEZE!

+1!..........Oli/ filter change, put 4quarts in the damn thing, cap it and go ride!.

Hi, guys -

3.7 quarts with filter change ... isn't that what cajun31 originally posted?

Seriously, though, I just wanted to make sure Bob had the most accurate information for his bike, because I know how much we all strive for accuracy.

No offense intended to anyone ...

[motoman]

Hi, guys -

3.7 quarts with filter change ... isn't that what cajun31 originally posted?

Seriously, though, I just wanted to make sure Bob had the most accurate information for his bike, because I know how much we all strive for accuracy.

No offense intended to anyone ...

Thick skinned......no offense taken. All the XS11 series the same oil capacity, cept for the Venturer and its factory added oil cooler. No biggie, have just put 4qts. in with oil/filter change for DECADES with no issues.
If new to the bike......and bike new to you, may wanna watch for internal leaking of petcocks and float needles that WILL fill the crankcase with fuel if left on centerstand, along with leaking fuel out airbox. Not noticed and ridden WILL ruin your XS11 experiece.