oil change questions

[Sezyu]

 First oil change for new-to-me 2014 DL650. I 've read several threads stating that oil level check and oil change should be done on the center stand. The manual states that both should be done on the side stand. On previous bikes I always used the center stand. On both FJR1300 and ST1100, bike popped-up to center stand easily. For some reason when I tried it on the v-strom, it almost came over on me. I'm hoping the manual is right.
Decided to change the oil because not sure when it was done previously, looked very low on the side stand and looked dirty. Very little, very dirty oil came out, less than a quart. Ended up putting in 2 quarts. Looks at full mark on side stand, but not as clean as new oil should look.
I made the stupid decision to use the screw driver puncture method on the filter because my tool didn't fit. Bad decision. Filter didn't budge. Bought a filter wrench, but then was unable to warm the oil because the filter was punctured.
As you can see, my tool ability is roughly at early Neanderthal level. Any advice appreciated.

[kwackboy]

Always change oil on the centre stand on a flat surface. Once it's up to the window I normally push it off the centre stand and check/adjust the level with the wheels on the ground at balance point. 

Never fill oil on the side stand as this sometimes equates to nearly an extra litre of oil in your engine

[Lincsman]

As you can see, my tool ability is roughly at early Neanderthal level.

   
Don't be too hard on yourself.

[Sezyu]

Thanks for the info. I suppose I need to drain some oil since I'm sure it must be over filled. Then  ride it to warm the oil up and start over. I have always done oil changes on previous bikes on the center stand. But why does the manual state to check and change oil on the side stand? Also, I assume I should drain enough oil to bring the level of cold oil down to the low level while on side stand before warming it up.

[Rusty Nuts]

Centre stand is an optional accessory, therefore oil level must be checkable by those without one. Same for chain adjustment.

[greywolf]

The manual does not say that. It says to check the level with the bike on its tyres and held vertically. The sight glass marks are calibrated the way they are because the stock bike does not have a center stand and the side stand position is not accurate enough to hold a consistent level. If you check the level on a center stand, you'll need to get the oil level nearly at the top of the glass to get it at the full level on its wheels where it belongs. If you fill it on the side stand, it will be extremely overfilled. Since the glass is on the side opposite the stand and in the front of the engine, oil to the top line when held vertically will rise a little on the center stand and drop precipitously on the side stand.

[Sezyu]

 Thanks Greywolf. Upon further review you're absolutely correct. Don't know what I thought I saw. It says you can drain the oil on the side stand, but need to hold upright to check the level. I'm leery of using the center stand because on my one attempt I almost dropped it. Holding it up and seeing the sight glass seems a little tricky, but that's what I'll do. Thanks for the help

[greywolf]

I liked to stand astride the bike and check the oil level with a mirror on a stick.

[King Orry]

Did mine the other day, placed a chock of wood under the side stand so the bike was just leaning off vertical towards the stand. Then stood on the sightglass side, holding the throttle grip and front brake on, to gently move the bike to vertical. That way I found I could view the sightglass while being confident I'd either catch the bike if it fell my way, or push it back onto the side stand. Was a simple enough procedure (far easier than trying to describe it here.!)
Having said all that, I'm going to try the mirror trick Mr Wolf described, seems even easier.
Or easier still.. get the missus to look while I sit on the bike.

[Sezyu]

I liked Greywolf's mirror on a stick idea and rigged one up. Works great. Never would have thought of that. Thanks for the help.

[Ianmc]

GW,a question,any idea of the difference between, on the centre stand and on the wheels oil level ?
       Ian Mc.

[greywolf]

The full mark on the wheels corresponds to a tiny air bubble at the top of the glass on the centre stand.

[Ianmc]

Thanks GW,that's a good bit of info.  Ian Mc.

[Hugh Mungus]

I'm leery of using the center stand because on my one attempt I almost dropped it.

You need to go back to basics on this and see where you're going wrong. If you hauled your FJR onto centre stand you should manage a V-Strom as I find it slightly easier than my old FJR.

[Sezyu]

Good advice Mungus. Looking back on it I was thinking it would pop right up instead of thinking about what I was doing. It was the rush of new ownership. I'll give it a go with a buddy ready to assist.

[Hugh Mungus]

Back in my yoof I had a Honda CB100-N and I struggled to get it on the centre stand. An old bloke (well into his late 70's) was laughing at me as he effortlessly popped his BMW onto it's stand.
I was a bit gobsmacked and asked how he made it so easy. I then got taught the 'proper way' and I've never had a problem since. I shall never forget that bloke for his advice. Bit tricky to explain on the computer though...

Left hand on the handle bar, right hand somewhere near the seat (grab rail...?) and right foot pressing the stand down. Nearly all of the lifting action is done through your foot, your hands are only for guiding and not pulling the bike up - although your right hand will naturally lift the bike a little, so press down very firmly with your foot and use your body weight to guide the bike backwards. Don't try to rush it. Don't yank/jerk the bike because all you'll do is hurt yourself. Remember that your weight needs to be on your right foot to lift the bike so if you've got a bad leg etc it might be more difficult.

[Rusty Nuts]

   +1 It's the push down with the leg, not the hauling up with the hands that does it.

[greywolf]

There is a very simple way to make sure all your weight is on the stand lever. Lift the other foot off the ground. Being able to do so assures your body is in the correct position. It will be right next to the bike. The usual mistake is standing too far away.

[Hugh Mungus]

Yep, that's what I do - forgot that bit!

Much easier to demonstrate than putting it into words.

[Frostilicus]

Other foot off the ground was the only way I used to be able to get enough weight onto it to get my Pan European onto the main stand