Dip sticks

[Chrisj CMA]

So. I've had a Cobra dipstick on the bike since I bought it (naturally)

So yesterday I was cleaning out my fairly extensive parts bins and I found an OEM dipstick. I really can't remember where I got it. Probably from the wrecked Interstate I parted out a few years ago.

Anyway, just for fun I took out the Cobra stick and checked the oil with the OEM one. Turns out the Stock part must be a tad longer than my aftermarket one. The oil read higher on the OEM stick

But the level was just fine after six months or so since changing the oil.

Reinforces my practice of checking the oil before every ride. I look under the bike, if there's no oil it's all still inside. lol

Drain well dump in a gallon and ride. Been working for 24 years

[Foozle]

I have "decorative" dip sticks on both my Valkyries - one is a Cobra and one is a TelTru. I carry an OEM stick in the saddlebag of each - and this is what I use to actually verify the oil level.  It's a minor inconvenience, but small potatoes relative to all the other items I routinely carry. Terry

[Willow]

Decorative sticks are nice.  One should check for full with an OEM stick then dip and mark (score) your decorative stick at that level.  No need to keep carrying a second stick.

[Chrisj CMA]

I don't really care where it lands on the stick. Right after changing the oil I get 1/8" of oil on the tip of the Cobra stick with the bike on the side stand and NOT screwed in. So I know it's right. I'll usually check it again in six months just for fun but the oil is always still in there.

When you know the amount of oil is right. It doesn't matter what your particular measuring devise reads. It's correct wherever it is.

[WintrSol]

Seems that only works if you are on the same surface, or a surface with the same pitch; any change in angle while on the stand will have a significant change in the reading. In my case, where I park the bike on my own driveway can have a different pitch from other spots. I stand it up, and mark my after-market sticks to match the OEM one.

[Chrisj CMA]

Seems that only works if you are on the same surface, or a surface with the same pitch; any change in angle while on the stand will have a significant change in the reading. In my case, where I park the bike on my own driveway can have a different pitch from other spots. I stand it up, and mark my after-market sticks to match the OEM one.

That is a good point. I only check the oil whilst parked in the bikes' designated spot in the family room on its little wooden stand prop. Exactly the same every time.

[John97]

My Cobra stick has an Allen set screw so I can slide the stick up/down to match the OE stick. Set it once and check the level per manual. I don't check it very often, often I'm bored when I do. No puddle beneath me or cloud behind me, it's got oil in it then.