I never got a good explanation of the oil sight glass
other than if you don't see oil, don't start the bike.

On both my RFS bikes I went only by the oil I added
after a full filter/screen change.

 

Yeah that's what I'm going by too.
Did yours do the same thing?

In the manual it says that the oil level should be 1/4 of the way up when cold(bottom edge of sight glass) and 3/4 of the way up when hot(top edge of sight glass).
just wondering why the oil level stays the same hot and cold?​​ doesn't make sense. shouldn't it expand/thicken?

 

On my 2000 520 the oil NEVER went past the 1/4 mark
even after a 2 hour hard ride in the desert. It just never did.

The '03 did show a little over half when hot but not the 1/4
cold 3/4 hot.

 

Ok. Well I'm glad to know it's not just my bike then.
Next question is, mines showing exactly on the halfway mark when cold...is that too high and should I drain some oil out? Or leave it?

 

I don't remember how much a full oil replacement
was, but if you put in what the manual states
I'd leave it.

 

I always use the measured(height) amount not the volume amount. Basically just get the oil near the center of the window(with the bike vertical, not leaned over on the kickstand) and you're good. 1/4 up, good. 3/4 up, good.
Same thing with fork oil. It ain't the amount you put in that works, it's the height of that oil that works.

 

Well right now it's exactly half way up the sight glass.

 

Sight Glass

I have been paying attention to mine since reading this thread--mine does not seem to be fluctuating at all. I think your good.:yes:

 

How high is the oil level at in your sight glass?

 

On the high pressure lubrication bikes, the oil will be sucked from the sump and up into the head, so the sight glass level will go down. On non-high pressure lubricated machines, the oil height shouldn't be effected because the oil isn't being sucked out of the sump at a high volume, just enough to lubricate the valve train.

 

oil sight glass

Steady as she goes, right in the middle.

 

Ok cool.
Well im glad Yeah mine isn't the only 1 that the oil level doesn't rise for.
My oil levels the same, spot on right in the middle.
What oil you using just out of curiosity?

 

Oil sight glass

Castrol Power RS- 4T Synthetic High Performance

Don't know much about it--what the local KTM dealer recommended.

 

Not apples and apples, but check out this oil thread
on the Duke thread.
It came as a big surprise to me that Royal Purple beat out
Redline (which I run in my 4 stroke bikes).

http://www.ktmforums.com/forums/duke/45761-oil-10w60.html

 

I would guess that the engine and filter are holding on to some of the oil when you are checking it warm. It might take a little time for the oil to settle.

 

Hey guys I just did a service on my 2011 ktm 250 sx-f now the bike was straight up when I added the oil and when I turn on the bike the glass slight is completely empty is this normal or should it have some in the glass please let me know thanks

 

Yup all good.
As long as the oil is halfway up the glass when upright you are good to go.

 

Yup all good.
As long as the oil is halfway up the glass when upright you are good to go.

Do you mean it should be half off when running or off?

 

When motor is off and bike is standing upright oil should be in the middle of the window.
When its running, you should be able to see the oil circulating.
Hope this helps.

 

The oil needs to be warm for an accurate reading. With a cold engine, oil will be low in the sight gauge. After turning off the engine, wait a couple minutes for the oil to seep, then stand the bike up level and oil should be near the middle of the window.

 

Always measure mine upon filling as well.
My 500‘S capacity is 1.5L and with the bike upright and cold its halfway in the window.