XR350R Oil Level

[postal]

Just got this bike ('85) about a month ago and have noticed if I check the oil after it has set for a while, the dipstick reads low. But if I check it after it has run a while, it reads normal. What's the deal? Which is the correct reading? I changed the oil and filter when I first got it and it took about 2 qts. I don't want to hurt my new toy! <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

[77bronc]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Xr's. There is no definate right or wrong way to check the oil in these bikes..all of us that ride them keep trying to determine what, when, who, how, and why the oil level does what it does. The factory manual says warm up the engine, shut it off, level the bike and wait a few minutes. This wont help a bit, will always read differently. i just change the oil on a regular basis, takes just over 2 quarts, and add when the stick reads low on the above recommended procedures. Confused?...as i said...welcome to XR's!..there great, and that 85 is the best 350 built...congrats!

[postal]

When I got the filter at the Honda dealer, his book said 1.6 qts. I believe. I have put a full 2 qts. in now because I was worried about it running low. I guess the level must just "float" a bit as it circulates through the frame?? <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0">

Since then, I found that I can get a Fram filter for about $3 at our local farm store instead of the Honda version for $6. Fram is what I use in all my other vehicles.

[Kyron]

As long as it has oil in it <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> you'll be fine... and as long as the oil is fresh the bike will be happy!!!

Does it still have the cool speedo???

[dog walker]

Thats funny because I have an 84 XL250R with an XR250 motor and I have the same trouble checking the oil level!

Jeff

[noonan]

its a typical problem. Run the bike around for 5 minutes, warm it up good. Turn it off. Wait a minute and check it. Oil expands a great deal as it heats, with small oil galleries in bike engines it makes a bigger difference than a car. As long as you're putting in the right amount and your bike is running good i wouldn't worry too much. What weight oil you using?

[77bronc]

another word for the wise...only use a high quality motorcycle motor oil...regular or synthetic..just make sure it is MOTORCYCLE oil. i always use Honda GN4 10-40w in my XR600.. car oil will cause cam and rocker arm failure ( dont ask why i know...haha)...

[postal]

Thanks for the replies guys. Now I know not to worry too much about the exact level. <IMG SRC="smilies/cool.gif" border="0">

The speedo and lights have been removed. A buddy has an XR for parts that I will get the lights from. Speedo is not important to me. What was cool about it??

[postal]

Just an update of what I've learned about the oil. I have been putting 2 qts. in at each oil change, and changing the filter every other oil change. Bike seems happy with this. :p

The more I ride this thing, the more I like it. It seems like it works with me well, or I work well with it? :confused: It has been to Turkey Bay, the Badlands, and Haspin Acres so far.

Any ideas for a new rear tire? It will be time soon. Sure wears down fast. It has a 17" rim, which seems to limit my choices.

Thanks for the previous help!