[Lamonster]

I ran into an unusual problem with my 109 last week. I picked up the bike on a Thursday and rode it home (about 30 miles) and didn't ride it again till the following Saturday. I rode about 50 miles and topped off the tank and that's when I noticed oil all down the left side of the bike. I moved the bike to check the oil level and when I pulled the dipstick oil came running out of the bike. The bike was on the side stand at the time. I then moved the bike to a dirt field and leaned the bike over to dump out some of the oil. I dumped out quite a bit and then checked the oil level. It showed about 1/4" above the full mark. I figured that was fine and went on my ride. I rode about 140 miles or so and then parked the bike and let it cool for a bit. It was still warm to the touch when I checked it again and this time the oil was just barley touching the dipstick. :-[ I then added a little less then half a quart and got it back to the middle of the dip stick. I decided to add about a cup more and then I ran the bike and checked the oil again. This time the oil was just about to come out the top again. :-\ I called the dealer and they came and picked up the bike. I'll let you know what they say when I get it back.

 

[Lamonster]

Talked to the dealer tonight and I guess it's not an unusual problem. He said the rep had no less then ten owners that had the same problem. The trick with this bike is to let it run for 15 min. then let it set for 3 min. and then check the oil level with the bike upright. Turns out that someone over filled it when I got it and that's why it was puking out of the crankcase breather. I've owned a lot of bikes but never had one that you had to let run for 15 min. before you checked the oil. :-\ No big deal, now I know and so do you. 8)

 

[Guest]

Sounds like this will be the main topic of conversation on this bike as more and more bikes make it into customers hands. Maybe this is one time that the dealers better read the service manual.

 

[VZR1800]

Hello,

I started a thread on the exact same subject over at another m109 forum(delphi)
I had mine delivered, and checked the oil to find it barely touching the tip of the dipstick, appearing like it was almost a quart low. After around 30 minutes running, it was above full ! This drove me nuts !! Called the dealer, and he said DO NOT ADD ANY OIL ! He was right. When I took it in for the 600 mile service, over 3 1/2 quarts came out. Even though it appeared low or dry when cold, the oil was in there ! Most of the oil drained from the rear plug, not the front one. Now I always check my oil AFTER the ride.
As a rule of thumb, if you check it cold, the oil level will be right at the add line, barely touching the tip of the dipstick, if your dipstick is TOTALLY DRY with bike level, add 1/2 quart, then check again. DO NOT OVERFILL !!!!!!!!
Your mechanic probably kept adding oil and checking the dipstick. Big mistake. If you have to, drain your oil, and refill with 3.8 quarts. Then check it after it's hot. When they refilled mine at the 600 mile service, they underfilled mine. I had to add 1/2 quart. A half quart makes a big difference, even on a 1800. If the level is too low, you will see "CHEC" on the odometer window, while the key is turned to start. After you hit the starter, the "Chec" will disappear, so look for it before pressing the starter. Mine went on after they did my oil. A half quart added, it was correct. At least I know it works. I'm almost at 1100 miles now, and it's really starting to smooth out and sound really good. -Al

 

[Lamonster]

I've owned a lot of bikes and I've never had to check the oil this way. I can't believe I have to run the bike for 15 min. before I check the oil. Oh well. Are you burning oil? I'm surprised that you had to add any in that few of miles.

By the way welcome to the site. I hope others find it too. 8)

 

[VZR1800]

Are you burning oil? I'm surprised that you had to add any in that few of miles.

By the way welcome to the site. I hope others find it too. 8)

Burning ZERO oil.

The oil I added was only to bring the level up after the mechanic underfilled it at 600 miles. Ya gotta watch those guys. Either they overfill it, or underfill it. I'll be doing my own now, as i've always done before.
Now, I just check it at the end of each ride. At this point, I just check it every few rides.

 

[BlueM109R]

Burning ZERO oil.

The oil I added was only to bring the level up after the mechanic underfilled it at 600 miles. Ya gotta watch those guys. Either they overfill it, or underfill it. I'll be doing my own now, as I've always done before.
Now, I just check it at the end of each ride. At this point, I just check it every few rides.

Picked mine up on Saturday drove home 15 minutes, parked and oil was dripping out the air intake. Called the Dealer they sent a flatbed to pick it up, called me a few hours later and said they drained 2 qts of oil out of it and cleaned it up.

Picked it up again on Sunday, drove home 15 minutes, parked and oil was dripping out of the air intake AGAIN!

I'm seriously considering abandoning the dealership service dept and doing things myself. I'm terrified of them doing my oil changes in the future.

This has been a nightmare. This is such a beautiful bike that I've been dreaming of for 2 months, and to see oil leaking out of it really hurts.

 

[VZR1800]

Picked mine up on Saturday drove home 15 minutes, parked and oil was dripping out the air intake. Called the Dealer they sent a flatbed to pick it up, called me a few hours later and said they drained 2 qts of oil out of it and cleaned it up.

Picked it up again on Sunday, drove home 15 minutes, parked and oil was dripping out of the air intake AGAIN!

I'm seriously considering abandoning the dealership service dept and doing things myself. I'm terrified of them doing my oil changes in the future.

This has been a nightmare. This is such a beautiful bike that I've been dreaming of for 2 months, and to see oil leaking out of it really hurts.

This subject is going to be a major issue for new owners, that's for sure !!!

My Meanstreak was overfilled, and because of an obstruction, siphoning it out isn't an option, so I just drained it all and added the new oil to the exact amount required.
Sometime's just starting over is best. And don't check the level until the end of each ride, while it's at it's 3 minute rest.
They(Suzuki) should relocate the dipstick further back where all the oil is laying. Maybe someday they will.
Afterall, it's nice to know the engine has some oil in it BEFORE you start it, not 15 minutes later.
I'll just keep checking mine at the end of the ride, so i'll already know what's in there the next time I start the bike.

 

[M109R]

I think alot to with the oil problem is due to the fact that we have a semi dry sump oiling system .

 

[Lamonster]

Picked mine up on Saturday drove home 15 minutes, parked and oil was dripping out the air intake. Called the Dealer they sent a flatbed to pick it up, called me a few hours later and said they drained 2 qts of oil out of it and cleaned it up.

Picked it up again on Sunday, drove home 15 minutes, parked and oil was dripping out of the air intake AGAIN!

I'm seriously considering abandoning the dealership service dept and doing things myself. I'm terrified of them doing my oil changes in the future.

This has been a nightmare. This is such a beautiful bike that I've been dreaming of for 2 months, and to see oil leaking out of it really hurts.

Sounds like the same thing I went through. They need to clean out the airbox or else it wil drip oil forever.
http://www.m109riders.com/forum/index.php?topic=32.0

 

[ditch]

I changed the oil myself with filter and put in 4 full quarts of oil. After riding for 1 hour, I let it sit three minutes and checked it standing up. Oil wasn't even touching dipstick. Its a crappy measuring guide. No wonder they have problems overfilling. Well I know there are 4 real quarts in it and the factory says 3.8 quarts so I'm leaving it alone. I'll just have to trust that it won't burn oil until the next change or hope the oil light go on before it runs out, if it would happen to burn oil anyway. Hopefully they will come up with a dipstick that actually shows the right amount.

 

[Lamonster]

I changed the oil myself with filter and put in 4 full quarts of oil. After riding for 1 hour, I let it sit three minutes and checked it standing up. Oil wasn't even touching dipstick. Its a crappy measuring guide. No wonder they have problems overfilling. Well I know there are 4 real quarts in it and the factory says 3.8 quarts so I'm leaving it alone. I'll just have to trust that it won't burn oil until the next change or hope the oil light go on before it runs out, if it would happen to burn oil anyway. Hopefully they will come up with a dipstick that actually shows the right amount.

Now that would bother me. ??? I can't believe that after an hour of riding that it's not showing on the dipstick. That's just weird.

 

[VZR1800]

That's the scary part. You can burn a quart, and might not know it. This engine needs a sight glass like the Kawis or redesign the engine so the dipstick is further back.

 

[Guest]

O.K I'm startin to get confused.....The check light comes on after I ride,turn off and restart after a few minutes...Means its low or just hasnt had enough time to completely drain back?This morning,,started it,,no check oil light...I've checked the oil after 15 min yesterday 3 mintues rest ,and it was full...Is the check light gonna come on after a good ride and and not show full til it completely drained back?Geez,,,this is gettin difficult.. :-\

 

[VZR1800]

This problem could be solved in my opinion.
You can actually see the oil if you have a good strong 3 or 4 cell maglight, even though it may show dry on the dipstick.
Now, why couldn't Suzuki just make a 1/2 inch longer dipstick, so it reaches the oil, and recommend cold level checks. Or better yet on the longer dipstick, it could have "hot" and "cold" lines, as to accomodate the great fluctuation here.

 

[Guest]

My guess would be that the cold level may vary if the engine hasn't been run.

 

[Guest]

Thats kinda my dilema....Cold...the check light isn't on.....after I've ridden awhile,,,tun off ,,drink a pop... ..start it up....check light is on........full cold ,and low hot?makin no sense to me.... ???

 

[VZR1800]

At least cold, the level is USUALLY touching the very tip of the dipstick. And I know there's oil in there.

Idling a bike for 15 minutes to see the level isn't something I want to do. Gets old fast. Checking at 3 minutes after every ride is getting old fast too. Oil is too much on my mind. I still wonder about a 1/2 inch or even 1/4 inch longer dipstick.

 

[Griiririan]

I actually went today to put the deposit on my 109R (will be getting a black on in May WEEEEEEEEEE)

Anyways, while I was there, I gave the stealer one of my business cards with this site and another site. Told him to check the forums about the tire issues and the oil issues. I'm trying to get the word out to some of these guys, whether they do it or not is another issue.

Also, Lamonster, thanks for the site. My first post, but been here for about a week or so gawking.

Thanks again,

Grii

 

[Guest]

At least cold, the level is USUALLY touching the very tip of the dipstick. And I know there's oil in there.

Idling a bike for 15 minutes to see the level isn't something I want to do. Gets old fast. Checking at 3 minutes after every ride is getting old fast too. Oil is too much on my mind. I still wonder about a 1/2 inch or even 1/4 inch longer dipstick.

Yep,,think you have a good idea there....wonder if zuki would listen?Wonder how many complaints it will take before they address the issue....Yes,,,the 15 minutes and 3 minutes,,makes for long time just to check your oil.... :