I'm having a problem with the oil level in my bike. I just did an oil change and I did exactly what the manual told me. I first warmed the oil by idling it, then I drained it. According to the manual, it takes 4.2 quarts of SAE 10-40w. After I filled it, I checked the oil level and it seems like it's overfilled. After I filled it, I ran it for a few minutes, then shut it off and waited approx. 5 minutes and checked the level. It read over the "H" mark. According to the manual, it should read between the "L" and "H". Am I doing something wrong, or does this seem typical?

Drain the oil, change the filter. Refill the system with the exact amount of oil stated by the manufacturer in the bike handbook. Some bikes have a window in the sump, with a level line, others have a dip stick system fixed to the filler plug. If it has non of these, before you drain the oil, dip the sump with a screw driver and make a mark on the screw driver at oil level, so at least you can get the oil level back to the same level before you drained it. (Use a long screw driver with a handle that won't go past the cap)

You should check the oil level on a level ground and it should be standing. If your triumph motor has a center stand, better use that then check the oil level. If you change oil, you also need to change the oil filter. For the manual, go to http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/

Hope this helps

Should always be level for sure

The sight glass should show oil whenever the bike is stationary and level, either hot or cold. The warm oil concept generally applies for the easy pouring or viscosity of the oil. Warm oil flows better and is easier to drain from sumps, hoses, radiator's etc. Warm oil will drain better from all areas of the engine to give a better indication of the total oil in the system. The sight glass is generally hi-lo levels from top to bottom. Cheers.

Take the bike for a long ride, misting (I assume its condensation) often happens when the bike is used on short journeys, but can be cleared by a long run. If you are unsure of the oil level and think it is low then change the oil and put in the exact amount as per the manual.

Start the engine and warm to operating temp. and stop motor and place bike on a stand so it is level.
Drain oil into suitable container for disposal.
Let drain for 10 minutes.
Replace tank and frame drain plugs and refill with 1.2 litres of oil, 1.3 litres if changing filter. Capacity is 1.4 litres.
Oil filler cap is on the top left side front of the crankcase cover.
Run bike for a minute or so and let stand for 5 minutes. Take out dipstick (in front of left side of radiator shroud) and wipe clean. Place dipstick back in but do not turn in, take back out and read level. Adjust level as necessary.
The first site link below has diagrams in exploded view for your bike for assistance.
Alternatively, a free downloadable 35mb servicing manual is available, select motorcycle, type your model and year and download free.
Goodluck and cheers.
http://www.partforyamaha.com/pages/parts/viewbybrand/2/Yamaha.aspx
http://www.yamahaownershandbook.com.au/?r=0

Make sure it is motorcycle oil, do not use car oil it will make the clutch slip, there will be a dip stick or a small glass sight gauge on the right near the kick shaft for the exact level, the bike should be checked on a level surface,it may even have cast onto the case 2500ml or similar put in the first 1.5litres then a couple of hundred ml at a time and keep checking the level, Im sorry I dont have a manual for the 650 but that is how I would do it.

· It’s best to drain the oil when the bike is properly warmed up, this thins the oil and makes it drain out faster. Remember to park the bike on it’s centre stand on level ground.

· It’s best to drain the oil when the bike is properly warmed up this thins the oil and makes it drain out faster. Remember to park the bike on it's centre stand on level ground,