Guys, I've always screwed the dipstick in when checking the oil, on all my bikes, including the RVF
Just checked the RVF and with the dipstick resting, my level is on the minimum, whereas I thought I was well covered. I guess, I've always been running on minimum, becase my measurements have always been mid-high on the screwed in method
Will I have damaged the engine??

Quick answer, no. The level when I measure mine can be off the bottom of the dip stick sometimes. It burns some oil but otherwise runs ok, so I just try to keep a close eye on it. " No screw in", is a Honda thing, not sure what other manufacturers do.

Not screwing it in is a general thing as far as I know. All bikes I have had have been like that. Also was told that doing the CBT / licence a while back.

racingt wrote:Guys, I've always screwed the dipstick in when checking the oil, on all my bikes, including the RVF
Just checked the RVF and with the dipstick resting, my level is on the minimum, whereas I thought I was well covered. I guess, I've always been running on minimum, becase my measurements have always been mid-high on the screwed in method
Will I have damaged the engine??

Does it still run?

Chances are it will be ok, minimum is the minimum safe-quanity.. even slightly below you will be ok in most circumstances.

It's when the oil pressure light comes on you have real problems.

Just make sure it's full and keep an eye on the level from then on.

I've never had an NC13E (VFR400 engine) that's burned oil, there really bullet proof, if you have one thats burning oil its' either well worn, neglected or abused. (Long wheelies can do this).

You should be ok.

Hi Neo, I've done 2,000 miles on the bike, only had to top the oil once, and it's gone from clean to dirty in that time, which I think indicates that there is not too much wear, if it has taken so long to dirty.
Engine starts well, pulls smoothly and will probably go beyond th redline, if I held it there.
I'll go for 2000 mile changes, and keep it indicating full. Crap at wheelies, so no worries there.
I am surprised how cheap secondhand engines are. They seem to fetch 10-20% of the bikes price, or the same as one OE set of sidepanels. Guess more people fall off than blow up these bikes!

did 110,000 miles on my NC30 with new oil/filter every 4000 miles, engine was absolutely fine when I sold the bike for racing (no different to when I got it with 9000 miles on the clock) - rest was a little tired