Dipstick question

[YellowPeril]

I have a 2023 CT125. My manual shows the 'normal' combination of an oil fill cap and a separate dipstick lower down. However, my bike has no separate dipstick; instead it's combined with the oil fill cap.

According to the manual, the 'correct' way to check oil in these bikes is warm engine, time to settle, dipstick resting on threads but not threaded. Bike just came back from its first service at Honda, and checking oil shows it very low on dipstick (when resting on threads). In theory, if they've put in the correct 850ml (with oil filter change), then I should be able to calibrate now and know that it just reads low... but given they put in 10w40 instead of 10w30 then tried to convince me that was what the manual says it's meant to have, I don't have a heap of faith they haven't just put in 800ml.

Wondering if:

• anyone else has a bike with this dipstick set-up; or
• anyone has a manual that reflects this dipstick set-up

So I can see whether it's meant to be checked screwed in or not.

...otherwise it'll be drop out new oil and re-do it myself for peace of mind, so I know the right amount's in there.

 

[dmonkey]

Welcome to the forum!
First of all, hopefully your bike came with the appropriate owner's manual for the 2023 model year that you have. For reference, you may see that version of the bike referred to as a JA65 while the earlier model is a JA55, which are part of the VIN and stamped on the engine.
If you don't have the manual, you can find a digital copy here: https://cdn.powersports.honda.com/documentum/MWOM/ml.remawmom.ak2e2323omen.pdf
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I wouldn't overthink the viscosity, you want the oil level within the upper and lower lines on the dipstick when the engine is warm and bike is parked on level ground sitting on the center stand with the front tire touching the ground. The 10w30 GN4 oil that Honda recommends is just their brand of suitable oil, nothing too special about it. It's not even available in all regions where bikes recommending it are sold. The 10w40 won't do any harm, especially since you're in summer.

@BaldRider did an oil & filter change video on the 2023 CT125 and documented something similar to what you may be experiencing, using the measurement from the manual was not enough oil to register on the dipstick.

So you're not alone in experiencing this. You can measure and find out what the right amount is, or you can just top it off until it's between the upper and lower levels on the dipstick.

 

[YellowPeril]

Welcome to the forum!
First of all, hopefully your bike came with the appropriate owner's manual for the 2023 model year that you have. For reference, you may see that version of the bike referred to as a JA65 while the earlier model is a JA55, which are part of the VIN and stamped on the engine.
If you don't have the manual, you can find a digital copy here: https://cdn.powersports.honda.com/documentum/MWOM/ml.remawmom.ak2e2323omen.pdf
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View attachment 8187

I wouldn't overthink the viscosity, you want the oil level within the upper and lower lines on the dipstick when the engine is warm and bike is parked on level ground sitting on the center stand with the front tire touching the ground. The 10w30 GN4 oil that Honda recommends is just their brand of suitable oil, nothing too special about it. It's not even available in all regions where bikes recommending it are sold. The 10w40 won't do any harm, especially since you're in summer.

@BaldRider did an oil & filter change video on the 2023 CT125 and documented something similar to what you may be experiencing, using the measurement from the manual was not enough oil to register on the dipstick.

So you're not alone in experiencing this. You can measure and find out what the right amount is, or you can just top it off until it's between the upper and lower levels on the dipstick.

Great info, thank you!

 

[TrailBoss]

If it's low just add a bit to bring it into range on the dipstick. No need to overthink it.

My guess is the mechanic filled it and checked without using the proper procedure, which would result in LESS oil like you're seeing. So just add a bit, it won't take much, trust me, so go easy.

 

[TrailBoss]

I just caught the part about 10W-40 instead of 10W-30.

You're probably still ok, but given this is an air cooled engine and thinner oil transfer heat better than thicker oil I would probably just drop the oil given it's less than a quart. I wouldn't bother changing the oil filter though. FYI make sure you pull the correct plug, there are two under there, at least on the 2021 model there is.

This is why I always advocate doing your own services if you can, especially oil changes since they are so simple...

 

[Cpd419]

My buddies 23 came low of oil from the dealer. Not a lot but low on the dipstick.

 

[FizzBuzz3000]

Mine also came low (as in, right at low) on oil from the dealer, even *after* I asked them if they checked it. I also make sure that the rubber o-ring is on the dipstick itself so that seating the dipstick on the threads is accurate.