[kenwood599]

I just purchased a 1996 VS800 Intruder with 4366 miles on it. The bike is in mint condition. I used to ride many years ago. I had a total of 6 bikes and over the years and I just quit riding. I wanted to get back into riding again so I purchased the Intruder. I do not have a service manual yet (ordered it yesterday). The dealer checked all the fluids for me but for my personal satisfaction, I need a few questions answered.

1. What oil should I use in the crankcase?
2. How much oil does it take?
3. How do you check the proper level of the oil?
4. When I remove the oil filler cap, should I be able to see oil since it does not have a dipstick?

These may be trivial questions for you guys, but I haven't been riding for the past 20 years, just drag racing cars. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Age BTW is 56 and recently widowed.

 

[Trapper]

Welcome Ken, sorry for your recent loss. The good Doctor Bob will be around shortly to answer if no one else does. Keep checking back. I LOVE THE INTRUDER

 

[oldgeezer]

According to Clymer's:

Oil: SAE 10W-40 API Grade SE or SF - Get oil made specifically for motorcycles
Capacity: Change with filter is 3 US quarts
Checking Level: I'm not sure about your '96 but my wife's 2003 has a window on the side of the crankcase. It is necessary to stand the bike up true vertical to check the oil. Either have someone stand the bike up level and you look at the window or get a mirror to check it while you stand the bike up. There are marks on the window.

You will truly enjoy the Intruder. Ride safe and have fun.

Sorry to hear of your loss. Take care!