[Gman86]

Stupid question, but what is the purpose of the sight glass on the left side of the engine? I know the one on the right side is to check the oil. I could find any info on it in the useless manual. Anyone know?

 

[Mark1305]

It's so you can see the timing marks and TDC marks (little dimpled holes) at the edge of the flywheel.

 

[Gman86]

Thanks! Now, why would I want to do that? ???

 

[Mark1305]

Well, I find the TDC marks real helpful when I check or adjust the valves. ;D

The timing marks are pretty much for just checking it. One mark is either for static timing or no advance at idle (can't remember) and one is at full advance. If the flywheel key ever sheers or the timing gets out of whack for some other reason it will show up cheking it with a timing light. I think some adjustment is possible by moving the timing pickups, but it ain't a casual job.

 

[Gman86]

Thanks! So that sight glass is for the motorheads and not for someone who would take their bike in for maintenance.

 

[Mark1305]

Yeah, pretty much that's it. Oh, if you notice the occasional streak or splash of oil in that left sight glass or on the flywheel - it's normal.

 

[Gman86]

I did. Thanks for the info!