Improved oil system for UCE.

[GA-DK]

I think there is a fault in the UCE design that could be easily corrected.  When changing oil, the old oil cannot be drained completely.  If the bike is leaned over to each side, much more oil can be drained, but it is still far from complet3e draining.  As I understand, this is due to retention of oil in one or more areas in order to have standing pools of oil for some parts of the engine, such as the primary drive chain.  If a few small drain holes were made, 1/16-inch for example, this oil would drain back into the crankcase on standing so that it could be drained.  With the high output of the oil pump, these areas would still be filled to overflowing when the engine is running, but when shutdown for servicing, this oil could be drained off.  The current draining procedure is a problem with a solo bike, but with a sidecar, it requires removal of the sidecar and a re-installation and readjustment after an oil change.  GA-DK

[barenekd]

Or you could just tap a couple of drain holes in the area where the oil pools and screw in plugs.
Bare

[Ragmas]

Or, the little bit, I know it seems like a lot, of oil left in the engine will be outweighed by the new oil.  I would not worry too much about it.

Samgar

[Kevin Mahoney]

While I know it offends our sense of perfection, any oil left is not material

[Craig McClure]

I would also like to see more thought go into oil sytem improvements. Some of you may have read my remarks under the "DIPSTICK ENVY" heading. As a long time rider, having had many singles & other exotic motorcycles, I too have found the oil system to be annoying, getting the level right isn't easy or enjoyable. I would prefer to have a dipstick that would read the correct level that has come to rest in the sump,before starting the engine. Unless the bike dripped alot or smoked you would only have to check it periodically. The sight glass excells only in BOGUS READINGS!

[LarsBloodbeard]

I'm with you, Craig.  I've always hated sight glass on motorcycles.  Glad my RE has a dipstick.