Motorcycle Repair: crankcase oil on 2001 Yamaha PW50, keychain flashlights, crankcase oil

Question
Hello,

I recently bought a 2001 Yamaha PW50.  Simple question, how do I check the Crankcase oil level?  I've owned a few YZ250's and am used to either a sight window on the case or a screw that weeps oil at the correct height, this one doesn't seem to have any of those.  I've got a filler plug with no dipstick, and what's probably the drain plug on the bottom right side of the case.  Short of dumping the oil and refilling to whatever 300 cm3 comes out to...if that's the case, what grade oil should I put in there?  Thanks for taking the time...

Answer
Dennis,

The easiest thing in these bikes is to start with a fresh oil change.

You want to add about 10.25 oz, the equivalent of 300cm3.  (1cm3 = .03381402oz).  Use a good brand 10w40, such as yamalube or hondalube.

From then on, simply remove the filler plug and eyeball the oil level, I use one of those tiny keychain flashlights.  Going forward, every 5hrs or so, check the level and add if you need... these bikes don't really burn oil, and it doesn't need to be as precise as your yz250, hence - no sight windows.

Anthony
'Ride Today - Live Again'