Motorcycle Repair: Yamaha engine oil light, oil sending unit, yamaha factory

Question
Chris,
    I have a 1999 Yamaha 1100 V-Star Custom bike and my last ride the oil light came on and will not go off, there is oil in the bike and it is at the correct levels, the manual does not show where the oil sending unit is located, any recalls on this or ideas, thank you in advance.

Greg McBroom

Answer
Hi Greg.
 I am not certain of the precise location of the oil level sending unit on the V-star.  The repair manual will show it.  However, if it is on and not going off with the proper oil quantity in the bike, then you should look for possible shorts in the wiring for the sending unit.  If that is not the problem, then the sender is the only other possible culprit.  It is either faulty, or something in the engine has somehow contaminated the oil and is blocking the sender.

Most likely, it is a wiring problem.  If there is any recall on the bike, the dealership should know about it.  You will get your best information from the Yamaha factory website.  The dealership may not admit to a recall, since it means that they have to replace or repair it at their cost.

Good luck.
FALCON