Got a couple of questions for you good folk, first of all, when I do my oil change is it essential that I change the magnetic washer that sits on the sump plug? I did order one recently but cleverly decided to put it in a safe place, which I now can't find, so was wondering if I can do this without changing the washer?

Also, with regard to the dip stick. when I take it out, it has 2 markers on it near the bottom, and a number 4 stamped between the 2 markers, I presume (and I know historically I should never presume anything) that the oil should be topped up to the upper marker. Is this correct?

Thanks once again in advance

Michael.

Ive never replaced the washer...in hundreds of oil changes.

and yes the upper mark is the upper level.....the bike needs to be upright and when you 'dip' you dont screw the cap back down

The sump plug washer you talk about is not a magnetic washer but one made of a soft material sometimes alloy sometimes copper and both crush with use so it is best to change them after a few uses the copper ones can be re softened by heating to cherry red over a gas flame and dunking in cold water. It is best to change them after a few uses though . You can buy a magnetic sump plug these come with a small magnet fixed into the sump plug which take out the magnetic particales in the oil but i find with regular oil and filter changes very few particales on the magnet hope this helps rick

thanks for the info guys. Will get on with the oil change now without worrying.