Checking oil level

[famousperson]

I finally broke down and got the SW-Motech cylinder guards. They change the bike's look radically from aesthetically pleasing free-form to industrial grunge but I feel much more secure. The problem is that the lower strut of the guard on the left-hand side is at exactly the same level as the oil level check window. Even with putting the side of my head on the ground and looking up with a flashlight, I can't make out if it's topped up or empty. Does anyone else have this problem, and, if so, what can be done about it?

My first BMW, a 1953 (I think) R51 had a dipstick, which I managed to ignore and burnt the engine up when I rode it dry (pulled the dipstick out when things ground to a halt and saw nothing but flakes of metal). Now that I am older, wiser, and more protective of my investments in things mechanical, I think It would be terrific if that was still the system, rather than having to get to ones knees with a flashlight and contort the neck and torso to try to determine this all (the most) important measurement even without cylinder guards.

Anyway, a solution would be appreciated.

Peter

[nylife]

Actually curious as well

[Liam]

famousperson,

I have the SW-Motech cylinder guards too. I use an inspection mirror and a flashlight. Works OK.

Liam

[Steve in VT]

Well, yeah, it does require a flashlight and kneepads, but it's not as hard as most yoga poses, and I don't have to waste a paper towel as I did with my old R65LS. And as far as the looks of the bars, they look like a rather stylish factory option on my black w/white stripe roadster.