It is NOT how it sounds... I just need the MIN and MAX measurements for the dipstick (from the top if the filler neck rim (where the dipstick would rest). I was all over the thread where folks were replacing their dipsticks with red Ducati caps, so I did just that. I have carefully figured out a safe place to store the old dipstick. I am sure it is....somewhere....... I thought I would get around this during my first oil change by pouring in exactly 2.12 litres (like in all the threads here), but I kept pouring for too long and did not start the motor toi circulate the oil into the engine and filter. Oil spilled out of the filler neck, so my precise measurement is for naught. Can someone measure theirs and I will fashion the same zip tie with keyring while I wait for the dealer to get me a new dipstick?
I did the High Five mod to mine and cut it off at the Max line. No worries about cross threading. Regarding overfilling because you forgot to start the engine,,,meh...you're not alone. Ask me how I know.
thank you, both ! Message me for a beer in San Francisco, anytime. I even managed not to drop the twist tie dipstick into the tube. My oil filter was different, however. It did not have the rubber grommet outside, but it had it inside the hole. It also did not have the spring-loaded mechanism inside the filter itself. But it it seemed to fit exactly the same way and it came from the dealer, anf the rest of it looked exactly the same, so I am not yet panicking. The oil i used was Motul 20W50 synthetic, and it was green. Very disconcerting, since it looked like thick antifreeze.
LOL ! BTW, i still did not get my tool kit. I called the Santa Cruz, CA dealer twice and was told that they would look into it and call me back. I think I gots blown off. Oh, well. We are stuck with these rare birds now...
I wonder if it could be cut down lower, say half way between the High/Low (say between the 2.75" & 3.0" mark on your scale) and not interfere with the threading? That might make it a bit more useful as a dipstick. Thankfully these engines don't really use much oil, if any. It's quite a welcome change from my "2-stroke" KLR 650, LOL.
I started mine at halfway between low and max. It still cross threaded. So I cut it at max. It doesn't cross thread now but it still isn't easy to line up.
FWIW there is a very strong rare earth magnet in the end of that bright red plug. Suggest inserting the Allen wrench before going for the threads in the head stock. I mean it is really really strong!!
I just received my Ducati cap from ZipTy. I see that it takes a large Allen and started thinking that I don't want to carry yet another special purpose tool with me....maybe I should send the thing back. Then I thought it over and can only remember one occasion on which I had to add oil while touring. Now I'm thinking "shut up and ship it". Should I carry the stupid key or not?
Carrying one allen key isn't going to cause you as much inconvenience as not having that one allen key might. When I looked at the photos someone posted of those anodised caps the fact that it required an allen key, and not 2 fingers was enough to deter me from getting too excited about it. I don't have a problem with the factory oil tank cap.
Ya, the thread pitch is too fine, IMO. I have exactly the same type of dipstick on my DRZ in the same location, except it's metal with a courser thread, and it's a snap to screw in. Not to knock the Zip-Ty part, but I don't see it as being very desirable overall. I've considered this and came to the conclusion that I rarely need to check the oil (wahoo!) and when I do I'll just be careful when I thread it in. I've pretty much gotten the hang of it now.
I just cut off the wide part at the bottom and rounded the end of the stick with a file. It works much better now. I wish I had done this before I damaged the threads
