There seems to be mixed opinions on this but here is what my Clymer manual says for the 83 to 87 Shadow 700/750's:

- - - - - - - - - -
Engine oil is checked with the dipstick located at the rear of the right hand crankcase/clutch cover.

1 - Place the bike on level ground and on the center stand.

2 - Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes.

3 - Shut off the engine and let the oil settle.

4 - Unscrew the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert the dipstick onto the threads in the hole; do not screw it in.

5 - Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. The level should be between the 2 lines and not above the upper one. If the level is below the lower line, add the recommend type engine oil to correct the level.
- - - - - - - - - -

A note on number 5... the two lines are the cross-hatched area on the dipstick.

Another comment on this is that I know that my 84 VT700C is a pain in the butt to get up on the center stand, once you know where the oil level should be while it is on the center stand place the bike on the kick stand and check where it is again, now you know how to check the oil while on the kick stand.

 

my 84 VT700C is a pain in the butt to get up on the center stand

Your 700 should be very easy to put on the center stand. Have someone show you how.

 

OK good information, I really like the check for correct level of oil on the centerstand then see where it hits when on the sidestand (so you know). Great idea.

 

The reason they say to start the engine is to wet it like it would be while running that way you get a true oil level which if checked after setting a while would read to the Hi side.

 

For those who have checked it both ways , where does it show when checked from the side stand when correct from a center stand?
Just curious...

 

Hmmm...
Food fer thought;
I get the same reading BOTH when I check it on the sidestand dipstick screwed in ~ As I get on upright level dipstick setting ontop of the threads...
Go figure, OR Check it out fer yourself and see if`n your Bike does that...
KNOW YOUR BIKE!!!
Just my $.02,
Dennis
AKA Cap`n D

PS------------
When I read the title aloud ~ The wife said "If you don`t know howto check the oil level, you don`t need to be riding a Bike." )) & Rolls Eyes...
Ain`t no dumb questions, EXCEPT the ones you DON`T ask...