The oil light on my brother's R1 has been coming on randomly. However, it isn't the cycle where it flashes 10 times, goes off for a short time, and then repeats. It just comes on sometimes and stays on for awhile. This is all with normal riding (nothings extreme) and seems to occur pretty randomly.

I just wanted to make sure I understand the oil sensor correctly. Based on what some other people have said, my understanding is that the oil sensor only detects low oil levels and does not detect an oil level that is too high. I don't have an 01 R1 service manual, but from looking at an 04 R1 service manual, it looks like the oil sensor is found associated with the oil pan, which would make sense if it only detects low oil levels.

Does this sound right to you guys... the oil sensor doesn't detect high oil levels? Does the sensor actually detect an oil level or is it detecting a pressure? The bike definitely has enough oil based on the oil viewing window, so maybe the sensor has just gone bad assuming it isn't detecting too high of a level.

R1's are famous for the oil light coming on unless you are near the top level with the bike upright(off the kickstand) and you are correct, the sensor detects level only.

Mark
99 R1

Thanks a lot for info.

I have been having the same problem with my 2001 as well. My oil is right at the middle of the window, I just added a tad bit more oil and it stopped doing it.