Yes, to get an accurate reading the dip stick should always be screwed in.
If the engine has a dip stick or oil fill plug, so that you can check the crankcase oil level, then it is a 4 stroke engine and no oil / gas mix is required.
On an Automatic there is usually a dip stick near the back of the engine. usually you check it while it is ruining in neutral. With a manual gearbox there is a screw in the side of the box sum that overflows when the gearbox oil level is right.
2 stroke engines do not have a dip stick. The engine oil is mixed with the fuel.
4.6 L engine. Passenger side, right at the firewall, look down. There's the dip stick. Check level with the engine at operating temp. Use a funnel with a screw on long neck.
With bike level, unscrew dipstick from tranny, wipe clean, reinsert but do not screw in, remove and check level on stick.
Engine idling in park. Check level on stick.
If you have an automatic transmission, check with the engine warm and running, The dip stick is located on the passenger side rear of the engine.
Well if it takes you more than 30 seconds to check it, check the engine stopped. If just after the engine run.
there will be a dip stick in the engine compartment
If auto Check the rear passenger side of engine
Let it run and get hot. cut it off and let sit for a few. wipe stick clean, stick it in but do not screw in. check it... oil should between the 2 lines on the dip stick.
The 1200 has a dip stick near the the oil fil cap. Check it while the bike is on the center stand. After unscrewing the dipstick and wiping it off you check the oil level without screwing the dipstick back in. Simply put the dipstick in the hole, remove and check. After verifying the proper oil level, then screw the dipstick back into the engine block