- As part of the pre-ride inspection.
- At every scheduled service interval.
- At every fuel stop.
Note. This engine has a wet sump, an integral transmission, gear driven primary drive and wet clutch. This design allows engine oil in the sump to be used to lubricate the engine, transmission and primary drive. The clutch and primary drive are located on the right side of the engine.
Cold engine oil level check
Check engine oil level with engine COLD as follows:
1. Stand motorcycle upright (not leaning on side stand) on a level surface.
2. See Figure 1-13. Oil filler cap with dipstick is located on the engine left side. Remove filler cap and dipstick and wipe dipstick clean.
3. Screw filler cap into engine. Make sure cap is fully seated on crankcase.
4. See Figure 1-14. Remove filler cap and check oil level on dipstick.
5. If oil level is below the ADD mark the on cross-hatched band of the dipstick, add enough Harley-Davidson oil to bring level up to the FULL mark shown in Figure 1-14.
Caution! Do NOT operate engine when oil level is below the add mark on the dipstick. Engine damage could result.
Hot engine oil level check
Check engine oil level with engine at normal operating temperature as follows:
1. Stop engine and allow oil to drain into sump for about two minutes.
2. Stand motorcycle upright (not leaning on side stand) on a level surface.
3. See Figure 1-13. Unscrew filler cap (with attached dipstick) located at front of engine on left side. Remove filler cap and dipstick and wipe dipstick clean.
4. Screw filler cap into engine. Make sure cap is fully seated on crankcase.
5. See Figure 1-13. Remove filler cap and check oil level on dipstick.
Figure 1-13. Dipstick/filler cap
Caution! To allow oil to drain into sump, wait approximately three minutes after adding oil before checking level with dipstick. Checking level immediately after adding oil could give a false reading, causing more oil to be added. An over-filled sump can cause engine damage.
6. If oil level is below ADD mark on the cross-hatched band of the dipstick, add enough Harley-Davidson oil to bring level up to the FULL mark. Observe CAUTION stated below.
Caution! Do NOT operate engine when oil level is below the add mark on the dipstick. Engine damage could result.
Note. Cross hatched band of dipstick indicates 0.47 liter (1/2 quart) of Harley-Davidson oil.
Figure 1-14. Dipstick: 1. ADD mark (1/2 quart low); 2. FULL mark