I have an 1997 FXDWG, how should I check the level? The owners manual says while it is on it's side. After reading this thread I noticed that my oil dip stick is probably not original. Should I 'eyeball" the level too?

 

You probably can't see into your tank (under tranny). Change oil and filter, put 2 1/2 to 3 quarts in or what your manual says for oil and filter change amount, see where it registers on the dipstick and use that as a baseline....check cold then check hot on stand to see if there is a difference. If you get it too full it will blow it out of breather or breather hoses, don't panic, it will quit and when it does, use that level on dipstick as full level.

 

If that is how your owners manual tells you check your engine oil then that is how you check your engine oil.

 

For me, I don't care if the manual says check oil with the bike upside down,
I figure out where my oil level should be on the side stand,
I don't want to have to stand the bike up every time I check the oil level.

 

The reason that the MoCo specifies "upright and level" is that there are a lot of variables that occur if you check the oil on the sidestand. Is the floor level? Is your sidestand bent? Have you lowered your bike? Any of these will cause the level to vary. If I was writing the owner's manual, I'd want to eliminate these possibilities.


Me? I never bother with the dipstick at all.

 

Because of where the oil tank is on dynas and baggers you have to use the dipstick.

Yet another reason why the softail is the best model!!!!!!

 

Well, they are a notch above TD's LGBT parade bike. I'll give you that.

 

Got it all figured out now. Just below the fill spout standing up equals the circle on the dipstick on stand, so I figure I'll check on the side stand and keep it some where between tip and circle. It's just easier on the stand I agree. As far as the bike not being exactly level, as stated before its just an oil bag so give or take a bit as long as it's not overfilled, or so they tell me.

 

Ahh, one thing we can both agree on.

 

I agree, Softtail women are the best, but Dyna bikes rule.. Like this one..