So I've read quite a bit about the huge debate and misunderstandings about oil level on this forum and just wanted to share my experience so far with my '15 (and sharing this is the ONLY intent of this thread)

I've read many an article (on here) about where to fill to and how to not overfill and bla bla bla, and my owners manual contradicts this. My manual says...

"See figure 27. Check oil level on dipstick. If necessary, add oil until oil registers at upper groove on dipstick (FULL HOT). Do not over fill oil tank"

Now I don't know about you, but I do A LOT of technical writing for a living and this is pretty darn clear to me--fill it to the full mark; not somewhere in between as most say.

Also, mine was delivered all the way to that full mark.

Also, after 1,000 miles and checking the oil every single day, hot and cold, I can tell you this; my technique on when and how I check my oil has no bearing on the quantity. It never moves from that mark; hot or cold, sitting for two minutes, two hours, or two days, it always checks in the same spot...the FULL mark.

And while others have proven differently, I will also tell you that theoretically, quantity should have absolutely zero impact on this thing spitting oil out the breather on a true dry dump oil system.

 

So are you having this debate by your-self or wasn't it good enough to chime in where others have left off or do you have to start another special thread about your oil level?
Speaking of which, have you checked yours lately?
It appears that is a bit over filled.

 

Harley Service manual page 1.6 states...


Oil level Cold check
"Oil level on a cold engine should never be above midway point".
"See figure 1-2...The correct oil level is midway between the ADD QT and FULL HOT mark on cold engine"


I changed oil yesterday. 3qts brought the level to midway between the add qt and full hot mark. I went out and rode the bike for over an hour, when I got home the oil level was.....wait for it...midway between the add qt and full hot mark. Didn't seem to come up at all, hot or cold. I primed the filter with oil prior to install, I'm thinking there was room for more oil in the filter and that explains why my level measured the same, cold and hot.

 

 

So you had the same experience...oil level doesn't change from hot to cold. Good to know.

Also then I'd beg the question why does the service manual and owners manual conflict? The majority of people will never own a service manual and no one can ever be faulted for following the owners manual.

 

Check your owners manual again. On page 146 of mine, Oil Level Cold Check, between steps 2 and 3, I have a note.....


"Oil level on a cold engine should never be above the midway point"


2015 Ultra Classic Low. I'd say we are talking about two different models of motorcycle.

 

Just as soon as I can afford a new Harley I am getting a maintenance manual for sure.
Going out on a limb here but it just seems like that this would be a good start.

 

I only check the oil level when I change the oil, and after a ride when the oil is hot. I think people tend to want to overfill the oil when cold, Then have oil dripping out of the air cleaner. My bike has 58k miles on it and doesn't have oil dripping out the air cleaner.,,