I have a new 2011 Fat Boy.

At 500 miles I drained the oil and put in HD Syn3

The manual says it takes 3.5 quarts.

When I drained it, only 2 quarts came out.

I then put in 3 quarts and it showed full.

Did I get a bike new from the dealer with only 2 quarts of oil?

I know the filter holds some..but not 1 1/2 quarts?

Have I been driving the first 500 miles without a full oil supply in my engine?

Will this have done any damage?

What should I do next?

 

Some oil stays in the pan.

I gotta ask.... Didn't you ever check your oil in the last 500 miles?

 

Well that's obvious......

 

The bike has a dry sump, so it'll run on as little as 1 quart as far as lubrication goes.

So no damage...

But you really should get to know your bike before letting the oil checks go for a long while particularly with summer here.

 

At 500 miles I wouldn't be using any synthetic oil whether it be semi or full. The engine is barely broke in. I personally would give everything at least 1000 miles to properly break in.

 

The 3.5 quarts is the number if the engine was bone dry, purged of all oil.
2.5 quarts would have come out with a simple drain and filter change.
Adding 2.5 quarts would most likely shown as half way between Add - Full.
Putting the 3 quarts is fine. Don't panic go out and ride.

 

what he said. . . I jst did the 10k and 3 qts is plenty. My LED gauge reads Hi Oil at 212 degrees.