The previous owner installed an aftermarket chrome dipstick with a built in temperature guage. The stick has two very faint lines on it, the lower one is about three and 1/2 inches from the chrome and the upper one is about an inch and 1/2 from the chrome. Also there is a "dimple" between the two lines about two and 3/4 inches from the chrome. The chrome touches the tank when pushed in.
If these marks are not correct for a 2000 883 Sportster how much oil should I have in the tank? I have the oil tank pretty full and when I checked it after a ride there were small bubbles on top of the oil. Do I have too much oil in the tank? Is there an easy answer like "keep it about 3/4 full"?

 

Why do you think they woudl be incorrect? I have a similar dipstick. Halfway bewtween the top mark (as it's inserted) and the middle mark is the sweet spot. Check it with the bike upright and "ridden" warm not idled warm.

 

Thanks, The dipstick fits perfect, and I assume it is correct, but since I bought this Sportster used I'm going to check everything and try my best to maintain it properly. I know nothing of the history of this motorcycle except that this machine was not owned or maintained by a knowledgable mechanic.

 

Check the oil hot after riding it for a while...check it with the bike in the upright position (not on the jiffy stand) & it should be about 3/4 between the marks. Do not overfill or oil will come out when it expands and make a huge mess all over your bike. You can check it cold on the jiffy stand also...the oil should be barely on the dipstick at about the bottom mark.

 

I have one on my bike, but I also have the stock dipstick so I use that when checing the oil. I always check my oil warm to hot and on the kickstand like HD calls for and I never fill it more than 3/4 full. I would say as long as the oil reads 1/2 to 3/4 up the stick your fine.

 

I have found that 1 third between the add mark and full mark is best.

 

The owner's manual on my 2012 states specifically to check the oil hot on the jiffy stand...not upright.

Did that procedure change between your model year and mine?