How much oil?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,323
Likes: 3,868
From: Upstate New York
Im assuming you started and ran the engine to circulate the oil and fill the oil filter then rechecked it and finished topping off the oil level. That said, I cant quite get three quarts in my 94 Softail either. After 25 years I dont worry about it. I keep the 4-6 ounces left over and add it around the 2000 mile mark when the motor has used a bit of oil.
Last edited by Uncle G.; May 6, 2018 at 03:53 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,712
Likes: 3,028
From: Brighton, MI
Same here, fill it to the full cold mark, start up bike to get oil circulated and into the new filter, then top off again to the full cold mark. That's it. Always less than 3 quarts. YD
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 24
From: New Hampshire
Yes rode it to 150 degree oil temp and actually had to take a bit out when hot. This was the first time I have changed it myself. I had Harley do it the first time because it was in there to have them look it over after I purchased it.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,062
Likes: 4,547
From: Haslet Texas
I ride 2500 miles then change the oil again.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
The quantities in the handbook/manual are simply guides, in other words have that much to hand before you start. All three holes have a level to fill to, so use each of them and save any oil you have left over. There are no prizes for getting the exact stated amount into your bike!
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 159
Likes: 95
From: Sydney, Australia
I wouldn't worry.
My 91 Heritage never took the 3 quarts asked for in the manual, just fill to the cold level mark on your dipstick then run the bike for a bit to fill filter.
Then re-check and top up.
Dave.
My 91 Heritage never took the 3 quarts asked for in the manual, just fill to the cold level mark on your dipstick then run the bike for a bit to fill filter.
Then re-check and top up.
Dave.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Did you drain it on the kickstand?
The kickstand is on the left side of the bike...the drain on the oil tank is on the right side...if you don't lean it way over to the right , you will leave a lot of oil in the tank
