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Old Aug 26, 2010 | 09:26 PM
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I have an softball standard with 11xxx miles on it. I went on a ride about 400 miles. I checked the oil before I left and it was good. Then checked it when I got back and it barely registered on the dip stick. Wtf is the problem
 
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 09:28 PM
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Is it smoking out the pipes?
 
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 09:31 PM
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The first problem is that you were riding a softball - not good for 400 mile trips.

If there are no external leaks visible, I would guess it's getting burnt in the combustion chamber. Bad rings, valve seals, etc. I assume that you let it sit for a spell before checking it. Is the bike new to you, i.e., you are not the original owner?
 
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 09:40 PM
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It doesn't smoke or it doesn't leak. And I'm not the original owner. And I checked the oil the following day
 
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 10:18 PM
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I would check the usual suspects, if there is no visible leakage from under the motor, then its has to be burning it. As others have said, rings, valve guides, etc,. Needs to be taken to a shop to be verified.
 
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by mjones
It doesn't smoke or it doesn't leak. And I'm not the original owner. And I checked the oil the following day
Did you get it up to operating temp before you checked it? If not, there's your problem.
 
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 10:22 PM
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What year softail is it?
 
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 10:29 PM
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Well when I checked it the first time it wasn't at operating temp and was on jiffy stand and the oil was perfect so checked after the ride and it hadn't been running and on jiffy stand and oil low. Anyway I'm taking it to the shop in the a.m. it just pisses me off lol
 
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Old Aug 26, 2010 | 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Other Sheep
Did you get it up to operating temp before you checked it? If not, there's your problem.
+1. Checking the oil level on a HD Softail isn't like checking it on your car/truck.

1. Run it till it's warm.
2. Shut down the motor and put it on the kickstand.
3. Remove the dipstick, clean it off, and replace it.
4. Raise the bike to 'level' and set it back on the kickstand.
5. Remove the dipstick and you'll find the correct level.

KISS
 
Old Aug 26, 2010 | 10:34 PM
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