When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
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
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?
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.
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
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
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
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.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.