My first Harley. 2011 Heritage Softail. I went by the owners manual to check oil. Warmed up engine by riding for about 20 minutes, let it idle in the upright position for 2 minutes, then checked the oil on the side-stand. It was way over the full mark (about 1.5 inches above). Checked the air filter, no oil in the filter. A tiny amount from the rubber hoses running to the air cleaner (I assume this "vapor" amount is normal). I decided to change the oil. The owners manual call for 3.5 quarts. So after a thorough draining and filter change I added 3 quarts. Went for a 25 minute ride in about 58 degree weather. Came back, let it idle for 2 minutes and then checked on side-stand. About a 1/4 inch above full. I figured that was acceptable. The next day I went out for a ride, about 88 degrees. After about 45 minutes on the highway I decided to check the oil. Let it idle in the upright position for 2 minutes, checked on side-stand and it is about 1.5 to 1.7 inches above the full mark. Checked air cleaner, no oil in there puking out. I removed 8 ounces of oil and checked again and it was right on the full mark. Next day, weather is cooler (50 degrees), same procedure, now it is about a good half inch below the full line.

Good grief! New to Harleys, what is the deal? I have read that you have to be careful because if it is over filled and you run it hard (high rpm's) you will have issues puking oil into your air cleaner. I have not run it over 3500 rpm's since I have had it. Should I add the 8 ounces back, or leave it? Anyone that can offer some insight or educate me on the finicky oil checking procedure would be appreciated it. I am assuming that the hotter the engine, the more the oil expands, hence raising the level?

 

Sorry I have to ask but do you wipe it off and put it back in and pull it back out again and check it?

 

Good question, and yes, several times in fact. Probably a dozen at least.

 

I generally let mine set for a few minutes after a ride when I check the oil. I know the manual states 3 1/2 qts for an oil change, but I have never been able to get more than 3 in there. I refill with 2 1/2 qts and add from there.

 

Letting it sit for a few minutes doesn't seem to matter as the level stays the same. I guess I am safe as long as I run between 2.5 and 2.75 quarts?

 

I would say so. Try that for a while and see if it stablizes some.

 

old wives tale on the bag level & puking oil out the air cleaner. this can only happen on certain models that are modified from factory stock form.
welcome to air cooled world, as oil will expand/contract with temp and add to the fact that hd is dry sump, no way to tell how much is still being retained. you can't go wrong following the hd recommendations. oil has to 1. lubricate 2. clean & 3. COOL the engine so less oil = less heat sink.

 

What is the purpose of the 2 minute idle time before checking?

If I go by the owners manual, and put 3.5 quarts in, I believe it would be all the way up to the filler neck. Surely this is not right.

 

I do it the same way. I've found that it's much easier to add a little oil, if needed, than to take it out.

 

The drain on the oil tank is on the right side of the bike...the kick stand is on the left side of the bike...if you drain it on the stand, you are going to leave quite a bit in the tank...the bike needs to lean to the right to get the oil tank empty....