I'm getting ready to do the first oil change on my m8 ultra limited. My experience with my previous bikes was they actually took about 1/2 qt less. Harley specs the m8 at 5 qts. What does it actually take?

 

Yeah 5 qts is too much for a wet oil change. I prefill my oil filter, and pour a hair over 4 qts into the tank. Maybe 4 and a third qts. That gets me between the two dipstick marks. I don’t obsess beyond that.

 

There's a surprising amount of oil left in the camchest, a little more than a pint, which explains the 5 quart capacity. So just a bit over 4 quarts will get you half way on the dipstick.

 

I have 5 m8s i service ....not one of them takes more than 3.8 because that guy wont listen. The rest of use run 3.2 to 3.4 and never add oil for next 4-6k. ( one now has 66k on it)Actually remark ever dipstick so guys dont forget. 4 quarts and it will push it out too were it likes to be...
also ever bike comes here hot and gets all 3 holes dumped at the same time....and left to,drain 1-2 hours. Primary 20-22 oz...trans 29-30 oz. find neutral and no clunk...

 

Nope ....cam change and oil pump changes and still never put over 3.8.......4 maybe if dry pump and filter...heads off. But talking limited water/ oil cooled. 5 quarts no matter what its gonna puke

 

2018 Touring Manual says to put in 4 quarts and check level after running bike. I always put 4 quarts and have never added additional oil. The oil level ends up being about 1/2 way on dipstick cold and that is where I maintain it. Never add 5 quarts, it will be way overfilled.

 

What I wrote wasnt real clear; attempted to explain why Harley states there is a 5 quart capacity. I agree, adding 5 quarts is too much.

Both M8s I've owned, 17 FLTRU and 18 FLHTK, need right at 4 quarts to get them half way between the full and add marks on the dipstick.

 

My 114 takes 4 qts every time. Puts it halfway up the dipstick.

 

Where are the "you'll void your warranty " warnings

 

Ha!