I just changed my oil and filter. It was changed after a ride so it was hot. Manual says to put in 4 quarts initial fill. 4 quarts was barely above the add mark cold. So I added 12 more ounces to get it roughly half way on the dip stick cold. Went for a short ride and when I got home I checked it hot. The level was just above the add mark. Added 12 more oz and went for another ride. Checked it hot and it was 1/2 way on the dip stick. Bottom line if you just put in 4 quarts and ride it you will be below the add mark. I suggest 4 1/2 quarts before you ride it. I am at 4 3/4 to get it half way on the dip stick

 

Man, maybe they forgot to compensate for the oil filter. almost a full quart off.

 

Yep,

Mine took just shy of 5 qts.

 

My guess is if you change it when it's good and hot the oil cooler is draining too. That would explain why my first check hot was lower than cold. Oil cooler had to be refilled. Just speculation but its all I can think of

 

Wouldn't be the first time the owners manual was wrong. Glad you found the same. Gotta make a note of that.

 

Found this info on the 2017 models. 4-1/2 quarts capacity.

2017 Milwaukee-Eight Engine Specs:
Engine: 107″ / 114″ / TC 103 rubber mount
Cylinder angle: 45 degree / 45 degree / 45 degree
Bore: 3.937″ / 4.01″ / 3.875″
Stroke: 4.375″ / 4.5″ / 4.374″
Compression: 10:1 10.5:1 9.7:1
Valvetrain: Four valves per cylinder / Two valve per cylinder
Ignition: Four plug four coil / Two plug one coil
Torque: 114 ft-lb. @ 3250 / 124 ft-lb. @ 3250 / 104.7 ft-lb. @ 3250
Starter: 1.6 kw / 1.6 kw / 1.2 kw
Charging system: 24-25 amps / 24-25 amps / 17 amps
Fuel system: ESPFI ESPFI ESPFI
Oil capacity: 4.5 quarts / 4.5 quarts / 4 quarts
Idle speed: 850 rpm / 850 rpm / 1050 rpm

 

The Softails have a slightly different oiling system than the touring M8's. Those guys found they had to put in less than 4 1/2. Ours are closer to 5 if you want it close to full hot. Good thing to know since it is new to all of us

 

My wifes manual says I think two qts of oil on her 2017 softail slims. Stupid, took almost 4 qts

 

2018 Softail models (Fatboy for sure) 5 qts.

Fuel Capacity 5 gal. (18.9 l)
Oil capacity 5 qt. (4.7 l)
Weight, As Shipped 671 lb. (304 kg)
Weight, In Running Order 699 lb. (317 kg)

http://www.ironsteedhd.com/PrintInve...14--id-3891548

 

My '18 owners manual for Softails says 5.0 qt capacity. Says initially fill w/ 4.0 qt, then add as needed to bring level within specification. Seems like what you did. Good observation to share real experience. I haven't done it yet. Thanks.