I have an 05 and with the stock "floppy" dipstick the oil is checked on the jiffy stand. With a rigid stick it is checked upright level,
The rule of thumb is the oil is ok (between full and low) if just below the weld mark on the filler neck of the oil tank. My 05 manual also states this as a way to check
My 02 with a Harley temp gauge (analog) not digital had a sticker on it to check oil on the side stand. I took the sticker off of the rim of the dipstick and put it on the pan covering my ecm
My 94 Softail is check standing up, full is to the bottom of the fill neck weld.
That's a PITA.
So I check it's full, set it on the stand and made my own full mark.
And to avoid oil puking out the breathers I keep it 3/4" below that.
... if you tattoo your dick with graduations for oil level you can use it to check your oil..."
yeah but my wife says i won't even get the tip down to the oil
Originally Posted by hattitude
Both my softails have rigid, straight dipsticks and say to check oil with bike level.. I'd check the oil with the bike warm, level and keep it just of the full mark...
Thanks, this makes perfect sense. I called the dealership back and he assured me that the rigid dipsticks are totally different than the stock ones. He said they should always be checked level. When I checked it this way on my Fatboy Lo, the oil level on the dipstick is right in the middle of the two lines. And the oil level is visible (in the tank) just below the place where you add oil. So if I added any more, it would probably overflow or blow out the breather. Thanks again.
Originally Posted by Ridetothehill
Couldn't you use the stock stick, if you still have it, to get to the proper level; and, then check it with your new stick?
Originally Posted by IronAss
You beat me to it. If he no longer has the stock stick I’m sure someone will let him stick their floppy stick in his bag so he can compare.
Originally Posted by Bone Doc
... The 2012 Softail Owner's Manual says to check the oil on the jiffy stand.
Originally Posted by j33ptj
Don't even have the original oiltank,... it is all a guess! :-D
Originally Posted by XARAN
I have an 05 and with the stock "floppy" dipstick the oil is checked on the jiffy stand. With a rigid stick it is checked upright level
Originally Posted by Low budget Dan
My 02 with a Harley temp gauge (analog) not digital had a sticker on it to check oil on the side stand. I took the sticker off of the rim of the dipstick and put it on the pan covering my ecm
Originally Posted by RANGER73
My 94 Softail is check standing up, full is to the bottom of the fill neck weld. And to avoid oil puking out the breathers I keep it 3/4" below that.
Thanks, guys, for all the answers. All great information and I appreciate this forum. Even the ones giving me a hard time. I deserve it.
06-25-2019, 12:05 PM
