Now that I'm mostly retired, I have time to actually read the manual and think about what's there.

Re checking oil level... Manual for my '05 FLSTN says:

"Ride motorcycle until engine is warmed up to operating temperature, then do the following:
1. Idle motorcycle on jiffy stand for 1-2 minutes.
2. Shut motorcycle off and leave motorcycle resting on jiffy stand.
3. ...Check oil level on dipstick. If necessary, add oil until oil registers at upper groove on dipstick. Do not overfill oil tank."


Questions that come to mind:

Step 1 -- Why is the idle period necessary?
Step 2 -- For how long should the bike be left resting on jiffy stand, and why?
Step 3 -- Must I check the oil level immediately after shutdown, or wait 5 (or 10 or 30) minutes? What happens if one does overfill the oil tank -- is it just a mess, or can engine damage result?

.

 

If you overfill the oil tank it will come out of your air filter and make s a serious mess all over your bike. I don't think it is really necessary to wait more than 1 or 2 minutes but you want the oil to have a minute to get to the right level.

 

you said mostly retired?

 

Congrats on the retirement. I also retired about five weeks ago. Since then I have put 200 miles on my car and 2000 on my bike. I went through that 'oil level' thing too. Changed it the other day and it ended up taking almost three quarts. I just let it idle until the temp got to 150 degrees then made sure it wasn't over the upper mark. It's been doing fine and no 'blow out' from. Enjoy that retirement.

 

You let it idle to allow the scavange side of the oil pump to empty your engine so you get a true reading of total oil. Overfilling makes a mess, really overfull can blow the cap off.

 

Congrats on your retirement! I only lasted six months,I can see you won't last long retired either if you are worring about your oil level already!

 

I've been semi-retired for several years -- took advantage in 2006 of an early-retirement program offered by my long time employer, then I was asked to stick around on contract as consultant. That contract was extended several times, finally ended last month. I've already gotten several calls from contacts in the field (shows value of networking!) asking if I'm interested in continuing the consultant role for others. I'm not interested in a full-time job, but probably will take on some selected projects -- I enjoy the work, and it's good money.

 

Step 1 -- Why is the idle period necessary? time to get a cold beer
Step 2 -- For how long should the bike be left resting on jiffy stand, and why? you cant get the beer and hold the bike upright at the same time
Step 3 -- Must I check the oil level immediately after shutdown, that is so you can go back inside for another cold one
Harley takes a lot into consideration when writing these instructions