Took the plunge
 

So Friday I purchased my first Harley and first bike for that matter. I got a brand new 2014 883 superlow. Drove it quite a bit yesterday and really enjoying it. Only issue is took it out this morning and when I left the barbershop about a mile down the road the oil pressure indicator light came on. Checked the oil when I got home and everything looked fine. Called the dealership and they said to bring it in cause they think it might be a sensor issue. Has anyone had this problem? Also as I am a new rider at what RPM's are the shifting points or is that something I have to figure out on my own.

Congrats on the new sportster! I had that same issue on the first day of riding my first sportster earlier this year...If your oil is topped off then its just a case of new bike getting settled in...if it comes on again then bring it in. Otherwise should be ok.

RPM's during the break in is like 2500-2800 for the first 500 miles. Pretty much just don't go into the higher revs until after the first oil change n such...

Congrats on the new scoot! So, when do we get pics?

BTW, you got a warranty with that bike. I say let the dealership deal with the problem.

Since you've alerted the dealer to the Oil Pressure Light, it may be best to take it in. That way, the dealer doesn't have an escape for "neglect" under a warranty claim. Shit happens. CYA. Besides, if it is a sensor issue, you should find out.
Ride the bike normal. No hot rodding, no Jack Rabbit starts or hard braking (the brake pads need to seat). Don't "lug" the engine ie. too high of a gear and too low RPM. On my 883, I don't get into 5th until about 55 mph (I'm about 205#). 48 mph in 5th is lugging the engine. You can use the tach if you want, but listening is sufficient and more fun (safer than taking your eyes off the road, too).
Check your tire pressure like it's your religion.
You ride a motorcycle. You don't drive it.
Be familiar with the Kill Switch location.
Pretend people in a cage are actively attempting to run you over. After you and your bike are squashed, they'll claim they didn't see you.

Here you go, here are two shift point jpgs I kept. One for the 883 and one for the 1200 - you will see a difference in the two bikes. The first one is for the 1200, the 883 one is below that.

On the 883 I usually shifted by ear but found I was consistently in the 3600-3800 rpm mode - which is where most sporties - 883 and 1200s are comfortable.

I threw the 1200 shift points in here too. The 1200 has a much taller gearing, but its interesting for comparison between the two.

Have fun with your new bike!

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h1...shiftchart.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h1...83rpmchart.jpg

The shift question just kills me. Shift up when it's not lugging the engine, down shift when it is lugging the engine. If it has a tach put some tape over it and learn to shift when the bike likes. You can tell when it's lugging, the bike will shutter a little that's your clue to down shift, the up shift is when it sings alone saying give me more.
If the oil light is on call the Harley dealer and tell them to pick the damned thing up, don't ride just in case.

I've always used my ear and done the same, shift by feel and ear. That's why I was surprised to see according to the charts, I've always been in the 3400-3800 range - on both the 883 and 1200 I have now - except when I rode my Honda Rebel when I was getting back in the saddle. Gotta get it up to 6000 or so to really wind it up.

Ok, the charts are back in now.

Here you go guys my new bike. http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/...ds/image-2.jpg

Nice color choice . . .

That light can also mean No Oil Pressure. Meaning that the oil is not circulating, which in turn can destroy an engine. The guy that I got my previous Sporty from had the oil light go on a few times, then stay on. He rode it into Harley... just 20 minute away. Then had to leave it there for a new top end.


You don't blow off an oil light. It's there to tell you that you have very low, or no oil pressure.