Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Newish Sportster Oil Conumption

  #1  
Old 09-01-2015, 07:36 AM
PSYOPSGM's Avatar
PSYOPSGM
PSYOPSGM is offline
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: VA
Posts: 42
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Newish Sportster Oil Conumption

I did a search of the threads and didn't find a lot about this topic.
I'm riding a 2015 Iron with no mods, 3 months old and just tipped the 2K mileage mark. I noticed just before I took it to the dealer for the 1K service that I the oil was low, dipstick barely registering so I added about 3/4s a quart and road it to the dealer 2 days later for the service. I figured that the oil used was going to getting the motor all nice and broken in and wasn't sweating it. Now I'm seeing the same situation as I hit 2K and am wondering if this is a normal thing.
Riding style/habits, since I broke the bike in I ride it fairly hard, it's a daily commuter with the average speed for my 10 mile commute being about 70 mph.
 
  #2  
Old 09-01-2015, 09:04 AM
phelan's Avatar
phelan
phelan is offline
Advanced
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Fountain, CO
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

A quart every 1000 miles isn't really a concern. Average consumption is about that.
 
  #3  
Old 09-01-2015, 09:17 AM
cHarley's Avatar
cHarley
cHarley is offline
Club Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Posts: 16,320
Received 299 Likes on 228 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by PSYOPSGM
I did a search of the threads and didn't find a lot about this topic.
I'm riding a 2015 Iron with no mods, 3 months old and just tipped the 2K mileage mark. I noticed just before I took it to the dealer for the 1K service that I the oil was low, dipstick barely registering so I added about 3/4s a quart and road it to the dealer 2 days later for the service. I figured that the oil used was going to getting the motor all nice and broken in and wasn't sweating it. Now I'm seeing the same situation as I hit 2K and am wondering if this is a normal thing.
Riding style/habits, since I broke the bike in I ride it fairly hard, it's a daily commuter with the average speed for my 10 mile commute being about 70 mph.
While Harley dealers will tell you that 1 quart per thousand miles is considered "normal" and not a warranty issue, it is not typical usage for the average bike.

Also, always check the oil level after a dealer service. Dealers are notorious for not "filling" the tank, but leaving it 1/2 to 1 quart low.

When you check the oil level, it should always be done with the motor hot, like after a ride.

Are you seeing any smoke from the exhaust pipes?
 
  #4  
Old 09-01-2015, 09:21 AM
PSYOPSGM's Avatar
PSYOPSGM
PSYOPSGM is offline
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: VA
Posts: 42
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

No smoke, no performance issues. I did notice that it looked a bit low when I checked it at home after the dealer service, so they definitely shortchanged me a bit. So really the consumption is more like a half to 3/4 quart per 1000 miles.
Doing my first oil change on it this weekend so I'll have a better idea of exact amounts and such.
 
  #5  
Old 09-01-2015, 09:27 AM
Kenny94945's Avatar
Kenny94945
Kenny94945 is offline
Stellar HDF Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 2,929
Received 328 Likes on 286 Posts
Default

I am with above.

I consider this not normal.

Yes first step verify your oil levels.....cold, on side stand, oil level 1/3 up from the bottom line (1/3 between the oil stick min/ max lines.)
For your 2015 verify this checking procedure in your manual.

If you are handy next step is to do a compression check and leak down test.
These check the sealing condition of the rings and valves.

If both tests are OK you are just using oil during break-in and it the use may (may) slow up considerably.

If the tests show bad, you have a condition that could be repaired under warranty. However that 1 quart every 1000 mile "standard" may come into play and you may have to debate the dealer for warranty.

Or spend $1500 and do a 1250 kit.

Here's a wish for you that it is only a oil level filing issue.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
pardus
Milwaukee Eight (M8)
68
10-10-2019 08:10 AM
moose545
Dyna Glide Models
29
07-29-2018 10:52 PM
dksob81
2014+ Touring Models
17
10-18-2016 12:32 PM
simmy711
Sportster Models
24
08-22-2010 06:25 PM
seeso200
Exhaust System Topics
5
05-09-2009 08:58 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Newish Sportster Oil Conumption



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:52 AM.