checking oil
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2015
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checking oil
Another question. I have a 2005 883 low. How do I check the oil, on kick stand or standing up straight? The service manual and the owners manual both say on the kick stand but when I get the bike up to operating temp and fill the oil almost to the full mark while on the kick stand when I stand the bike up the level is a way above the full mark. If I then put it down on the kick stand again and suck out enough oil to get it to a little less than half the dip stick then when I stand it up it is just a little over the full mark. Is the manual wrong or what?
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 329
Likes: 21
From: Brooklyn
What's the engine oil capacity? Is this following an oil change? Are you leaking oil that you need a regular top off?
I'd go with the manual and check with the jiffy stand down. Some models also have cold and hot level indicators.
I'd go with the manual and check with the jiffy stand down. Some models also have cold and hot level indicators.
Well it would, wouldn't it ? Why worry about it ? It's designed to make it easier for you . Why would you want to have to use a lift to top up the oil ? It's not even that critical , as long as there is sufficient to feed the engine you're ok .
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Virginia
Another question. I have a 2005 883 low. How do I check the oil, on kick stand or standing up straight? The service manual and the owners manual both say on the kick stand but when I get the bike up to operating temp and fill the oil almost to the full mark while on the kick stand when I stand the bike up the level is a way above the full mark. If I then put it down on the kick stand again and suck out enough oil to get it to a little less than half the dip stick then when I stand it up it is just a little over the full mark. Is the manual wrong or what?
Then follow the service manual and owners manual. Checking while the bike is on the kick stand is the proper procedure. Why would you think that BOTH the service manual and the owners manual were wrong?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,175
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From: Philly PA
Another question. I have a 2005 883 low. How do I check the oil, on kick stand or standing up straight? The service manual and the owners manual both say on the kick stand but when I get the bike up to operating temp and fill the oil almost to the full mark while on the kick stand when I stand the bike up the level is a way above the full mark. If I then put it down on the kick stand again and suck out enough oil to get it to a little less than half the dip stick then when I stand it up it is just a little over the full mark. Is the manual wrong or what?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,182
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From: England
I think it would be good if the OP could reveal why he is checking the oil level the way he is.
People do come up with very good working practices that differ from the manufacturer over time but this time is not one of them.
People do come up with very good working practices that differ from the manufacturer over time but this time is not one of them.
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Road Warrior
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Thank you all for your replies
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
From: Mansfield, Notts
The reason I am asking this question is that when I stand the bike up it is way over the fill mark and it seems that maybe there is too much oil in the tank and could cause blow by as the manual also says not to over fill the oil tank. I am not that familiar with sportsters so that is the reason for my question but if everyone else is checking on the kick stand that's what I will do also
Thank you all for your replies
Thank you all for your replies
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