I am a new owner of 2003 1200, I don't have a book yet but I want to make sure the oil levels are correct. How do I check the primary oil level?

 

To my understanding, The bike needs to be LEVEL, not leaning on the jiffy stand. And I believe that you pull the durby cover, and the fuild needs to be level at the bottom of the durby cover hole.

 

Everything Racedvl said but be sure not to overfill it. You will have a leaky mess coming out of that primary cover if you do while riding. And make sure you get the primary gasket seating correctly when reinstalling the cover.

 

I not sure if anything has changed from 96 to 03, but on my 1200 set the bike level, remove the clutch inspection cover (derby cover). The oil level should even with the bottom of clutch diaphragm spring. There is a rib on the inside of the primary at this level. Make sure you have the proper level as this is also your tranny oil. When purchasing material, pick up an extra quad ring, they have been known to leak after a few removals etc.

 

Thanks for the info, I appreciate the comments!

 

I've changed mine twice. After draining, I dump 1 quart in, through the inspection hole, with a little funnel made from a piece of an oil bottle. Had no problems. Book says it holds 1 quart, that's what I put in. No messing with derby cover, etc. etc. I'm running Valvoline straight 50W in mine.

 

I looked at mine tonight and it is well below the derpy cover, I will probably drain it all and just start over. I shined a light in their and could see it at the bottom of the clutch. I noticed it was starting to whine when I ran it for a while, so that is probably my problem.