Just changed the oil in my 2004 Sportster 1200C. Manual says oil capacity is 3.6 quarts. I put in 3 quarts, ran it briefly, and it seems to be full. Am I missing something?

I looked online a bit and found this: http://www.xlforum.net/vbportal/foru...ad.php?t=66800

Can someone chime in and set me straight?

 

The 04 manuals and for several years thereafter, were "incorrect"/misleading.
3.6 quarts is for a factory DRY motor. Since some oil remains in the motor when you drain the oil tank, roughly 2.75 quarts is the correct amount for an Oil Change.

 

That's probably for a bone dry motor. Oil change is 2.8 quarts.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.

 

Oil expands some when hot. Always check level when the bike is fully warmed up.

 

Checking the oil level when hot has nothing to do with it "expanding". The purpose is to ensure that any oil that has drained into the sump when the bike has been sitting, is pumped back into the tank before you measure the oil level.