I have a 2005 883R and am not very mechanical. I understand I have to check the transmission oil level. I followed the directions in the HD owner's handbook, secured the bike upright and removed the derby cover whilst the oil was still hot. The manual states that the lubricant should 'reach the bottom of the clutch diaphragm spring' My photo and the diagram in the manual do not really tally - not sure where exactly it means. You can see the lubricant level clearly in the photo - is this ok? I know one way to make sure is to drain and fill with the exact amount but I just want to know where the level should be. It was changed at the 5.000 service a few hundred miles ago and looks pretty clean. I believe I am supposed to check every month.

Thanks for your help - here is my photo:

 

The oil level looks fine.

Unless you find a puddle of oil under the bike, there is no need to check the oil level in the primary/tranny. If the primary/tranny oil level needed frequent checking, they would have included a dipstick.

Just drain & replace with 1 quart at the scheduled interval.
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Thanks mate - that is very reassuring. Old fart maybe (me too) but you put my mind at rest. Only driven a car in Florida (55 mph!!!) - would love to ride a Harley there - maybe one day!

 

I could be wrong but isn't the manual talking about checking the tranny oil from the dip stick/filler on the right hand (exhaust side) of the tranny... not the primary?

 

You are wrong Ventanna. The Sportster shares the fluid for the primary and transmission and it doesn't have a dipstick.

 

Yep, Sporty tranny/primary are "one-in-the-same" and if you can see/touch oil over side - level's good. Yours looks right on - good to go.

 

+1 - a newbie offering advice, that doesn't know the difference between a BT and a Sporty.

 

Dude, he wasn't offering advice, he was asking a question. Did you even read his post before upping your post count with this worthless observation?

 

 

I don't know jack about sporty's and my little woman has a 1200 custom and requested that I check the oil... Where? I do everything for my wide glide an learn'n my ultra. Yep order'n my manual but need to know asap...thanks again.