Hey guys, could use a little help. Checked the oil on my 2010 sportster iron after i got home from work today and there was NONE in the tank. No leaks in my spot at home or at work (and i always park in the same spot) or anywhere on the bike. I'm hesitant to add oil as I have heard stories of oil blow outs. Whats going on here? I have about 3000 miles on it, was hoping it would hold out a little longer than this without major problems. Thanks!

 

You sure about no oil? Seems to me it would lock up if it were ran with no oil. Sometimes it can be hard to see on the dipstick.

 

Did any show on the dipstick? If not, then I'd say you are very low on oil.

 

Did you have the 1000 mile service done?
Have you checked the oil level since then?
If so, how many miles ago since you checked it last?

Edit:
FYI - When the oil level drops just below the end of the dipstick so that it's not showing on the stick, you still have ~2 quarts in the system. The dipstick doesn't go to the bottom of the tank.

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these bikes do burn some oil, mine with 7,000 miles burns about 1/2 quart every 1200 miles or so, so you should check it atleast once a month. fill it up to about halfway between the 2 marks on the dip stick. or just change it if it's due.

 

Your oil could have sumped. Meaning drained from the oil tank down into the engine and the tank will refill once you run it for a minute or two.

 

06SPORTY75 , i think thats a little much in terms of using but thats my opinion . with my 96 i have had it going on 4months and it has yet to move from were it was when i bought it .
and i check mine every time It get started for the 1st time that day when i do my walk around , its just so easy to pull it and look .
Let it set for a little and dbl check it but there be oil you can see in the tank even if its not on the stick

 

Possibly operator error! Now you are alerted, check the poor thing more often!

Run your bike to check oil is returning to the tank. There cannot be NO oil in there, otherwise it would have seized solid. Top up the tank with suitable oil, from your dealer if in doubt. Don't get into any oil debates at this stage!

All being well you will find everything is fine and you can take a celebratory ride! Next, check your tyre pressures and brake fluid levels, in fact read your owners manual and pay penance by giving your bike a little love and attention.

You plainly haven't hugged your hog enough!

 

Same issue with wifes Iron.

Took it on a 248 mile ride around Mt. Rainier and when I checked the oil the next day the tank was almost empty!!
I put a quart of oil in and it still didnt touch the dip stick. It looks like its going to take a whole nother qrt. Dont know yet cause I need to get another one to put in.

The ride was 3/4 at highway speeds around 60 mph. These things apparently love to eat oil........... Im sure I lost most of it at the higher speeds/revs???

The bike only had 440 miles on it and I was hoping once it really breaks in if it will not use as much oil, but we will have to see.

I guess we all need to carry oil with us just so we dont burn the thing down...........? Frustrating for sure!

 

mike i sure hope you didnt check your oil the next day while the bike was cold and hadnt been started since the day before, cause if so i would bet money your oils in your crankcase and now you got way to much oil in it!