If I were you, I would painstakingly keep adding small carefully measured amounts of oil to your tank until you get a guage on "how much per dot". Then to double check you work, completely empty the tank, making sure you've siphoned every last drop, repeat & then post your results!

 

Somehow, I think that this might really happen !!

 

Must be reading my mind. But crap I just got oil all over the garage floor.

 

I don't know. But, when I do the service it is at the full mark. Then 5,000 miles later it is still at the full mark.

I always thought the bottom line was when you should add oil. That any level over the bottom line up was okay and no need to do anything. Saves a lot of toil and trouble to do it that way.

 

Wow! Sure are a lot of nay-sayers here.

I actually had the same question as the OP so I did some measurements to find the answer. My oil was 11 dots down on the dipstick (cold). I added 26 ounces to bring it to 3 dots down. So... 11 dots to 3 dots = 8 dots. Divide 26 by 8 = approx 3.25* ounces per dot.

* I'm not sure of the angle of the dipstick or the exact configuration of the oil pan so this number may not be linear throughout, but if you figure 3 ounces per dot you should be in the ballpark.

 

Yeah but you were not dumb enough (like someone else who shall remain nameless) to ask the question.

 

Some people just have too much time on their hands...Owning a Harley is not rocket science...As long as the level is between the marks ride it and enjoy it.

 

Ive counted the dot's on a ceiling!

 

I am not sure if this theory would be correct, assuming that there would be a certain amount (perhaps 2.67 quarts or more) in the crankcase before it even starts to register on the dipstick. Also the sides of the crankcase are not straight up and down vertical like in a rectangle. Instead they are in a V configuration so the amount needed to go from one dot to the other would not be consistent. If the dipstick went to the bottom of the crankcase it would simplify this exercise in futility. It is kind of like asking if you can tell how deep the water is in the well by the length of the handle on the pump.
Now, what was the original question? I forgot. Pondering something like this always makes my head hurt. I am still trying to decide if the chicken or the egg came first. I think I will be taking the rest of the day off to go ride.

 

You just can't make up some of this stuff.........I can see it now, someone approaches your car and asks you if you want a "date", you say yes, how much, they say it depends how many dots they cover....LMAO....