Just finished doing an oil change before my extended road trip next week. I have 2 oil dip sticks, the stock one and the digital gauge. I use the stock one when measuring the oil I put in. Did it by the book, took it for a warm up spin, and topped the oil off. Perfect. Replaced the stock with the digital and later when I took a ride and got it nice and hot, pressed the button and the gauge shows HI OIL. I put the stock gauge in and it shows the oil level at the full when hot mark. Don't know why I never checked the sticks before. The digital one is for the Trike.

On another note, I know these engines are supposed to hold 4 quarts; but, I have never used more then 3. Wonder where the other quart is hiding.

 

lots of people run their bikes about 1/2 way up the stick when hot. supposed to prevent blow by into air cleaner. as most of the newer bikes use very little oil, running a little below full should not cause problems like having to add oil while on a trip--oil level usually stays right where it was when you left home.

 

Every big twin I've owned said to check the oil level on the sidestand. I know that not possible with a trike, but don't you have an oil cooler on your trike? That's probably where your other qt of oil in hiding in the lines and in the cooler.,,

 

Proper oil level is half way up the stick.

 

Fortunately I do not have a blow by problem on this bike. I just found it odd that 2 dip sticks made specifically for the trike and sold by HD have different markings for full.

 

The trike manual says 3.5 quarts in for an oil change. One of the differences between an 11 and a 12 was the oil dipstick. I just go by the manual and have never had a problem.

 

When changing oil I always just add 3 1/2 quarts and never had a problem with that.

 

Rumor has it... Rumor has it....


Fresh from the rumor mill and a Harley PHD extended education class. All new Harley oil dipsticks are marked wrong. Run all Harley Touring dipsticks 1/2 qt low to be at the recommended Fill Level.

Service Bulletin = None.
Harley's Stance = Educate Customer.
Harley's Problem= Too Cheap to replace them all.

 

Good answer! LOL