NOTICE
Oil level cannot be accurately measured on a cold engine. For pre-ride inspection, with motorcycle leaning on jiffy stand on level ground, oil should register on dipstick between arrows when engine is cold. Do not add oil to bring the level to the FULL mark on a COLD engine. (00185a)
For dipstick location, see Figure 1.
Removing and Replacing Oil Filler Cap
Position motorcycle so that it is leaning on jiffy stand on level ground.
- Remove filler cap from oil tank on right side of vehicle.
- Press straight down on filler cap and release. Cap will pop up.
- Pull up on filler cap while turning counterclockwise one-quarter turn as if unscrewing filler cap.
- Wipe attached dipstick clean.
- Insert dipstick into tank. Turn filler cap 1/4 turn as if screwing filler cap into tank. Press down on cap until flush with oil tank.
NOTE
See Figure 3. Note that dipstick has a wide slot and a narrow slot and can only be inserted in oil tank one way.
Figure 1. Oil Dipstick Location: Sportster Models (XL Model Shown)
Oil Level Cold Check
- Position motorcycle so that it is leaning on jiffy stand on level ground.
- Remove filler cap. Wipe attached dipstick clean. Reinstall oil filler cap in tank.
- Remove oil filler cap again and check oil level on dipstick. See Figure 2. Dipstick has two marks. If oil level is at or below lower mark, add only enough oil to bring the level to a point between the two arrows on the dipstick. Replace filler cap.
NOTE
Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication → Recommended Engine Oils. Use only recommended oil specified under Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication.
Oil Level Hot Check
- Run engine until engine oil is at normal operating temperature. Turn engine off.
- Position motorcycle so that it is leaning on jiffy stand on level ground.
- Remove filler cap. Wipe attached dipstick clean. Reinstall oil filler cap in tank.
- Remove filler cap again and check warm oil level on dipstick. See Figure 2. Dipstick has two marks. If oil level in tank is at or below lower mark, add 0.946 L (1 qt) of Harley-Davidson oil to tank.
- Install filler cap/dipstick back into oil tank.
- If you added oil in step 4, remove filler cap and verify correct engine oil level in oil tank. Do not fill oil tank to the level above upper mark on dipstick. Replace filler cap.
NOTE
Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication → Recommended Engine Oils. Use only recommended oil specified under Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication.
NOTICE
Do not allow hot oil level to fall below Add/Fill mark on dipstick. Doing so can result in equipment damage and/or equipment malfunction. (00189a)
NOTICE
Do not overfill oil. Doing so can result in oil carryover to the air cleaner leading to equipment damage and/or equipment malfunction. (00190b)
- Check engine oil supply at each complete fuel refill.
- Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals → Regular Service Intervals: 2008 Sportster Models. Oil should be changed at specified intervals in normal service at warm or moderate temperatures.
- See Maintenance and Lubrication → Winter Lubrication. Oil change intervals should be shorter in cold weather. The same holds true if the motorcycle is ridden hard under dusty conditions.
| 1 | Lower mark |
| 2 | Upper mark (full) |
Figure 2. Filler Cap/Dipstick: Sportster Models (typical)
| 1 | Wide slot |
| 2 | Narrow slot |
Figure 3. Filler Cap/Dipstick Slots: Sportster Models