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.
  1. Remove filler cap from oil tank on right side of vehicle.
    1. Press straight down on filler cap and release. Cap will pop up.
    2. Pull up on filler cap while turning counterclockwise one-quarter turn as if unscrewing filler cap.
  2. Wipe attached dipstick clean.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
Figure 1. Oil Dipstick Location: Sportster Models
Oil Level Cold Check
  1. Position motorcycle so that it is leaning on jiffy stand on level ground.
  2. Remove filler cap. Wipe attached dipstick clean. Reinstall oil filler cap in tank.
  3. 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
Oil Level Hot Check
  1. Run engine until engine oil is at normal operating temperature. Turn engine off.
  2. Position motorcycle so that it is leaning on jiffy stand on level ground.
  3. Remove filler cap. Wipe attached dipstick clean. Reinstall oil filler cap in tank.
  4. 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 one quart (0.946 liter) of Harley-Davidson oil to tank. Replace filler cap.
  5. Place filler cap/dipstick back into oil tank.
  6. 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.
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)
1Lower mark
2Upper mark (full)
Figure 2. Filler Cap/Dipstick: Sportster Models
1Wide slot
2Narrow slot
Figure 3. Filler Cap/Dipstick Slots: Sportster Models