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.
Figure 1. Engine Oil Filler Cap
NOTE
See Figure 2. The oil level marks for checking oil level with motorcycle upright or on jiffy stand are on the same side of the dipstick. Be sure to use the correct portion of dipstick when checking oil level. Oil level must not exceed the midpoint (2) when performing cold oil level check.
Oil Level Cold Check
Perform engine oil level COLD CHECK as follows:
- For pre-ride inspection, place vehicle on level ground and rest the vehicle on its jiffy stand (unless sidecar is attached).
- Remove filler plug/dipstick and wipe off the dipstick. Insert the dipstick and tighten into the fill spout.
- See Figure 2. Remove the dipstick and verify the level of the oil. The correct oil level should register midway (2) between the FULL and ADD marks on the dipstick.
NOTE
The oil level marks for checking with motorcycle upright or on jiffy stand are on the same side of the dipstick. Be sure to use the correct portion of dipstick when checking oil level.
NOTE
If oil level is at or below the ADD mark, add only enough oil to bring the level to the middle of the two marks on the dipstick.
Oil Level Hot Check
NOTE
- The engine will require a longer warm up period in colder weather.
- Engine oil level hot check should be performed only when engine is at normal operating temperature.
Perform engine oil level HOT CHECK as follows:
- Ride motorcycle until engine is at normal operating temperature.
- Place vehicle on level ground and rest the vehicle on its jiffy stand (unless sidecar is attached). Allow engine to idle for 1-2 minutes. Turn engine off.
- Remove filler plug/dipstick and wipe off the dipstick. Insert the dipstick and tighten into the fill spout.
- See Figure 2. Remove the dipstick and note the level of the oil. The level should be between the ADD (1) and FULL (3) marks. Add oil as necessary to bring the level to the FULL mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.
- Start engine and carefully check for oil leaks around drain plug and oil filter.
NOTE
The oil level marks for checking with motorcycle upright or on jiffy stand are on the same side of the dipstick. Be sure to use the correct portion of dipstick when checking oil level.
NOTE
Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication → Recommended Engine Oils. Use only recommended oil specified in 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 level at each complete fuel refill.
- Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals → Regular Service Intervals: 2009 Touring Models. Oil should be changed at specified intervals in normal service at warm or moderate temperatures.
- Oil change intervals should be more frequent in cold weather or severe operating conditions. See Maintenance and Lubrication → Winter Lubrication.
| 1 | ADD QT (lower) mark |
| 2 | Cold check level |
| 3 | FULL (hot check) mark |
Figure 2. Engine Oil Dipstick