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

Oil Level Cold Check

Perform engine oil level COLD CHECK as follows:

For preride inspection, place vehicle on level ground and rest the vehicle on its jiffy stand (unless sidecar is attached).
Turn filler plug/dipstick counterclockwise. Remove and wipe off the dipstick. Insert the dipstick back into the oil pan with the plug screwed completely into the fill spout.
See Figure 2. Remove the dipstick and verify the level of the oil. The correct oil level should register between the two marks on the dipstick. If sidecar is attached, check oil level using the opposite side of dipstick as shown in Figure 3.

NOTE

If oil level is at or below the lower arrow, add only enough oil to bring the level to the middle of the two marks on the dipstick.

Oil Level Hot Check

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.
Turn filler plug/dipstick counterclockwise. Remove and wipe off the dipstick. Insert it back with the plug screwed completely into the fill spout.
See Figure 2. Remove the dipstick and note the level of the oil. If sidecar is attached, check oil level using the opposite side of dipstick as shown in Figure 3. Add only enough oil to bring the level to the FULL mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.

NOTE

Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication → Recommended Engine Oils. Use only recommended oil specified in Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication.

Start engine and carefully check for oil leaks around drain plug and oil filter.

Engine oil level should be checked only when engine is at normal operating temperature.

NOTE

The engine will require a longer warm up period in colder weather.

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 Police Models. Oil should be changed at specified intervals in normal service at warm or moderate temperatures.
Oil change intervals should be shorter 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

NOTE

The engine oil dipstick has different markings on its two sides. Figure 2 shows the engine oil level when the motorcycle is on its jiffy stand. Figure 3 shows the engine oil level with a sidecar attached (motorcycle upright).

For cold check level, do not exceed the midpoint (2) when filling with oil.

1	ADD QT (lower) mark
2	Cold check level
3	FULL (hot check) mark

Figure 3. Engine Oil Dipstick (Sidecar Use)