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. Oil Dipstick Location
Oil Level Cold Check
As part of the preride inspection, perform engine oil level COLD CHECK as follows:
- With the motorcycle resting on the jiffy stand on level ground, unthread the filler plug cap to remove the dipstick.
- Wipe off the dipstick. Insert it back into the oil pan and thread the plug cap 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 arrows (1) on the dipstick.
- 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.
NOTE
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 Hot Check
Perform engine oil level HOT CHECK as follows:
- Ride motorcycle until engine is at normal operating temperature.
- With the vehicle resting on the jiffy stand on level ground, allow engine to idle for 1-2 minutes. Turn engine off.
- Unthread the filler plug to remove the dipstick.
- Insert it back into the oil pan and thread the plug completely into the fill spout.
- See Figure 2. Remove the dipstick and note the level of the oil. Add only enough oil to bring the level to the FULL mark (2). Do not overfill.
- Return the dipstick to the filler and thread-in the filler plug.
- Start engine and carefully check for oil leaks around drain plug and oil filter.
NOTE
Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication: Synthetic Oil → Recommended Synthetic Engine Oils. Use only recommended oil specified in Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication: Synthetic Oil.
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: 2009 FLTRSE3. 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