NOTE
This engine has a wet sump, an integral transmission, gear driven primary drive and wet clutch. This design allows engine oil in the sump to be used to lubricate the engine, transmission and primary drive. The clutch and primary drive are housed on the right side of the engine.
NOTICE
Oil level cannot be accurately measured on a cold engine. For pre-ride inspection with the motorcycle upright (not leaning on jiffy stand) on level ground, the oil should register approximately at the midpoint of the cross-hatch area on the dipstick when the engine is cold. Do not add oil to bring the level to the full mark on a cold engine. (00186b)
See Figure 1 (VRSCF) and Figure 2 (other models). On VRSCF model, the dipstick is located on the right side in the clutch cover. On other models, the dipstick is located on left side at front of engine.
Cold Engine Oil Level Check
Check the oil level with the engine COLD as follows:
- Stand the motorcycle upright (not leaning on the jiffy stand) on a level surface.
- See Figure 2. Unscrew the oil filler cap (with attached dipstick) by turning the filler cap counterclockwise. Remove the filler cap and dipstick and wipe the dipstick clean.
- Screw the filler cap into the engine. Make sure the cap is fully seated on the crankcase.
- See Figure 3. Remove the filler cap again and check the oil level on the dipstick.
- If the oil level is below the midpoint of the cross-hatch area on the dipstick, add enough Harley-Davidson oil to bring the level up to the midpoint of the cross-hatch area shown.
NOTICE
Do NOT operate the engine when the oil level is below the add mark on the dipstick at operating temperature. Engine damage could result. (00493b)
NOTICE
To avoid over-filling the oil sump, wait approximately three minutes after adding oil before checking the oil level with the dipstick. An over-filled sump can cause engine damage. (00188a)
Figure 1. Dipstick Location: VRSCF Model
Figure 2. Dipstick Location: VRSCAW/VRSCDX Models
| 1 | Full mark |
| 2 | Add mark. Do NOT operate the engine when the oil level is below the add mark at operating temperature. |
Figure 3. Engine Oil Level: VRSC Models
Hot Engine Oil Level Check
Check the oil level with the engine at normal operating temperature as follows:
| 1. | Stop the engine and allow the oil to drain into the sump for about two minutes. | |
| 2. | Stand the motorcycle upright (not leaning on the jiffy stand) on a level surface. | |
| 3. | See Figure 2. Unscrew the oil filler cap (with attached dipstick) by turning the filler cap counterclockwise. Remove the filler cap and dipstick and wipe the dipstick clean. | |
| 4. | Screw the filler cap into the engine. Make sure the cap is fully seated on the crankcase. | |
| 5. | See Figure 3. Remove the filler cap again and check the oil level on the dipstick. | |
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 sump. Doing so can result in oil carryover to the air cleaner leading to equipment damage and/or equipment malfunction. (00191a) | ||
| 6. | If the oil level is below the FULL mark on the dipstick, add enough Harley-Davidson oil to bring the level up to the FULL mark shown in Figure 3. NOTE The engine will require a longer warm-up period in colder weather. |
- Check the engine oil supply at each complete fuel refill.
- Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals → Regular Service Intervals: 2009 VRSC Models. The oil should be changed according to the Regular Service Intervals in the Maintenance Schedule in normal service at warm or moderate temperatures.
- Oil change intervals should be shorter in cold weather. See Maintenance and Lubrication → Winter Lubrication.
- The oil ADD mark is 1/2 quart (0.473 liters) to full.
Refer to the vehicle's service manual or see a Harley-Davidson dealer for proper procedures on draining the oil.
NOTE
Dispose of oil in accordance with local regulations.