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: FLHRSE3

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. For cold check, 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 reverse side of the dipstick measures oil levels on Harley-Davidson models equipped with a sidecar. For the FLHRSE3, be sure the oil level measurement is taken on the side of the dipstick marked with the FULL HOT and ADD QT arrows and cross hatched scale as shown in Figure 2.

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.

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.

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.

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: 2007 FLHRSE3. 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	Cold check level
2	Hot check level

Figure 2. Engine Oil Level: FLHRSE3