NOTE
When checking the transmission lubricant level, motorcycle should be standing STRAIGHT UP, not leaning on the jiffy stand. Keep motorcycle upright for a short period of time to equalize lubricant level in the transmission compartments.
Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals → Regular Service Intervals: 2015 Sportster Models. The transmission should be drained and refilled with fresh lubricant at proper intervals. For best results, drain lubricant while hot.
WARNING
Be sure that no lubricants or fluids get on tires, wheels or brakes when changing fluid. Traction can be adversely affected, which could result in loss of control of the motorcycle and death or serious injury. (00047d)
NOTICE
When draining or adding lubricant, do not allow dirt, debris or other contaminants to enter the engine. (00198a)
NOTICE
Do not overfill the primary chaincase with lubricant. Overfilling can cause rough clutch engagement, incomplete disengagement, clutch drag and/or difficulty in finding neutral at engine idle. (00199b)
Check Lubricant Level
1. Run motorcycle until engine is at normal operating temperature.
2. Position motorcycle straight up.
WARNING
To prevent accidental vehicle start-up, which could cause death or serious injury, remove main fuse before proceeding. (00251b)
3. Turn off ignition switch and STOP/RUN switch.
4. XL models with mid-mount controls: See Figure 3. Remove screws and detach the rider footrest support bracket from the left side of the vehicle.
5. See Figure 1. Remove screws with washers from clutch inspection cover. Remove clutch inspection cover from primary cover.
NOTE
The filler access is the clutch inspection cover.
6. See Figure 2. Verify that lubricant level is even with bottom of clutch diaphragm spring.
NOTE
Add only enough of FORMULA+ TRANSMISSION AND PRIMARY CHAINCASE LUBRICANT through clutch inspection cover opening until the lubricant reaches the bottom of clutch diaphragm spring.
7. Install the clutch inspection cover.
a. Install new quad ring.
b. Verify that quad ring is fully seated in groove of primary cover.
c. Install clutch inspection cover and secure with six screws.
d. Tighten in a crosswise pattern to 10.2–13.6 N·m (90–120 in-lbs).
8. If the left footrest assembly was removed, install support bracket with two screws. Tighten screws to 61–67.8 N·m (45–50 ft-lbs).
9. Start engine. Check for any lubricant leaks.
10. Turn off engine.
1Clutch inspection cover
2Drain plug
3Primary chain inspection cover
Figure 1. Primary Cover
1Clutch diaphragm spring
2Clutch adjusting screw
3Quad ring
4Primary cover
5Chaincase lubricant level
Figure 2. Chaincase Lubricant Level
Changing Lubricant
1. Run motorcycle until engine is at normal operating temperature.
2. When the engine reaches normal operating temperature, park motorcycle on jiffy stand. This will allow the chaincase lubricant to drain out of transmission.
WARNING
To prevent accidental vehicle start-up, which could cause death or serious injury, remove main fuse before proceeding. (00251b)
3. Turn off ignition switch and STOP/RUN switch.
4. See Figure 1. Position a suitable container under transmission drain plug (2).
5. The drain plug is located under the clutch, on the underside of the primary cover. Remove drain plug and drain lubricant.
6. Position the motorcycle STRAIGHT UP and LEVEL. This allows additional fluid to be drained from clutch compartment.
NOTE
Dispose of lubricant in accordance with local regulations.
NOTICE
Do not over-tighten filler or drain plug. Doing so could result in a lubricant leak. (00200b)
7. Clean magnetic drain plug. Replace drain plug O-ring if damaged.
8. Apply LOCTITE 565 PIPE SEALANT WITH TEFLON and install drain plug. Tighten to 19–40.7 N·m (14–30 ft-lbs).
9. XL models with mid-mount controls: See Figure 3. Remove screws and detach the rider footrest support bracket from the left side of the vehicle.
10. See Figure 1. Remove screws with washers from clutch inspection cover. Remove clutch inspection cover from primary cover.
NOTE
The filler access is the clutch inspection cover.
11. See Figure 2. Add 0.95 L (1.00 qt) of FORMULA+ TRANSMISSION AND PRIMARY CHAINCASE LUBRICANT (Part No. 98851-05 qt) through clutch inspection cover opening until the lubricant reaches the bottom of clutch diaphragm spring.
12. Install the clutch inspection cover.
a. Install new quad ring.
b. Verify that quad ring is fully seated in groove of primary cover.
c. Install clutch inspection cover. Secure with six screws.
d. Tighten in a crosswise pattern to 10.2–13.6 N·m (90–120 in-lbs).
13. If the left footrest assembly was removed, install support bracket with two screws. Tighten screws to 61–67.8 N·m (45–50 ft-lbs).
14. Start engine. Check for any lubricant leaks.
15. Turn off engine.
1Support bracket
2Screws (2)
Figure 3. Mid-Mount Rider Footrest Assembly