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

Check engine oil supply at each complete fuel refill.
Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals → Regular Service Intervals: 2011 Softail Models. Oil should be changed at proper intervals in normal service at warm or moderate temperatures.
Oil change intervals should be shorter in cold weather. See Maintenance and Lubrication → Winter Lubrication.

NOTE

See Figure 1. On FXCWC models, remove the dipstick by unscrewing the cap. On all other models, remove the dipstick by pulling out the oil filler cap. To install, insert dipstick in oil tank and push the filler cap in until seated in the fill spout.
The motorcycle should be on jiffy stand when checking oil level.

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)

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)

Oil Level Cold Check

Perform engine oil level COLD CHECK as follows:

For pre-ride inspection with the vehicle on jiffy stand on level ground, remove and wipe off the dipstick. Install the dipstick back into the oil tank.

NOTE

For FXCWC models, thread the filler cap onto the spout until tight. On all other models, push the filler cap until fully seated in the spout.

See Figure 2. Remove the dipstick and verify oil registers on the dipstick between the two marks.
1. If oil level registers on the dipstick, proceed to Oil Level Hot Check.
2. If oil does not register on the dipstick, proceed to step 3.
With the dipstick removed, look into the dipstick opening and verify the oil level is at the filler neck weld.
1. If the oil level is at or near the filler neck weld, proceed to Oil Level Hot Check.
2. If the oil level is not at or near the filler neck weld, add only enough oil to bring the level to the filler neck weld. Then proceed to Oil Level Hot Check.

Oil Level Hot Check

Perform engine oil level HOT CHECK as follows:

Ride motorcycle until engine is at normal operating temperature.

NOTE

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

With the vehicle upright on level ground, allow engine to idle for 1-2 minutes. Turn engine off.
With vehicle on jiffy stand remove and wipe off the dipstick. Install the dipstick back into the oil tank.

NOTE

For FXCWC models, thread the filler cap onto the spout until tight. On all other models, push the filler cap until fully seated in the 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 on the dipstick. Do not overfill.

NOTE

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

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

Figure 1. Oil Dipstick Location: FXCWC

1	FULL HOT
2	FILL

Figure 2. Engine Oil Level: Softail Models (Typical)