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: 2014 FXSBSE. 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

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:

See Figure 1. For pre-ride inspection with the vehicle on jiffy stand on level ground, remove and wipe off the dipstick. Install filler cap/dipstick back onto spout until tight.
See Figure 2. Remove the filler cap/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 near the filler neck.
1. If the oil level is at or near the filler neck, proceed to Oil Level Hot Check.
2. If the oil level is not present, add only enough oil to bring the level to the filler neck. Then proceed to Oil Level Hot Check.

Oil Level Hot Check

Perform engine oil level HOT CHECK as follows:

Run 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 off engine.
With vehicle on jiffy stand, remove and wipe off the dipstick. Install the filler cap/dipstick until fully seated in the spout.
See Figure 2. Remove the dipstick and note the oil level. 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: Synthetic Oil → Recommended Engine Oils. Use only recommended oil specified under Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication: Synthetic Oil.

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

Figure 1. Engine Oil Filler Cap/Dipstick

1	Full mark
2	Fill mark

Figure 2. Engine Oil Level