Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals → Regular Service Intervals: 2009 Sportster Models. The transmission should be drained and refilled with fresh lubricant at proper intervals. For best results, drain lubricant while hot.

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.

NOTICE

When draining or adding lubricant, do not allow dirt, debris or other contaminants to enter the engine. (00198a)

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

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.	Ride motorcycle until engine is warmed up to 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.	Remove main fuse. See Maintenance and Lubrication → Electrical Protection: Sportster Models.
4.	See Figure 3. For XL models equipped with mid-mount foot controls, remove screws and detach the rider footrest support bracket from the left side of the vehicle.
5.	See Figure 4. For XR 1200 model, remove screws and detach the rider footrest support bracket from the left side of the vehicle. With the shift linkage still attached, lower the footrest assembly to access the clutch inspection cover screws.
6.	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.
7.	See Figure 2. Verify that lubricant level is even with bottom of clutch diaphragm spring. NOTE Add only enough of GENUINE Harley-Davidson FORMULA+ TRANSMISSION AND PRIMARY CHAINCASE LUBRICANT (Part No. 98851-05 quart) through clutch inspection cover opening until the lubricant reaches the bottom of clutch diaphragm spring.
8.	Install new quad ring. Verify that quad ring is fully seated in groove of primary cover. Install clutch inspection cover and secure with six screws. Tighten screws in a crosswise pattern to 9.5–12.2 N·m (84–108 in-lbs).
9.	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).
10.	Install main fuse.
11.	Start engine. Check for any lubricant leaks.
12.	Turn engine off.

1	Clutch inspection cover
2	Drain plug
3	Primary chain inspection cover

Figure 1. Primary Cover: Sportster Models (XL Model Shown)

1	Clutch diaphragm spring
2	Clutch adjusting screw
3	Quad-ring
4	Primary cover
5	Chaincase lubricant level

Figure 2. Chaincase Lubricant Level: Sportster Models

Changing Lubricant

1.	Ride motorcycle until engine is warmed up to normal operating temperature.
2.	When the engine reaches normal operating temperature, turn the engine off and position 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.	Remove main fuse. See Maintenance and Lubrication → Electrical Protection: Sportster Models.
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 chaincase. 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.	Remove foreign material from magnetic drain plug. Apply LOCTITE 565 PST THREAD SEALER (Part No. 99818-97) and install drain plug. Tighten to 19–40.7 N·m (14–30 ft-lbs).
8.	See Figure 3. For XL models equipped with mid-mount foot controls, remove screws and detach the rider footrest support bracket from the left side of the vehicle.
9.	See Figure 4. For XR models, remove screws and detach the rider footrest support bracket from the left side of the vehicle. With the shift linkage still attached, lower the footrest assembly to access the clutch inspection cover screws.
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 GENUINE Harley-Davidson FORMULA+ TRANSMISSION AND PRIMARY CHAINCASE LUBRICANT (Part No. 98851-05 quart) through clutch inspection cover opening until the lubricant reaches the bottom of clutch diaphragm spring.
12.	Install new quad ring. Verify that quad ring is fully seated in groove of primary cover. Install clutch inspection cover and secure with six screws. Tighten screws in a crosswise pattern to 9.5–12.2 N·m (84–108 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.	Install main fuse.
15.	Start engine. Check for any lubricant leaks.
16.	Turn engine off.

1	Support bracket
2	Screws (2)

Figure 3. Mid-Mount Rider Footrest Assembly: XL Models

1	Rider footrest support bracket
2	Screws (2)
3	Shift linkage

Figure 4. Rider Footrest Assembly (Left Side): XR 1200 Model