The transmission lubricant level should be checked monthly.

Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals → Regular Service Intervals: 2005 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.

Check Lubricant Level

1.	Ride motorcycle until engine is warmed up to normal operating temperature.
2.	Position motorcycle straight up.
3.	See Figure 1. Remove screws with washers from clutch inspection cover (1). Remove clutch inspection cover from primary cover. Exercise caution to avoid damaging or dislodging quad ring in primary cover. NOTE The filler access is the clutch inspection cover.
	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)
4.	See Figure 2. Verify that lubricant level (5) is even with bottom of clutch diaphragm spring (1). NOTE Add only enough of Harley-Davidson SPORT-TRANS FLUID (Part No. 98854-96 quart or Part No. 98855-96 gallon) through clutch inspection cover opening until the lubricant reaches the bottom of clutch diaphragm spring (1).
5.	Install clutch inspection cover on primary cover using screws with washers removed in step 3. Tighten screws in a crosswise pattern to 9.5–12.2 N·m (84–108 in-lbs).
6.	Start engine. Check for any lubricant leaks.
7.	Turn engine off.

1	Clutch inspection cover
2	Drain plug

Figure 1. Primary Cover: 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.
3.	See Figure 1. Position a suitable container under transmission drain plug (2).
4.	The drain plug is located under the clutch, on the underside of the chaincase. Remove drain plug and drain lubricant.
5.	Position the motorcycle STRAIGHT UP and LEVEL. This allows additional fluid to be drained from clutch compartment. NOTE Dispose of transmission lubricant in accordance with local regulations.
6.	Remove foreign material from magnetic drain plug. Install drain plug and tighten to 19–28.5 N·m (14–21 ft-lbs).
	NOTICE Do not over-tighten filler or drain plug. Doing so could result in a lubricant leak. (00200b) 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)
7.	See Figure 1. Remove screws with washers from clutch inspection cover (1). Remove clutch inspection cover from primary cover. Exercise caution to avoid damaging or dislodging quad-ring in primary cover. NOTE The filler access is the clutch inspection cover.
8.	See Figure 2. Add 32 fluid ounces (946 milliliters) of Harley-Davidson SPORT-TRANS FLUID (Part No. 98854-96 quart or Part No. 98855-96 gallon) through clutch inspection cover opening or until the lubricant reaches the bottom of clutch diaphragm spring (1).
9.	Install clutch inspection cover on primary cover using screws with washers removed in step 6. Tighten screws in a crosswise pattern to 9.5–12.2 N·m (84–108 in-lbs).
10.	Start engine. Check for any lubricant leaks.
11.	Turn engine off.

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