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)

For dipstick location, see Figure 1.

NOTE

The motorcycle should be on jiffy stand when checking oil level.

Oil Level Cold Check

Perform engine oil level COLD CHECK as follows:

For preride inspection with the vehicle on jiffy stand on level ground, wipe off the dipstick and insert it back into the oil tank with the plug pushed completely into the fill spout.
Remove the dipstick and verify oil registers on the dipstick between the two marks.
1. See Figure 2. 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.
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. Insert dipstick back into the oil tank with the plug pushed completely into the filler neck.
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.

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

NOTE

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

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)

Check engine oil supply at each complete fuel refill.
Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals: Softail Models → Regular Service Intervals: 2006 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.

1	Filler neck
2	Dipstick

Figure 1. Checking Oil Tank Level: Softail Models

1	Full mark
2	Fill mark

Figure 2. Engine Oil Level: Softail Models