Well, I just changed the oil in my 2000 FXD for the first time (First for me that is!). Overall, it went great with no issues. However, I am wondering about the oil level....

I drained the oil and put on a new oil filter. Per the manual, I put in 2 1/2 quarts of Mobil 1 V-Twin. I rode it into town and back to get gas, which is about 25 miles round trip. When I checked the oil level, it only reads about a third of the way between "Add 1 Qt" and "Full Hot". Shouldn't it read full? I'm worried about adding oil if I already put in the 2.5 quarts. By the dipstick, I'm assuming it may take almost 3 qts. The bike is new to me. Could work have been done on the engine by a PO that would require a higher oil capacity? (Sorry, if that's a dumb question...)

 

If you drained the oil and replaced the filter, then some oil may be in the filter...

 

Don't worry about it. It's fine where it is.

 

If it was my bike, I'd add oil until it was just below the full mark.

That said, I've seen people on here that have had oil blow-by issues in their air filters and allegedly solved the problem by running the oil level on the low side.

 

Cool. Thanks for your feedback. I'll let it go and just keep an eye on it (which I should do anyway after every ride or so...)

 

As long as you keep it between "add" and "full" you're fine. And yes, your filter will retain some.

 

My bike always takes a little more oil then the manual says it should, i just start it with 2.5 quarts then add a little to get it closer to the full hot mark.

 

I would add oil, a little at a time, until it either reaches the full mark or you start getting blow-by. If/when you start getting blow-by, mark the dipstick there as your bike's "full" mark. BTW, my bike would only get blow-by when I really got on the throttle, or ran it at freeway speeds. So do this as a test before you add more oil.

 

+1
Every Harley has its own flavor, just do not over fill. If you live in cooler climates, you could run more to the bottom of the acceptable range. Warmer climates can run more to the top.