I wouldn't add any oil. It should read a half qt low cold. Over filling will cause other problems when the bike does get hot.

 

LOL... Well, I'm trying not to make it complicated. But my concern isn't really how full it is but rather why isn't it showing me the different levels between hot & cold engine temps?

 

Sounds like good advice. So I guess I need to keep an eye on it when it does get hot because it's currently at less than half low when cold.

 

But wouldn't it be nice if all we had to do was add oil to the "full" mark. But it actually is more complicated because more than half low will cause blow-by and other complications when the engine reaches normal operating temperature and the oil level rises... IF the level does rise that is, hence my issue because my level ISN'T rising.

 

Sounds like your not getting it hot enough. Hot means hot, not just slightly warmed up.

 

OK, here's how you read the engine oil temp accurately on your Dyna, and this is for Dyna models right out of the Service Manual. Start your bike up, take it for a good 15 to 20 minute ride (that should get the bike to operating temp) after you shut the bike off, set bike on jiffy stand (kickstand for you non-tech types) for 3 minutes, after three minutes leaving the bike ON the jiffy stand, remove the dipstick and take the reading.
The reason for the odd reading on the Dynas is because of the oil baffle plate in the oil pan, takes and extra few minutes for the oil to go through. Hope this help and PLEASE do NOT over fill your oil!

 

Around here in the summer the bike is up to normal operating temp sitting in the parking lot

 

Yes but you gotta run the motor to circulate the oil and then do the steps I described, I had to do it AZ to get the proper reading, and some stuff in Phoenix is overheated before you start it! LOL