I was riding down the freeway recently and heard a noise. I wear foam ear plugs so it took a few. It slowly got a little louder as time went on (about 4 miles). I then noticed it was based on rpm and sounding like lifters tapping. I stopped at the gas station and turns out, I was almost dry on oil. It took almost 3 qts!!!!!!! It only hold 3.5 anyway!! So, here's my question.....how much damage might have been done by this? I took it in for it's 10K mile service and everything was fine but needless to say, they didn't exactly pull the head, either. Last thing, the oil light never came on. The dealer said it was because there was still enough oil pressure. At almost 3 qts low?!! WTF?!!!!

 

Well these engines are dry sump so it only keeps in the crank what it needs. The rest is extra oil that is circulated. I would still be worried with 5 quarts down though. Cut open the oil filter and see how many metal shavings are in there. You could have gotten lucky and done no damage or your motor may be done for.

 

Do you remember checking your oil b4 you took off riding? When was the last time you checked the oil b4 you heard the noise? Any puddles of oil where you parked? Did you lose it while riding? Do you do your oil changes or do you have the dealer do it? Something doesn't add up.

 

If you are wet sumping the oil could be in the engine. You might want to PM Shovelhead Bob.

 

To answer the question, no i didn't check the oil just before riding. I have about 10K on the bike and the services are done by the dealer. When it started, I didn't hear the noise. So, as a follow up, there is a slow leak at the shift shaft behind the primary cover. The dealer that services it pointed it out but it's so slow it doesn't even leave a drip on the ground. So, I'll definitely have them show me the filter/old oil next change. Thanks guys!!

 

there is a service bulletin about valve guides or something along that line. I used some oil, about all of it. The dealer checked the plugs, said i was burning it. ask about this.

 

Does the engine make noise now with the correct amount of oil?Does it seem to not have power?Smoke?
Anyway there has to be a problem with it if it was that low on oil unless the dealer did not fill it correctly.
Its a good idea to check the oil yourself.
As long as there is enough oil in the sump for the pick up tube to pull in there will be oil pressure.