Yup. The entire system holds 4.5 qt. Since not all drains out when you pull the plug, the APPROX. amount needed to get it back to capacity is 4.0 qt. The manual says these levels are approximate because there are several factors that contribute to differing amounts of oil to evacuate when draining (oil temp, bike position, etc.).

Whether it's a car or bike, I always fill about half a quart low and use the dipstick to tell me how much more is needed.

 

Same here. I just did my first oil change a couple of weeks ago.

 

they hold 5.2 quarts

 

I stand corrected.

 

Dang it. I wish I would have read this earlier. I put 4.5 quarts in and it read full cold. I ran the bike hot and checked again this morning and it said full cold. What should I do to get some out or should I still just run it. My manual is not updated because it says 4.5 initial fill also.

 

turkey baster removal until you're 1/2 way on the dipstick Cold reading..Harley is explicitly clear on this in the manual and you just don't want that much pressure building up and puking thru the breathers..I've found that a proper drain and 4.25 qts fill get me close to Full HOT

 

Ok that sounds simple enough. Darn it anyways. Thanks

 

Yup. Run your bike for about 3-5 mins until it's nice and warm (or take it for a quick 5 min spin around the block) then use a turkey baster to remove enough oil to bring it just below the 'hot full" mark on your stick.

Done.

 

if it's Full Cold now I'd suggest removing some before riding it then it will be fine on the Hot check providing he gets the oil at operating temperature which may take more than 5 minutes..just my .02...don't continue to run it over filled

 

Maybe I missed it, is it full on the hot mark or the cold mark? My understanding was he only added about .25 of a qt more than required.