It will vary by how much actually gets drained. Not everyone drains to the last drip. On rubber-mounted SPORTSTERS I average 2.5 quarts to get the oil halfway between the full and add mark. However, sometimes I put in more and sometimes less. The point being, most people don't put in a certain amount of oil and then call it a day (without riding and then checking the level again). You could, but...

I usually add 2 quarts. Ride the bike a short distance, come back and check the level. Usually as stated, I have to add .5 quarts then. Why do most Sportster riders fill to only half-way between the low and full mark? Experience has shown that more oil will usually cause blow-by into the air filter and oil will drip out and into the carb/throttle body and I also believe that a full oil level contributes to rocker gasket leaks (myself). However, if you are filling to the hot full line and not experiencing oil blow-by then go ahead and fill to the full mark. My two rubber-mounted sportsters, would blow oil if I went to the full mark.

 

I will change oil when it is hot, at the same place in the garage with the bike at the same angle. I will let the bike drain for the same amount of time every time. If that don't give me the correct amount of oil to put back in them there is some witchcraft going on. And I have been changing oil in vehicles and cars since 1960.

 

Then you answered your own question, you should be putting the exact same amount in each time...for me...2.5 quarts is "usually it"...

 

I havn't answered the question yet. The oil was changed at the dealer the first time at the 1000 mile service. I am comming up on the 2nd oil change which I will do. I was just wondering what every one else had already found out to save me some time but I guess that was too tough a question. I'm sorry I even asked it. I will find out when I do my 1st oil change. Sorry for any confufion.

 

Just remember, its a hell of a lot easier to add some more oil, than it is to remove it if you use too much.

You've been given sound advice here by people that have been doing it for years, but its your bike, do it anyway you want.

.

 

I'm sorry...I thought you had changed your oil before...my misunderstanding. I missed that this would be the first time on your new bike....so you should know...my bad.

Anyway, I would assumed 2.5 quarts is the norm for most. The key is to put in less (around 2 qts) the first time. Ride the bike, get it warm and then add more oil. That will give you your baseline from then on. I have
put up to 2.8 quarts though on a couple of occasions. Depends on if I change the oil while it is straight up and down (on a lift) or on the side stand. I don't always change it when it is warm (sometimes just cold), so for me it will vary some, but 2.5 quarts is the average for me on the side stand when the oil is warm.

 

I have been putting 4qts in mine. Are you guys draining from the tube and the plug underneath? There are 2 connected sumps in a Sportster (tranny and engine) and only draining one hole does not change all of the oil. At then end of a change I will let a little oil out of the tube to clear any air and then good to go. I tried putting in only 3 but it wasn't even up to the dipstick.

/2012 1200c
/maybe I am crazy?

 

Ummmmm.............no. Ill just leave it at that

 

Corrected it for you.
The primary/tranny is 1 sump and takes 1 quart.
The motor is a separate sump and takes around 2.75 quarts.

 

well heck , you could have done that at the beginning instead of giving everyone a chance to tell you "how I do it !"


But what would the posters do without asking the 100,004th oil question,
and getting to "keyboard "