2003 Sportster 883 Custom. I noticed that the oil container wasn't getting as hot as last year. Sure enough it was low on oil. It was within the norms early in the spring and now about 1200 miles later, it was down a full quart.

There's no leaks; I made sure it's all good: Oil leak

I don't suppose that's normal, or is it?

And no, I don't know the real mileage on this bike as the spedo was replaced just before I bought it.

I'm already on the look out for an upgrade... My next ride

Thoughts?

 

What do your spark plugs look like? Can you take a compression test? Make sure the throttle is open and vacuum piston raised.
You did check the oil level right after you rode? When the maximum oil would be back in the tank? It does drain back down over time, some bikes more than others.

I'd suggest an oil change so you know exactly what you put in, and then check oil levels after that. Or, maybe you already have that information.

For example, my 2000 Ford Ranger has 240K miles on the clock, and only used 12 ounces of oil after driving to the Eastern Sierra and Wyoming and back recently, almost 3000 miles total. If you're burning one quart in 1000 miles, that seems quite excessive. Perhaps oil drains back into the crankcase on your bike more quickly than others, and you're getting a false measurement?

I don't think I can recall any posts on this forum dealing with excessive oil consumption, unless its a leak. Especially not one quart per 1000 miles.

John

 

Hmm, I checked it the next day before my next trip. It was certainly low,. Maybe not a full quart if took the wrong measurement

 

Check with a dealer about oil consumption because from memory someone else thought their bike was using a lot of oil only to be told it was within expected limits.

In future don't leave it so long before checking the oil.

 

It's possible it drained down a quart overnight. All Sportsters seem to be different. My 33 year old bike barely leaks down over several weeks, but I always check it hot after a ride.

John

 

Are you checking the oil level the correct way?

From the owner's manual:

92 CHECKING OIL LEVEL

CAUTION
Oil level cannot be accurately measured on a cold engine. For pre-ride inspection, with motorcycle upright and level, oil should register on dipstick when engine is cold. Do not add oil to bring the level to the FULL mark on a COLD engine. For filler cap/dipstick location, see Figure 34.

94 Oil Level HOT
Check Perform engine oil level HOT CHECK as follows:
1.Ride motorcycle until engine is at normal operating temperature.
2.With the vehicle upright on level ground, allow engine to idle for 1-2 minutes. Turn engine off.
3.See Figure 34. Remove the filler cap/dipstick by pulling steadily on the filler cap/dipstick while moving it back and forth. Wipe off dipstick.
4.Insert filer cap/dipstick back into the oil tank with the filler cap/dipstick pushed completely into the filler neck.
5.See Figure 35. Note the level of the oil. Add only enoughoil to bring the level to the FULL mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.

•Use only recommended oil specified in ENGINE LUBRI-CATION section. Refer to Table 15.

NOTE The motorcycle should be upright and level when checking oil level.


https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....db5db1c5!!3!91

 

"NOTE: The motorcycle should be upright and level when checking oil level."

It's pretty awkward trying to hold the bike upright, pull, and look at the dipstick. At least doing it by yourself, when I tried the factory method. I just factor in the bit of lean over on the kickstand, which should make the oil level just slightly lower on the stick than if held upright. As long as you're between the marks, you should be fine. I run my oil on low side, rather than topped up to the upper mark. That's also supposed to lessen oil discharge from the breathers, but IMO the jury is still out on that one.

John

 

A whole quart does sound excessive to me. I ride a 30 year old Evo Dyna and it uses about 3-4 ounces of oil every 3000-3500 miles.

As Coolbreeze asked above- are you sure you're checking the oil properly?

 

In 2008 the FSM has - Position motorcycle so that it is leaning on jiffy stand on level ground.

This must have been in place for many years before I would think?

 

I'm not sure when they started that new method, but my 1991 manual says to use the "upright method", but I use your method instead. Much simpler. A few ounces here or there is nothing, as long as you don't overfill.

John