I have about 7,000 miles on my XL1200R and since the 5,000 service the oil appears to be right where I filled it to back then. I'm still using 20w-50w dino oil but most of my riding is in the 45-55 mph area - I hate the slabs!

 

I have an 04 1200 R It takes 3 1/2 quarts to fill it. I would bet that the dealer only put 3 qts in it. Ride Safe Doug

 

I don't run the insterstate that often but have not used a drop since the bike was new. 3500 miles on bike.

Tom

 

Thanks for all the replies - much appreciated.
At this point I am leaning towards it must have been low before we left.

For what it's worth it has Rush pipes but no other mods, averaged between 40 to 50 MPG on the trip.
Fighting a head wind she would hit the magic gas light at around 135 miles, without the wind - 151 miles. This was 98% interstate between 70-75 MPH.

 

That's not bad mileage for those speeds...

 

The Service manual for 04-06 (Clymer) instrucs to only add oil if it is below the fill line when checking warm. Specifically not to top it off. I guess if you know you are losing oil, youmight want to bring it to full. I put 3Qt in mineat the last (my 1st) change which brought it to 1/2 qt low after a minute of running. 2500 miles later- still 1/2 qt low. Probably si a good idea to check the level before a long trip, but just note the level assuming above the fill line. I have seen several posts whose oil use was cured by leaving it closer to the fill line - seems some just do not like to be full.

 

The owners manualstates the oil capacity is 3.6 quarts. What it doesn't say, isthat quantity is for a "new" empty motor. Because it is a dry sump motor, draining the oil and replacing the filter will leave about 1/2 a quart of oil in the system. It should not take more than 3 quarts total, including the 4oz that goes into the filter before installation.Unless, you purged the system.

There's been lots of posts here from people who wound up with a big oil puddle on the garage floor, trying to put 3.5 quarts back into the tank.

 

on my 06 lo i never added oil 6000 now, i read on the xl forum be sure to rev the engine every run after the first 100 easy miles,i did only in first and second gear to the rev limiter, changer at 800,1500, and 5000 ,went amsoil then,drained hotttt, just after a ride, put in 3 qts and a filter each time,oil level never changed,its at halfway to add and never moves

 

Zero - Zilch - Nit Noi

 

I guess since you really did not check your oil before you left you have no point of reference.I change my oil every 3,000 miles. I usally have close to the 3 quartsI started with.I ride mostly highway and usally drive at 70-75 miles an hour. I guess the seat thing is relative. Thereare days when it sucks, and days when it doesn't. I think age does play into it. I have also read it takes 20,000 miles to break a seat in.Mine seemed to fall into this. My words of advise: check your tire pressure every day and also your oil.