I am getting a 2001 Sportster 1200 with 3000 miles and want to change the gear oil in it, I am aware of how to change the engine oil and filter. I need some info on this, I would like to find out where the fill and drain plugs are for the gear case and how much oil it holds. What is the recommended oil? I read to use 75/90 gear oil. Can someone help out with this and possibly have some pics on this? I will get me a manual once I have the bike.

 

Not sure if it's the same for a 2001, but on my '06 there's a drain plug on the bottom of the engine. Dump out all the oil. Open the primary inspection cover, put in a quart of Mobil 75/90. Anyway, that's what I've been doing.

 

Thanks for the Info, I will pick me up a owners manual and look it up more, I am getting the Bike used but in like new shape, I like to change the oil out as I don't know what is in there or when the last time it was changed. I am not sure what Harley calls for on the service intervals but will have to find all of this out. I like to know that the oil change is done and what is in there and like to do most of my own maintenance as much as possible.

 

I have an 02 and the drain plug is direcly below the clutch inspection cover. As posted above, drain your oil and remove the cover to refill. You may want to pick up a new o ring for the cover.

 

The drain plug is on the bottom of the primary straight below the derby cover it's 5/8's wrench size. Just pull the plug to drain, you need to remove the derby cover to refill the primary/transmission you don't need a new o-ring I've had Sportsters foryears and never needed a new o-ring, you do need a quart of either HarleySport Trans(worst choice), Harley 20-50 Syn (better choice), or if you want something good in there put in some Amsoil 20-50 motorcycle oil.
Do not just dump in a quart it doesn't hold a quart it holds 28oz's at best when you put to much in your year bike it makes it shift hard and it a real bitch trying to fine neutral.
Do not put 75-90 in youryear that's for 04 and newer bikes.

 

This is what I do.Ride for about 20 or 30 min.Take out the drain plug.Pour the gear oil into a quart plastic oil bottle that has the markings in ozs 4,8,12,16 etc.Then put the same amount back into the bike.It should be about 24 to 26 ozs.It's never overfilled or underfilled.