I changed my oil and primary oil last weekend. I rode it around for about 30 mins prior to warm it up, drained it filter bla, bla, bla. when i went to put the fresh oil in it would only hold about 2 1/2 qts. Figured okay, gotta cycle oil through the system. started it, let it run for a minute or 2, checked again and it read tween the lines. okay, today I want to ride so I checked the oil (cold), it read just below the low mark so I added almost all of the left over 3rd qt, brought it up to middle tween L and F. rode for about an hour and checked oil again when I got homeand it read at the full line. My concern is the book says it holds just over 3 qts, am I missing something????? I do the oil thing on both my cars and didnt think it would be any different, oil change is an oil change...or is it?
oh, its an 06 883 at just under 5000 miles

 

my 1200 only holds about 2 and 3/4 quart. and that is in the book also

 

With out looking I think your reading the Dry capacity, meaning as if you took the bike apart cleaned it and put it back together. When you do the change you wont expell all the oil so your remove what you can and replace that but there is still some old stuff in the bike.

 

Zach got it. We talk about this one a lot. It will only accept over 3 the very first time... Being a system, oil stays in certain parts of the bike now.

 

Thanx, I just figured the oil drained back like a car, didnt even dawn on me some oil wouldnt due to the tank not being under the motor (gravity only works one way,duh). Still learning, thanks again for the help.
Scott

 

mines about 4 oz under 3 quarts

 

I would suggest you change your primary fluid too. Mine has 5600 miles and it was very dirty today when I changed it. I adjusted my clutch too, then took it on a 200 mile ride to hollywood and around the beach. It was smooth. I dropped Lucas Oil 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Oil. Pep boys $10.99. It was the first time I did it but it was a piece of cake after buying the HD Shop Book for $80. I will never again let the dealer goons touch my bike!