Adding oil for the first time to a 2008 883L (I know nothing about bikes mechanically). I bought valvoline 20w50 motor oil is that ok to top it off with? Also it says to check it warm, how long should I let it warm up before checking. Thanks in advance,
Rob

 

If it is not specifically for motorcycles? I would'nt use it. JMO....

 

By the time you get to the harley dealership to buy the right oil, it will be warm enough.

 

I'm not really familiar with that Valvoline oil, but I doubt it is adequate. You don't have to go to the harley dealer for oil though, as a matter of fact, Harley oil is probably the worst oil that's ever been in my bike.

The owners manual gives the certain specifications needed. If you are just topping off the oil, the harley oil should be fine. Be careful not to overfill. Don't fill it up to the full mark. It will puke out oil from the air cleaner if you do that.

Good level to run is about a third of the way up from the ad mark on the dipstick.

 

Don't need to mix oil If you can find out what is in it If not I would change it to be sure

 

You shouldn't use car oil in your Harley and there is something wrong if you are having to add oil to a new bike.
You also spelled potentially wrong also!!

 

 

That made me laugh.

 

As far as oil goes, you can run car oil if you want. I have run Mobil-1 15w-50 for a long time with no problems. I see no reason to pay 12 bucks a quart for the words "V-Twin" written on the bottle.

 

The Valvoline 20-50 will be fine if you're just topping it off. Hell, I've topped mine off before with Quaker State 10W30, and never had an issue. As far as warm up, just do the normal pre-ride warm up, head down the road a couple miles and pull over to check it, or go around the block a few times & then check it.