How do i check the primary oil level on a 2006 sportster roadster?
Sorry for the dumb question but i replaced the derby and lost some oil,
Thanks Rich

 

Get the bike level and its full when the oil comes out the derby cover, just under the clutch nut. OR just put a whole bottle in the inspection hole if you drained out the old.

PM me about the service manual.

 

That's way too much oil....You fill it until it just reaches the bottom of the clutch...Do not fill it until it comes out or your derby cover or your clutch will slip like crazy.

 

+1 on the above!

Ok, you are going to buy primary fluid any way, so let's do this right the first time.

Go get you 1 qt of the primary fluid of your choice....Just one qt.

Place scoot on sidestand and drain all the fluid out of the primary......don't bother to look to see how much you drained cause it had too much in it already.

Pull derby or primary chain inspection cover....Carefully pour in that new qt of fluid....reinstall cover.....It's over-you are done.

Lesson learned: If your scoot is sitting on the sidestand on relatively level ground, then no fluid should leak out when you pull the derby cover....If it does, then it had way too much in there.....1 Qt is all it takes-no more than that.

 

32 oz's of oil in the primary/transmission. That is full.

 

Yep...both the owners manual and factory service manual are confusing to lots of guys....the manuals describe a visual level and should simply state that it takes 1 full qt.....This causes confusion because guys then don't know if the visual level is on the stand or straight up....HD tech writers should keep it simple and just state 1 qt.

 

Just drain out the old fluid and install 1 quart of 'whatever' through the primary inspection cover.

No need to remove the derby cover.

For what it's worth, myself and most of the guys I know that own Sportsters use API GL-5 rated Mobil 1 75w90 Gear Lube in the combination primary/tranny. I don't use regular 'motor oil' in the manual transmissions on my cars and trucks, and I also don't use it in the manual transmissions on my Harleys.

Before you say that 75W90 is too 'thick' just remember that the viscosity of motor oils and gear lubes are calculated differently. A 75W90 gear lube has about the same thickness (viscosity) as a 20W50 motor oil. Many gear lubes (such as Mobil 1 75W90) have a low enough moly content that you won't have to worry about possible wet clutch issues down the road.

 

First thing I did (by mistake) was drain the primary fluid instead of the engine oil! One quart was all I needed to make thingsrightagain, according to my indy guy. I have stuck to that and no problems.

 

Thanks gang, again you all come through for me.
I will go with the 1 quart 75/90 mobil 1,
is this ok for winter riding in Colo. short trips only.
Rich

 

Believe it or not you can use regular engine oil or even ATF that is rated for wet clutches providing it meets the specs listed in your owners manual.