i know you are supposed to check the oil level when hot, but was wondering if anyone new where if at all on the dipstick it should be when cold, as it can be a pain in the backside having to get up to running temp just to check it?

 

At your next oil change make your own mark on the dipstick after it has cooled down after the oil change. Then you will have your reference for a cold check.

 

What if there isn't any oil in the engine? Always check your engine oil level cold. If it's okay cold, it'll be okay hot.

 

I second that. I check mine when I fill up for gas and on the weekend when I wash it. Best to check more than you have to than to hear the sound of the engine seizing, many tears and dollars.

 

Air coole engines are more prone to burn oil than liquid cooled, so keep on top of it. ;-)

 

You are suppose to check it hot because Sportsters have a high mount oil bag and they will drain oil back into the crankcase when not running and it just depends on how long he bike has set as to how much oil has drained back. So you have to at least start the engine for a minute or two to get an accurate reading.

 

This is out of my 05 sportster service manual:

Checking Oil With Cold Engine
1. Position motorcycle so that it is leaning on jiffy stand.
2. Remove filler cap. See Removing and Replacing Oil
Filler Cap above. Wipe attached dipstick clean. Reinstall
oil filler cap in tank.
3. Remove oil filler cap again and check oil level on dipstick.
See Figure 1-3. Dipstick has two marks. If oil level is at or
below lower mark (2), add only enough oil to bring the
level to a point between the two arrows on the dipstick.
Replace filler cap

 

+1....i've had several people tell me the exact same thing.

 

I've heard people say things like this for years. No engine manufacturer recommends starting the engine before checking the oil.

 

I just had a situation where I was fooled by my wife's bike. Do run it for a few min before checking or you will have a mess all over your right leg. (Luckily I didn't ride her bike.) Plus the newer plastic tanks like to split at the seam since the cap locks into place now.