My experience with the Sportster motor is that it uses 1 qt. the fist 1K and .5 qt. the 2nd 1K and none between changes after that.

Be sure that you are doing everything correctly. Bike on jiffy stand on level surface. Bike hot and dipstick screwed all the way in. If it is low then, fill it up.

By the way the service manual is correct. The service guy is full of something other than oil.

 

Didn't get a manual with my S but I also did not get a street stand. Am I to check the oil while maually holding the wheel straight up? as in , sitting on it?

 

The mechanic from the shop I purchased mine from said to check it while it is standing straight up. I too thought it was low when I first checked mine. Took it back to the shop and was informed that I was doing it wrong. As far as the service manual being correct or not, I don't know. I have had mine for a little over a month now and it hasn't used a drop of oil. I ride it EVERY SINGLE DAY.

It is a very good idea to make it a habit to check your oil before you head out and if you go for any distance, check it after your ride as well.

 

I was just curious. I am not real big on changing oil.

 

Note to those that like to run a half quart low. Harley engines are not just air cooled. They are air/oil cooled. The Evo motor relied more on the oil for cooling than the fins. In the past two years HD increased the size of the fins to aid with the increased heat from the lean running to meet EPA emissions. The oil is still a major factor in heat removal. All you are doing running .5 qt. low is running the motor hotter which contributes to more wear and some power loss.

Remember the cooler an engine runs the more power it makes. A four cycle gas motor is most efficient at 160 degrees.