I'm new to the bike world but picked up my first Sportster a couple months back. The guy said that it has been through two oil changes with only 2,500 miles so being a dumb***, I took his word for it. Put about 500 miles on the bike and it hit the 3,000 mile mark (it's first scheduled oil change). So, I checked the oil and it didn't even hit the stick! There was oil in the tank, but it was LOW. I obviously immediately changed it out and as assumed, the oil was super dark. I was never hard on it when I ran it and I don't believe he did either. No leaks before, no leaks after the change.

My question is 1) What could the damage be? and 2) Is there anything aside from regular oil changes that I should do from here?

 

Your fine, if its not making more than the usually motor noises (and they make plenty).

The best thing you can do is buy the service manual for your year and make bike. Its a good read.

OH, and ride the hell out of it.




.

 

I would suggest the service manual. IMO I would change the oil again in a 1000mls.
Check it often if not after every ride. and see were you are from there. PS: what year bike?

 

It's going to burn oil. My Sporty was notorious for burning oil, i remember feeling the same way when i realized it. I would make it a point to check the level every couple hundred miles until you get an idea of how much she burns.

 

Yup, i always need to add a little oil between changes.

 

Thanks for the posts. I'm usually on top of this stuff and I agree, I definitely need a manual. In regards to the noises, I have no idea - I came off of a CBR600 so this thing is noisey as hell to me lol. I'll have an experienced Harley rider jump on it and see what they think. I'll probably have Harley do a complete lookover/tuneup at the end of the season.

Also, it's a 2005. I'll have some pictures posted on the main thread after I get finished up with the add-ons. Loving it so far, just want to treat it right (or at least start checking the oil lol).

 

You have a "dry sump" motorcycle, ( no oil stored in the crankcase.)

That's why you have an oil tank. Your bike is fully lubricated with as little as quart of oil in the system because of the dry sump.

The 3 to 4 quarts normally carried in the bike are there primarily for cooling purposes. (Our bikes a technically oil/air cooled motors.)

In other words, don't sweat it. You couldn't have hurt it unless you overheated it. ( And I doubt you did that!)

 

A late congrats on the bike, I just helped my son pick out a '02 Sportster with a bit over 4,000 miles so he can ride with me when I am on my '05 model old man bagger. Now how about those pics???

 

you should have nothing to worry about... sportsters have dry sump motors, all dry sump systems burn more oil thean the wet systems.

 

My sporty is 12 yrs old and does not burn a drop of oil.