Just bought my first HD, 2004 Sportster 883 Custom. Need some help as I'm new to Harley Davidson and the bike did not come with and owners manual. How do I check the oil on this bike?, Jiffy stand or straight up at 90 degrees.

Also how often do I check oil and whats the best way to get dipstick out after you pop the cap up?

I'm assuming you add oil in the same place as the dipstick.

Thanks for any advice.

 

oh oh ... welcome on board JL

 

Thanks...rode a rice burner years back...always wanted a Harley.

 

Position motorcycle so that it is leaning on jiffy stand on level ground.

 

The oil level should always be checked when the motor is still hot/warm. Checking and adding oil after the bike has been sitting will result in an over filled tank.
When checked with the bike on the jiffy stand, add oil up to about half way between the ADD and FULL marks on the dipstick. After doing so, if you check the oil again with the bike in the upright (normal riding) position, you'll find the level on the dipstick will read between 3/4 and Full.
Running the bike with the oil level at the Full mark usually results in oil being puked out of the breathers and into the air filter can.

 

First buy a manual

 

Except ignore what it says in the manual about how much oil to put in because it's wrong. It states 3.6 quarts, should be 2.8

 

really only 2.8?
i bought my 04 manual online for $25. I do suggest you get one

 

Yeah thats about right. I put a quart in my trans, then 2 full quarts. Then rode around checked it again and added almost a full quart. It was perfect.

 

Yep, the 3.6 quarts listed in the Owners Manuals up until around 08?, is for a factory new, DRY motor.
An oil change should only take about 2.75 quarts, depending on the size (capacity) of your oil filter and how high you run your oil level on the dipstick.