is oil level supposed to be 1/2" above full????

All my bikes I think are supposed to be on their centerstand when checking oil level.

yes thats correct - on my 2007 there are a set of marks on the back side for sidecar or trike that are both 1/2" or so higher than the solo settings

all hd's have the engine oil checked on the side stand - so for sidecar use you have to use a different reading.

the odd part is that the transmission and the primary are checked level - but then its usually on a jack for service when those two are done.

to

Would someone explain why it should be 1/2 inch higher with a sidecar, makes no sense to me.

Originally written by Shadow1100T on 4/28/2009 12:23 AM

Would someone explain why it should be 1/2 inch higher with a sidecar, makes no sense to me.

Harleys don't have a center stand, when the bike is on the sidestand the oil level is lower on the dipstick because the dipstick is on the right side of the bike. When the bike (oil reservoir) is brought up to level as it would be with a sidecar or trike application the level rises on the dipstick.

Got it,,Thank You,,,,Thank God I learned sumton new today,,,sposta do that every day ya know 🙂

OK,..thanks guy's, I appreciate the respose.

YES... your best friend told you so , then he showed you in the book, what more do you need ?

just changed my oil & realised the reverse is true if you own a shovelhead the tank is on the left so when the bike is upright the oil level appears to drop & as the level is to the base of the filler neck with the bike on the side stand if you do that when the bike is upright you get an awfull mess on the garage floor when you run the bike up. ( knowledge through experiance ) Hank

With the Harleys you have three oil levels to consider.
1- Oil bag (if equipped) or motor oil level.
2- Transmission oil level.
3- Primary case oil level (if wet clutch equipped).

I use Amsoil 20/50 synthetic in all three.

Best to do it by the book.

Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars