Checking Oil and Other Fluids on Your Harley

How to Check Transmission Oil

This must be performed with the motorcycle switched off after achieving full operating temperature.

The transmission oil is checked with the motorcycle on a level surface and on the kickstand.

Wipe off the dipstick/fill plug and thread it into the transmission case until the O-ring lightly contacts the case, but do not tighten.

Now, remove the dipstick/fill plug and view the oil level. The transmission oil level is correct when between the Add and Full marks on the dipstick.

How to Check Engine Oil

Checking oil on Harley is similar however there is the option to check the oil level on the kickstand or with the vehicle upright.

Again, start with the motorcycle already warm. Remove the dipstick/fill plug and wipe it off.

Thread the fill plug into the engine case until seated, then remove to read the current oil level. If the oil level is at or below ADD QT mark, add only enough oil to bring the level to the FULL HOT mark.

If the engine oil is ever overfilled, it is of utmost importance that the excess oil is drained or drawn out of the oil compartment before riding.

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