Harley Davidson bikes are expensive and as an owner of these bikes, you should take care properly in order to keep them in good condition.
An oil change is one of the most critical maintenance Harley Bikes requires. But If you don’t know how to check the oil levels and condition then would not be able to change it on time.
A dipstick is a tool used to check the oil levels in the motorcycle engine and In this article, we’ll let you know how to read Harley Davidson oil dipstick properly.
How To Read Harley Davidson Oil Dipstick?
The process of reading Harley Davidson oil dipstick is very easy, you just need to follow the steps below.
- Turn on the engine for at least 2 minutes until it reaches its normal operating temperature.
- Now, Turn off the engine so the oil will be level inside.
- Get the dipstick out by rotating it anti-clockwise.
- Wipe out the oil on it with a cloth and insert it back and tight by rotating clockwise.
- Now, remove it again and see the current oil levels on it.
- When the oil level reaches below ADD OT mark, add some oil to turn the level into FULL HOT.
If the oil level is low, the engine is running lean. If the oil level is high, the engine is running rich.
How Often Should I Change The Oil Of My Harley Davidson?
Well, it depends on the type of motorbike oil you are using. There are two types of oil are available in the market. Semi-synthetic oil and fully synthetic oil.
Some experts say that the semi-synthetic oil lasts between 5000 to 6000 miles before you need to change it. But the fully synthetic oil has a longer life than all other oils.
It can last between 7000 to 10000 miles before you need to change it. But it can be a little bit expensive in the pocket, but it will be beneficial for your Harley Davidson bike engine and overall performance.
Signs Of Changing Oil On A Harley Davidson
There is no doubt that the Harley Davidson bikes are not only popular due to their powerful engine, sleek appearance, and stylish body design, but also because of their superior quality, and high performance.
Here are some signs that can help you to understand the actual time to change your engine oil.
1. If the oil is dirty or looks blackish
2. The engine oil appears to be sticky
3. An engine oil has a strong smell or a bad taste.
4. If the engine is not starting after being left idle for a long period.
5. Increased oil engine sound.
6. The oil level is below the minimum mark of the dipstick
7. Glowing of warning lights.
8. Irregular oil texture.
How Much Oil Does A Harley Davidson Need?
An oil change on a Harley Davidson motorcycle is usually performed once a year. It is good to get the oil changed every three months if your bike has a lot of miles. The oil needs to be changed when it gets dirty, and when you have done too much riding on the road.
The more dirt you ride over, the more dirt will collect in the oil, and the harder it will be to clean. If you leak the engine, the oil will eventually get into the exhaust system and cause problems.
For instance, you may notice that your bike is slow when you are going uphill. This is because the oil has drained out of the bearings, which are located at the bottom of the engine. When this happens, it can cause the front wheel to slip.
A low amount of oil can cause the engine to run hot, and it will increase wear on parts. You should need about three quarts of oil to lubricate an average Harley Davidson engine.
FAQs
Conclusion
The dipstick is an indicator of engine oil quality and a check on the engine’s condition. It shows the amount of wear on the engine and the level of engine oil. The dipstick should be removed every two to three months.
It is important to keep your motorbike in good working order. Then, you need to know how to read Harley Davidson oil dipstick, because this will help you understand better the overall condition of your motorbike easily.
When you take care of your motorbike, it will last for a long time.
