Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight - Owner's Manual > Checking and Adding Oil

Removing and Replacing Oil Filler Cap

1. Park the motorcycle on level ground.

2. See Filler Cap Location. Remove the filler cap from the oil tank.

1. Press straight down on the filler cap and release. The cap will pop up.
2. Pull up on the filler cap while turning counterclockwise one-quarter turn as if removing the filler cap.

3. Wipe dipstick clean.

NOTE: See Filler Cap Slots. Align tabs on oil tank filler neck to slots (1, 2) on dipstick.

4. Install the dipstick into the tank.

1. Turn the filler cap clockwise one-quarter turn as if screwing the filler cap into tank. When the filler cap stops turning, it is seated.
2. Press down on the filler cap until it snaps in place, flush with the top of the oil tank cover.

Filler Cap Location

Filler Cap Slots

1. Wide slot
2. Narrow slot

Oil Level Cold Check

NOTES:

• Check engine oil level at each complete fuel refill.
• An accurate engine oil check can only be made with the engine at operating temperature (Hot Check).

1. Park the motorcycle on level ground.

2. Remove the filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean. Install the oil filler cap in tank.

3. Remove oil filler cap again and visually check for oil in the tank.

4. If oil is not visible in the tank, install the filler cap.

NOTE: If the oil pressure lamp stays lit after starting engine, immediately shut off the engine.

5. Start and idle the engine for 30 seconds. Stop the engine.

6. Remove oil filler cap and visually check for oil in the tank.

Do not overfill oil. Doing so can result in oil carryover to the air cleaner leading to equipment damage and/or equipment malfunction.

NOTE: Use only recommended oil. Recommended viscosity depends upon ambient temperature. Refer to Recommended Engine Oils.

7. If there is no oil visible in the tank, add oil until it is present on the bottom of the dipstick.

8. When oil is present on the bottom of the dipstick, perform a hot check.

Oil Level Hot Check

1. Run the engine until the engine oil is at operating temperature.

2. Idle the motorcycle on the jiffy stand for one to two minutes. Turn off engine.

3. Park the motorcycle on level ground.

4. Remove the filler cap. Wipe dipstick clean. Install the filler cap in the tank.

Do not allow hot oil level to fall below Add/Fill mark on dipstick. Doing so can result in equipment damage and/or equipment malfunction.

Do not overfill oil. Doing so can result in oil carryover to the air cleaner leading to equipment damage and/or equipment malfunction.

NOTES:

• Use only recommended oil. Recommended viscosity depends upon ambient temperature. Refer to Recommended Engine Oils.
• The oil tank has a built-in pressure relief valve. If the oil tank is overfilled, excessive pressure is created in the oil tank. The pressure relief valve opens to relieve the pressure and prevent damage to the oil tank. Excessive oil due to overfilling is forced out the pressure relief valve when it opens.

5. See Dipstick. Remove the filler cap. Check engine oil level.

1. Below the lower mark: Add only enough oil until the level reads between the upper and lower marks.
2. Between the upper and lower marks: It is safe to operate the motorcycle.
3. Above the upper mark: Drain the oil until the level reads between the upper and lower marks.

6. Install the filler cap.

7. If oil was added, remove the filler cap to verify the engine oil level in the oil tank. Do not fill oil tank to a level above upper mark on the dipstick.

Install the filler cap.

Dipstick

1. Lower mark (FILL)
2. Upper mark (FULL)

See also: