possibly the dumbest question ever posted. did my first oil change over the week-end. rode a bit, then drained oil. quite sure it all drained out. put in 4 qts like the manual said and now it reads way high both cold and hot. drained a little out so now it reads about half in between cold and to the top when hot. if anyone understands what the hell i'm talking about, i could use some advice. man it sucks being stupid.

The manual's wrong. I believe it says that oil capacity is 4.8 quarts and to replace 4 quarts. There's going to be oil in the engine that you can't get out of about a quart. I don't remember the exact numbers, but my first oil change was a huge mess and a debacle. I ended up pulling out about 1/2 a quart from the bottom.

Speedy

3 quarts in the engine 28 ounces in the primary is usually a pretty good goal to shoot for.

Gary

possibly the dumbest question ever posted. did my first oil change over the week-end. rode a bit, then drained oil. quite sure it all drained out. put in 4 qts like the manual said and now it reads way high both cold and hot. drained a little out so now it reads about half in between cold and to the top when hot. if anyone understands what the hell i'm talking about, i could use some advice. man it sucks being stupid.

What year is your bike? My 1980 IronHead takes 4 quarts. My 1998 Evo takes 3 quarts. Each bike takes the full amount at each oil change.

The only stupid question is the one that does not get asked.

possibly the dumbest question ever posted. did my first oil change over the week-end. rode a bit, then drained oil. quite sure it all drained out. put in 4 qts like the manual said and now it reads way high both cold and hot. drained a little out so now it reads about half in between cold and to the top when hot. if anyone understands what the hell i'm talking about, i could use some advice. man it sucks being stupid.

I run mine at halfway cold and it just about reaches the top mark when hot. I put in 3 qts when changing the filter. I think the book calls for 3.6 qts but mine is way too full if I add that much. 2004 1200

IronMick, it's an 04 1200R. rider1951, i drained some out and it's about where you say yours is. i flipped when i was putting in the 4th quart and damn near over-filled. maybe 2 too many beers also. thanx everyone. i guess i need to pay more attention.

possibly the dumbest question ever posted.

That's what we're all here for. The only dumb question is the one not asked. It's kewl!

did my first oil change today on my 05 1200c thanks to this thread and the how to change you oil vidio I walked up and changed the oil like I had done it many times before.
Thanks guys.

Been there, done that. My '04 Custom is supposed to take 3.6 quarts according to manual. Way too much. As someone else stated, 28-30 oz. in the tranny and 3 quarts in the engine. After 4 oil changes..... it's proven to be just the right amount.