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So I changed the oil on my 84 450 Nighthawk last night and my Clymers tells me that the motor wants 2.5 litres of oil. I gave it 2.5 litres and then ran the bike for a minute or so. The oil level on the dipstick only registers to the midpoint on the cross hatched oil level indicator. Is this and indication of a rebuilt motor? Should I add more oil?

I should also point out that I checked immediatley after changing the oil and again this mornin' with the idea that more oil may have drained down from the top end of the motor. I followed the book's instructions for checking oil, with the dip stick unscrewed and resting on the top of the fill hole. Kinda curious about what to do. Thanks all.

Was that with, or without, the filter change? It's possible that you are checking the spec for not having changed the filter. A fresh filter will require more oil.

My $.02 - If it's in the marks, it's good to go.

Good call. The book states to change the filter after every other oil change, but I change it everytime. I'll have to double check that in the morning when I get home. I do believe I'll add a bit more to bring the oil level up closer to full. It's an old, high mileage engine, probably its a little loose.

Did you give the oil 10 minutes or so to settle after you turned off the engine before you checked the level?

Yep. I checked after the oil change and again after I woke up this afternoon(nightshift this week). No difference.

On "most" bikes you are supposed to check the oil when it is hot.

I assume the same is true for your bike.

Ride it for 20 minutes, then check it.

Will do, when I get home in the morning after nightshift.

Also check that bike is properly positioned. Is bike on level ground? With most bikes oil is checked on center stand or holding bike upright not on side stand. Also check manual, some bikes say to check hot very few with cold motor. (many bikes with oil tanks will fill up crankcase and appear empty if checked cold especially after sitting for a long time) Most will say to wait a period of time after turning off motor (usually between 10 and 30 min.) but some say to check immediately after turning off.

Also with older HDs you can add an extra quart capacity by throwing away stock in tank filter, and replace with a spinon and an oil cooler)

So when I got home this morning, I took the bike out for a rip. Checked the oil after the bike was warm, the oil level was poifect! Thanks for the tips, everyone. Wanted to ride in for tonight's shift, but, alas rain is called for, all week in fact. Boo, rain. Good for my lawn and garden, but not my bikes.

Yeah, checking when the oil is hot is key. I almost over-filled my harley as a result of that.

I'm sure your bike would do fine in the rain.