I check my oil (RA1250S) with the bike warm, bike on the center stand, and with a 1" block of wood under the front tire. I own the 2023; beautiful, vivid black.
Thank you. I am going to make a block of wood to place under the front wheel to a thickness that will level the bike out when on the centre stand. Too easy!
An easy eay to hold the bike upright, what I like to do is, put yout foot on the center stand, dont push down hard enough to lift, just enough to get both center stand feet down, put your knee into the side of the seat. You can comfortably hold the bike up like this with one leg for some time.
Hey Mike, i have found that if you put your bike on the center stand and place a screw jack under the bash plate you can then have the bike smack on. Place a small level under the coil pack and use jack to get bike level. Cheers from Australia
That's frustrating. So I'm going to follow neither, check my level when I get home and use the center stand to just take note where it is. And check using the kick stand. I don't have the fully adaptive ride height, but it does change depending on dampening.
I check it hot and cold so I know. I had a friend stop for gas and checked oil before going to a motel. The next morning, he started it up, but it didn't sound right, so he turned it off and checked the oil it was low by 1 1/2 quarts. No leaks, and the oil cap was not tight. So always check cold and hot You check your car cold.
Great video much more informative than the owners manual. Any information on removing the counter shaft nut? Sorry for being off topic. But I wanna change to a 18 tooth front sprocket
I find hard to see the shiny black oil against the shiny black plastic. Seems like the dipstick says UPRIGHT on one side and SIDE on the other, interesting. Wish they had just gone with a sight glass, like everyone else.
Just wondering how long after stopping engine do you wait before checking? I checked mine immediately and it was over the mark then wait 30 seconds and it’s bang on the money. I have had many bikes in my time and I love the PA but what a complete nightmare of an engine to check oil on. This should be the easiest job on the bike 😂
@@greenrush4313 they feel good so far, with the colder temperatures right now I haven’t pushed hard in corners yet. Did some gravel already and they worked well so far. Once I get more experience with them I may do a full review.
For a 22, I would check that the bike was built in February or later, that should be on the frame with the VIN. Otherwise, make sure that it has had it's starter clutch replaced. Other than that, make sure the dealer has performed the latest software updates on all the computer modules.
I thought about doing a video on it, but windshields are going to be so subjective based on your height and posture on the bike and even the helmet you wear. I still may however, if nothing else to just review my thoughts on the quality, fit etc.. In a nutshell, I like it, I wanted something shorter than stock, but the 11" HD shield was too short for me, this one fits right in between. But it's hard to really qualify that and I hate review videos that are nothing more than "yeah, I like it".
@MikesMotorbikeChannel yeah that's fair. Maybe like you say, fit/finish, quality, are the claims true about clean air and or buffetting at different set heights.
I guess I will measure it next time. This new video on checking the oil level is awesome. I was constantly rechecking my dipstick on the side stand. Thanks. @@MikesMotorbikeChannel
Overfilling the oil can lead to excess oil being sucked into the intake through the crank case ventilation, leading to deposits on the valves and burning oil, and possibly damaging the catalytic converter. Don't overfill.
I read on Facebook (don’t know if it accurate) that by placing a 1” deep block of wood under the front tyre whilst on the centre stand, you achieve the same as holding the bike upright (I’m very nervous about this proposition as it could easily fall away from you trying to do it single-handedly) what’s your thoughts and have you tried this ?
Hey had a question, i was watching one of your maintenance videos and you had a piece of paper you made to check your chain slack. Do you remember what video this was in and do you have a detail on how you made that?
I’ve made lots of things to help set chain slack. You are probably referring to one I made that was white paper spray glued onto a piece of cardboard. And I measured out and drew lines at 50mm and 60mm.
agree, would be nice to have a sight glass to make it easy. As for starting dry, all engines are going to start out with zero oil pressure until the pump starts spinning and building pressure. With the exception of some race engines that are designed to be able to prime the oil pump separately before firing up the starter.
@@MikesMotorbikeChannel Most machines aren't as loud as the PanAmericas I have heard but to a point you are right. I have installed preoilers in several machines but they weren't worth the extra weight.
Lolz, this video is rather funny, imagine taking HD this long to figure this out. You could stick a piece of wood under the stand to hold it upright, I do this on my tourers.
Yeah, I hate everything about this. Total PITA. I suspect that the underlying issue behind the updated procedure is that owners are overfilling their oil by not checking it properly. Agreed 100% on the sight glass.
If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have known about the new side stand mounting piece, and now this. Just another reason to hate my ‘21 PAS. The MoCo is absolutely ridiculous 🤡
I check my oil (RA1250S) with the bike warm, bike on the center stand, and with a 1" block of wood under the front tire.
I own the 2023; beautiful, vivid black.
Thanks for that idea. I just got a 2024 model and I tend to over maintain my vehicles. Anything to save time is nice
This seems much safer than self balancing. Thanks for the tip! 🙂
Thank you. I am going to make a block of wood to place under the front wheel to a thickness that will level the bike out when on the centre stand. Too easy!
Thanks again for another very informative to the point and professionally presented video.
You are the Man
Mike thank you. Inconsistency when taking a side stand reading has been very frustrating.
Thank you again Mike for another great informative video about our Pan America bikes 😎
Was good to chat today on FB. Thanks for the update.
Thank you Mike
An easy eay to hold the bike upright, what I like to do is, put yout foot on the center stand, dont push down hard enough to lift, just enough to get both center stand feet down, put your knee into the side of the seat. You can comfortably hold the bike up like this with one leg for some time.
Great videos! I would like to see one on how to align the forks when they get out a little.
If I ever knock them out of alignment, I’ll be sure to film the fix.
I followed your video installed 2 oz short of 4 quarts.
Finalmente qualcuno che ha chiarito la questione ...grazie 👍👍
Really appreciate the information, thanks
Hey Mike, i have found that if you put your bike on the center stand and place a screw jack under the bash plate you can then have the bike smack on. Place a small level under the coil pack and use jack to get bike level.
Cheers from Australia
That’s a good idea.
When I've the center stand, put a board under the front wheel. That will level the bike
Good job Mike.
That's frustrating.
So I'm going to follow neither, check my level when I get home and use the center stand to just take note where it is. And check using the kick stand. I don't have the fully adaptive ride height, but it does change depending on dampening.
Thanks much for the very informative video.
Great info Mike! Thank you.
Cool advice.
Great video
Can you do a short video on checking the oil cold to see if it makes any difference at all.
It does. Always check warm. Makes a large difference as oil expands when hot.
I check it hot and cold so I know.
I had a friend stop for gas and checked oil before going to a motel. The next morning, he started it up, but it didn't sound right, so he turned it off and checked the oil it was low by 1 1/2 quarts.
No leaks, and the oil cap was not tight.
So always check cold and hot
You check your car cold.
My cars specify to check the oil hot as well. Depends on the type of oil system in use.
Mike my '22 panam special has different readings on each side of the dipstick, need to be aware of that as well. From video yours does too
Yes, but HD now says the side stand markings are not accurate.
@@MikesMotorbikeChannelhow about the other side that reads for center stand is that inaccurate as well?
@@BGPD70 it is for use in the upright, level position. The center stand is not level.
How can I fix the problem with the gas pump?
2024 owners manual still says to check it on the kickstand.
Interesting, I just checked the online version of the 2024 manual and it states to check it upright.
@@MikesMotorbikeChannel Mine must have been printed before the updated service bulletin.
Great video much more informative than the owners manual. Any information on removing the counter shaft nut? Sorry for being off topic. But I wanna change to a 18 tooth front sprocket
not off hand, have not looked into that yet
Ok. Well I’ll let you how it goes🫣@@MikesMotorbikeChannel
I find hard to see the shiny black oil against the shiny black plastic.
Seems like the dipstick says UPRIGHT on one side and SIDE on the other, interesting.
Wish they had just gone with a sight glass, like everyone else.
Yes, dipstick is very difficult to read being all black. Sight glass would have been much better, or at the very least a different color dipstick.
Great info, but how in the name of all things holy did it take HD four years to figure this out!? Mind boggling…
Just wondering how long after stopping engine do you wait before checking? I checked mine immediately and it was over the mark then wait 30 seconds and it’s bang on the money.
I have had many bikes in my time and I love the PA but what a complete nightmare of an engine to check oil on. This should be the easiest job on the bike 😂
I try to check it as soon as possible. The manual says shut off the engine, then check it. No mention of waiting.
How much of a difference do you think it is? How much oil does it take to make up the difference yiu are describing? A shot glass? Half a shot glass?
Good question, I may try and figure that out during my next oil change.
Hey Mike great video. What tire are u running?
I just put Dunlop Trailmax Missions on, only a couple hundred miles on them so far.
how do they feel on road so far. Are you planning to do some gravel offroad?@@MikesMotorbikeChannel
@@greenrush4313 they feel good so far, with the colder temperatures right now I haven’t pushed hard in corners yet. Did some gravel already and they worked well so far. Once I get more experience with them I may do a full review.
Hey Mike great videos. Im thinking of buying a 2022 PA. What should I ask the dealership before buying? What should I worry about?
For a 22, I would check that the bike was built in February or later, that should be on the frame with the VIN. Otherwise, make sure that it has had it's starter clutch replaced. Other than that, make sure the dealer has performed the latest software updates on all the computer modules.
I'm still confused? On the kickstand, it shows overfilled, but upright it shows very low oil.
Checking hot?
@@MikesMotorbikeChannel Definitely! I always check it while riding. Always around 200°F
Notice you're running the v stream windshield. Opinions and/or video about it? Been checking em out
I thought about doing a video on it, but windshields are going to be so subjective based on your height and posture on the bike and even the helmet you wear. I still may however, if nothing else to just review my thoughts on the quality, fit etc..
In a nutshell, I like it, I wanted something shorter than stock, but the 11" HD shield was too short for me, this one fits right in between. But it's hard to really qualify that and I hate review videos that are nothing more than "yeah, I like it".
@MikesMotorbikeChannel yeah that's fair. Maybe like you say, fit/finish, quality, are the claims true about clean air and or buffetting at different set heights.
I have a Condor pit stop chock, would using that be acceptable to check the oil level? It does raise the front wheel some
How much? My harbor freight wheel chock lifts the front end maybe 1/2”. Not much.
I guess I will measure it next time. This new video on checking the oil level is awesome. I was constantly rechecking my dipstick on the side stand. Thanks. @@MikesMotorbikeChannel
Would there be an issue if checked oil always on kickstand max leaned over?
Basically, overfilling oil.
Overfilling the oil can lead to excess oil being sucked into the intake through the crank case ventilation, leading to deposits on the valves and burning oil, and possibly damaging the catalytic converter. Don't overfill.
I read on Facebook (don’t know if it accurate) that by placing a 1” deep block of wood under the front tyre whilst on the centre stand, you achieve the same as holding the bike upright (I’m very nervous about this proposition as it could easily fall away from you trying to do it single-handedly) what’s your thoughts and have you tried this ?
Yes, a 1” board under the front tire while on the center stand gets the bike level as well.
Thanks so much for this…much appreciated !
OFF TOPIC QUESTION! What kind of tires do you have? Are they any good? I noticed a different tread on your tires and am curious about them.🤔
Dunlop Trailmax Mission. 3,000 miles on them so far. They are a good compromise between good handling on the road and in dirt / gravel.
@@MikesMotorbikeChannel thank you
Hey had a question, i was watching one of your maintenance videos and you had a piece of paper you made to check your chain slack. Do you remember what video this was in and do you have a detail on how you made that?
I’ve made lots of things to help set chain slack. You are probably referring to one I made that was white paper spray glued onto a piece of cardboard. And I measured out and drew lines at 50mm and 60mm.
How much oil do you add for each dot on the dipstick?
Didn’t really pay attention to that, sorry.
It's too bad they didn't incorporate a window for this check. It sounds to me like they usually dry start, this may be why?
agree, would be nice to have a sight glass to make it easy. As for starting dry, all engines are going to start out with zero oil pressure until the pump starts spinning and building pressure. With the exception of some race engines that are designed to be able to prime the oil pump separately before firing up the starter.
@@MikesMotorbikeChannel
Most machines aren't as loud as the PanAmericas I have heard but to a point you are right. I have installed preoilers in several machines but they weren't worth the extra weight.
@@upsidedowndog1256 the hydraulic valve lash adjusters are noisy until the oil pressure builds up.
Child labor😂😂. He looked so thrilled.😂😂
😆
Lolz, this video is rather funny, imagine taking HD this long to figure this out. You could stick a piece of wood under the stand to hold it upright, I do this on my tourers.
But if you're new to harley davidson, that knowledge isn't known. So the manual is all a 1st time H.D rider has until this vid.
Thanks Mike!!
Tyllo harley moze skomplikowac cos rak prostego
What a Pain the A_ _......
Agreed, wish it just had a sight glass.
Yeah, I hate everything about this. Total PITA. I suspect that the underlying issue behind the updated procedure is that owners are overfilling their oil by not checking it properly. Agreed 100% on the sight glass.
@@MikesMotorbikeChannel Exactly !
If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have known about the new side stand mounting piece, and now this. Just another reason to hate my ‘21 PAS. The MoCo is absolutely ridiculous 🤡
More then 100 years of building bikes and then this? What a joke !!