XB Engine Sump Capacity Enough?

[2DFlyer]

I've come close to getting an XB12R/S a couple of times.  I don't have any problem with reliability but have always been concerned about these bikes running a relatively low volume engine oil system.
Anyone have/heard of any concerns regarding a 2.5 qt sump?  I suppose so long as you cool the oil okay and work the bubbles out before pumping it should be okay.  Most of my miles are in town and I'm concerned I'd overheat too quickly.

[Kootenanny]

My XB is my first ever motorcycle with a dry sump engine.  Works just fine; I have absolutely no worries on that score.  And actually, when you think about it, separating the engine oil from the transmission/primary drive/clutch oil makes me less concerned about oil contamination.  Plus, Buell has correctly placed the oil filter--on the underside of the engine, pointing straight down.  This makes for easy maintenance, allowing for removal with very little spillage, and for filling a new one before installation, which is important.

And keep in mind, the oil sump in the swingarm is wide and flat, with a lot of surface area relative to the sump volume, and it is aluminum, out in the wind--basically, the sump itself has pretty good cooling.  I never notice the swingarm being hot to the touch when I check the oil with the engine at operating temperature (this is one weird thing about Buells--the oil should be checked with the engine warm, and with a dipstick...I'm used to checking it cold with a sightglass...).

[Rogue]

Buell/H-D seperate the engine oil and tranny oil.  So the 2.5 quarts + filter number for engine oil ONLY seems low but it is about normal considering it's only for the motor.

[2DFlyer]

Buell/H-D seperate the engine oil and tranny oil.  So the 2.5 quarts + filter number for engine oil ONLY seems low but it is about normal considering it's only for the motor.

Kootenanny was saying the same thing but it didn't register until I read this.  I had a Sportster and never gave it a second thought because it had a 3 qt reservoir, comparable to every I4 I ever owned.  So I guess the 2.5 qt sump really isn't that far off.  I feel better now

[2DFlyer]

My XB is my first ever motorcycle with a dry sump engine.  Works just fine; I have absolutely no worries on that score.  And actually, when you think about it, separating the engine oil from the transmission/primary drive/clutch oil makes me less concerned about oil contamination.  Plus, Buell has correctly placed the oil filter--on the underside of the engine, pointing straight down.  This makes for easy maintenance, allowing for removal with very little spillage, and for filling a new one before installation, which is important.

And keep in mind, the oil sump in the swingarm is wide and flat, with a lot of surface area relative to the sump volume, and it is aluminum, out in the wind--basically, the sump itself has pretty good cooling.  I never notice the swingarm being hot to the touch when I check the oil with the engine at operating temperature (this is one weird thing about Buells--the oil should be checked with the engine warm, and with a dipstick...I'm used to checking it cold with a sightglass...).

Good points.  I know Buell went to great lengths to improve cooling.  By the sounds of it they must be doing something right. Thanks.

[Rogue]

Speaking of cooling...don't forget the eternal fan that runs for a minute after engine shutdown.

Bothers some people.

[Thunderbox]

There is lots of oil capacity in the Buell engine.  Most bikes have the same oil for the engine, transmission and primary drive.  If you add all those together the Buell has a 3.5 Liter capacity and that is almost as much as any Car with up to 5 Liter engines.  The temp of the oil is more important than the capacity and with the oil in the swing arm the Buell oil never even gets as hot as it does in a Liter bike.  If you ride the Buell for 100 miles and get off you can almost keep your hand on the swingarm which indicates the oil is nowhere near too hot.  Thats whats important.  I think the engineers at Buell know full well what they are doing in that regard.  The only problem i can think of with a smaller oil capacity is if your engine uses oil you may need to keep a closer eye on it than if you had a 4 litre capacity.  The only other concern you will have is the quality of the oil.  And that's another topic all together.