Completely dry refers to the engine after a complete tear down. Most engines will retain some oil in various nooks and crannies, unless the motor is stripped.

As for variances among different owners, that is almost certainly due to how full they're filling it (duh.) I just changed my oil (no filter change this time) only, and used right at 1.7 liters, which is stamped on the case right below the sight glass. That brought the volume to the lower line, after running it a couple of minutes and then letting it drain/settle for a minute....checking the bike fully upright, of course.

 

Your right, with a brand new engine there are little crevasses to fill that don't completely drain when you change oil.

I always change oil and filter together, done it about 5 times now and I just pour in 2 quarts-don't even bother to measure. Comes up to the middle of the site glass when hot.

I do change with a hot engine and let it really drain-takes about 20 min to stop running completely-occasionally rocking bike from side to side on level surface.

Machog

 

Capacity may change slightly based on the oil filter size. I used a WalMart SuperTech ST7317 3.25" and used a little more than 2qts.

 

Thanks

Thanks to all that answered. This is kind of what I figured. Hopefully a few others were enlightened as well.

 

To truly get as much muck out as possible, connected a hose at the filling oil cap.
Press my lips and blow. There sure is a bit more oil in there.

Made sure I used mouthwash before doing the above procedure.
I Love my V

 

2.5 qt refers to when you've just finished a rebuild and the engine is DRY.
Ed
2 qts fills mine.