Hi guys,

Changed the oil in my mates 2012 1200 sportster. Seemed to take a lot of oil, seemed like it wanted more than the book recommended, even after checking with the dipstick when hot. Got it to about halfway up the dip stick. Probably about 3L of oil? Anyway, that is besides the point but thought it might help.

He left my place, all good. Rode his bike a few times then went to the states for a month.

Upon returning from the states - he checked his oil and there is NONE on the dip stick.
He checked the oil drain plug, still there, no leak.
He checked the oil filter, nothing leaking here.
Apparently there is oil sprayed on the rear wheel/fender.

Any idea what the hell is going on here?

Also - where is the oil pressure relief valve?

Its in the cankcase mate. The oil is leaking thru the ball check valve in the oil pump. Do a search for sumping. Its an easy fix.

After a quick search that does sound likely.
I couldn't find any good/easy to understand info on how to troubleshoot this though.

Do you have any links I should check out?
Any tips?

Mate, Im not very knowledgable on late model stuff. Shovels and EVO's much better! Basically, oil is leaking into the crankcase coz the ball check valve is not seated properly. I doubt if it would be worn on such a new bike and suspect its just got some crud underneath the ball. Remove the ball..........see workshop manual...........inspect and clean thoroughly, the reassemble. Its a very simple job mate.

Got it thanks.... Any idea where I could locate the ball check valve? :-P