Motorcycle Repair: oil sumping, oil tank, sportster 1200

Question
hi mike, i have a 2001 hd sportster 1200 custom, 6500 miles, when it sits for a while  i check the oil and it is down, but still registers on the stick, dealer calls this sumping, when it is warmed up it is back to the correct level, runs good no leaks, dealer said this is normal, do you agree

Answer
Its not normal, but it happens. What is happening is the oil tank sits higher than the oil pump. There is a ball and spring that closes when the bike is not running so the oil does not run into the motor. Your ball is letting a small amount of oil get by and it goes into the bottom end. When you start the bike the oil pump pumps it back. If you get to much oil in the bottom end, the pump cant pump it back fast enough and it will come out the vent. the ball need to be reseated to stop the problem
Good luck and happy riding
Mike