Motorcycle Repair: 2006 XL 1200 Roadster oil light/smoke, oil light, light smoke


Question
I bought my '06 XL 1200 Roadster a couple months ago and it has been running great. I rode it to the store, forgot my wallet, rode home and left it idling in the driveway. I got back outside after about 5-10 minutes and it was smoking so I shut it off immediately.  The engine was very hot, causing the gas tank and other components to heat up too.  Now, when I turn the key, the oil light comes on, but once the bike is started, the light goes off. I put oil in anyways but I'm wondering if something else is going on? Anything helps, this is my first Harley and I'm not much of a mechanic.

Answer
When you turn the key on the oil light should come on. Without the bike running you have no oil pressure. Without oil pressure the light comes on. When you get pressure the light should go off. Letting your bike sit and idle for long periods is not good. Without air moving across the motor it will over heat. Even is a short time. Your bike is probably fine
Good luck and happy riding
Mike