In a dry sump system, the lubricating oil is not “stored” in the engine’s sump or oil pan. Instead, it is stored in a “remote” location, in most applications. The frame may be used as the engine oil reservoir, or the crankcases may have an integral tank as part of the casting or there may be a remote oil tank like the Road Star series. By moving the oil reservoir from the engine sump, the engine can be made more compact and less tall. By reducing the height of an engine, it can be positioned lower in the frame thereby lowering the centre of gravity. Another important benefit of a dry sump system is that the friction or drag caused by parts moving in a pool of oil is reduced. A dry sump system requires an additional scavenge pump to return the oil back to its tank.
