Ok go easy on me. I have been thrrough the searches and my question is this. Is there a rule of thumb how much oil my 9 will go through in normal operations. As checking the oil level is such a b.....h, I would like to keep tabs on it through mileage if I can. Thx in advance.

Vin
Vin, I have one question???
Are you use to riding a Harley? LOL
Sorry couldn't resist. Even my 1983 Yamaha Venture Royale doesn't go through oil. Everything is tight as a drum. And I certainly don't expect to go through any oil with the 9 either.
There is however a HUGE problem with our ride and that is how much of a lame set up there is for checking oil on this bike. What was so wrong with a sight glass? Simple and to the point, none of this retarded let idle for 15minutes, sit for 3 minutes and then check, oh, don't forget not to screw the dip stick in all the way, or at all for that matter..... geeez louise.....
I think the engineer's wife was sleeping with a motorcycle mechanic, perfect way to get back at them.
Idiots!
My rant for the night.
I would simply get into the habit of checking once weekly as recommended above and see what happens.
Good luck
Paul