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Message started by snogs on 10/30/15 at 08:09:41

Title: Normal oil burning/loss?
Post by snogs on 10/30/15 at 08:09:41

I bought a 08 s40 with 5580 miles on it a little over a week ago and have put 180 miles on it since, most of them city miles. The oil level was about 1/3 the way up the window when I picked it up and today it was barely at the bottom of the window. Do I need to be looking for a leak or is this an expected amount of oil loss for this bike?

This is my first motorcycle so I'm learning how engines work and spending a lot of time reading this forum. I'm in Rhode Island and have been riding it in 45-60 degree weather.

I've searched the forums and not found an answer so if the thread exists please point me in that direction.

Title: Re: Normal oil burning/loss?
Post by KennyG on 10/30/15 at 09:03:46

Snogs,

You have posed a good question which I don't know the answer to.

I do know that dirty oil appears to burn a lot quicker than fresh clean oil.

If you don't know how long it has been since the oil was changed it is time to drain the old oil, put in a new filter and switch to Rotella.

The oil wars will continue on here forever but I think the most knowledgeable guys on here will only recommend Rotella, either Dino or Synthetic.

Kenny G

Title: Re: Normal oil burning/loss?
Post by Drestakil on 10/30/15 at 09:22:39

The oil level should not change that much after 180 miles of city riding. Make sure the bike is on level ground and straight up and down when you check it. It doesn't take much of a lean to change the level in the site glass. It also makes a little difference if the oil is warmed up or not. It will expand a little bit. If you check it after riding, let it set a couple of minutes for the oil to drain down.

KennyG is right. If you don't know when the last time it was changed or what kind of oil was used, go and change it with Rotella. Write the mileage and date down in a notebook and keep accurate records.

And welcome to the forum :)

Title: Re: Normal oil burning/loss?
Post by Kris01 on 10/30/15 at 12:05:35

My oil level is perfect but I can't see ANY oil when the bike is on the kickstand. At "city RPMs" it shouldn't burn oil. When you start riding a little faster, say 55-65, expect to lose a little oil. It's normal.

And BTW, I recommend Rotella too! ;D

Title: Re: Normal oil burning/loss?
Post by verslagen1 on 10/30/15 at 13:24:21

5F667D672425140 wrote:

My oil level is perfect but I can't see ANY oil when the bike is on the kickstand.

Oil level by the owner manual should be measured while held vertical.
But can be measured "on the kickstand" if you can see it and have previously measured it vertical and haven't changed any affecting equipment (tires, shocks, kickstand)

I measure mine with the kick stand on a brick. This gets it to a vertical enough level. The brick is probably an inch shorter then needed to get vertical.

Title: Re: Normal oil burning/loss?
Post by pg on 10/30/15 at 14:36:05

I put a $1.29 level from Harbour Freight on the seat when I check mine.

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_10909.jpg

Best regards,

Title: Re: Normal oil burning/loss?
Post by snogs on 10/30/15 at 18:31:57

Thanks everyone! This forum is a gold mine of information. I looked up how to build a stand/lift and how to change the oil. Since I don't know when the last oil change was so I'll do one and put Rotella in it.

Title: Re: Normal oil burning/loss?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/30/15 at 22:37:15

If the oil you see is dark,change oil.Rotella 15-40, cheap, works great.
Kenny is right. Fresh oil doesn't go away as fast. As miles build on the oil, use increases. I changed oil more based on how fast it was using it than the miles since I changed it. At extended highway speeds, expect use. Also,,the blow by tube needs to leave the head going uphill. I doubt anyone has removed the wadding in the head.
And of course, look it over. Park where drops will be seen. Look it over.
Level ground, standing straight up, check oil.

Title: Re: Normal oil burning/loss?
Post by Art Webb on 10/31/15 at 11:19:07

Good advice by all
above all, get rid of contaminated oil and get the good stuff (Rotella) in there, god knows what the PO used, and chances are it was not up to par

Title: Re: Normal oil burning/loss?
Post by norm92de on 10/31/15 at 11:34:39

Versy,
I do more or less the same as you.
I put a piece of wood under the stand 2.25". The oil level will be at the lower mark when it is correct. Very easy to be sure of the correct level.

On my Triumph-wash my mouth out- I put a piece of 2x4 under the stand to achieve the same thing.

Title: Re: Normal oil burning/loss?
Post by chzeckmate on 11/01/15 at 01:04:48

I might point out that you want to check the oil after the bike has been off and allowed to settle for awhile. If you check your oil after the bike has been sitting in the garage all night and then check it again after you've just gone for a ride you won't get an accurate read.

Title: Re: Normal oil burning/loss?
Post by Matt_greatlakesstate on 11/01/15 at 07:40:50

I don't have any leaks. I did a 600 mile trip a few months ago. about 200 miles of it was 70-80 mph and I burned about 1/2 quart on the trip. I think it's normal