Oldnewguy wrote on 10/17/09 at 12:12:36:Let's clear up some confusion. (Maybe mine) I have a leak around the cylinder head plug which is on the
right side, to the rear of the exhaust header. He's saying his is on the left side? Desithug, how far down from the top is the oil, 2 in. or 5 in.? The head gasket is between the big fins on top and the smaller fins below that. That is down about 5 in. The head cover, which disects the head plug (top side) does not have a gasket and uses a sealant. This is down about 2 in.
The head plug leak will manifest itself as oil on the left side for two reasons.
First, when parked, the bike leans that way.
Second and not so obvious, there is an air passage that goes from the opening at the head plug, in and around to the sparkplug. So, on bad leaks, riding down the road will blow oil over the plug and start dripping out the left side.