My @ has an oil problem

[africrider]

My 98 RD07 is using 500ml oil every 300kms!!! I only bought the bike 2 months ago and feel it is a dud. It has 47000 miles on.But what done is done. The bike is in very good nick but why this much oil??? It doesnt smoke.Any idea where to start?

[BlindPugh]

Burning oil or leaking? If it is a leak then the most likely location is the rear cylinder head cover gasket with the age of bike and mileage - the oil runs down the back of the engine then gets blown all over the back of the engine. If it is burning oil then you will be seeing blue smoke. Close throttle and idle the bike then open it up full then snap it shut quickly watch for smoke out the exhaust.

[Whealie]

Have you put the oil cap back on?
In fact, at that rate, check there is a nut in the sump hole.

[Sohoeasy]

Have you put the oil cap back on?
In fact, at that rate, check there is a nut in the sump hole.

For some reason I can't wait to here the end of this tale !! ?

[africrider]

I have done the following:

1. check for oil leaks - none; no oil streaks on filter; belly pan or gaskets
2. check oil filter - tight to manual specs
3. oil breather pipe - clean
4. When the engine is running I rev it up to 6-8k rpm and a little black puff of smoke appears.

Correct me if Im wrong but to check the oil level you:

1. Run the bike for approx 300 kms ( That was between every rest/refill area when we were on our trip when I checked it)
2. Let it cool down for about 5-10 minutes with the bike on its centre stand or held it up right.
3. screw off the oil cap; clean and then without screwing it back in ,dip it in the sump and check your oil level.

Well my results is as follows:
1.When I add 500ml of oil the level is at maximum level on the dip stick. When I do my oil check with the bike left to cool down only the very bottom oil line on the dip stick is covered with oil.

Im really cant understand this.

[Pete Rock]

Why don´t you try and check the oil after only 10kms after putting the 500ml in? That way you´ll know if the problem is in the measuring procedure or if the bike´s really using that much oil.

[africrider]

lets see........

[Sideways]

Just to confuse the matter a bit further...

When I check oil level i get way different readings depending on wether the bike is on the centerstand or held upright both wheels on the ground. What would be the preferable method? (...and why would Honda put in their manual to check oil with bike either on centerstand OR held upright??)

[africrider]

Just to confuse the matter a bit further...

When I check oil level i get way different readings depending on wether the bike is on the centerstand or held upright both wheels on the ground. What would be the preferable method? (...and why would Honda put in their manual to check oil with bike either on centerstand OR held upright??)

I would suggest not to use either option. Run the bike and put it against a wall( To standup right) and leave it for 10 min. Check it then.

My 2c

[iswoolley]

i get way different readings depending on wether the bike is on the centerstand or held upright

You're missing the point. Choose a method for checking the oil level, and stick to it. If the level goes down between checks then it's either being burnt or leaking out. You've checked for leaks, so presumably it's being burnt. An emissions check should be definitive (presumably high hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas).