FX650 Vigor

[IgorVigor]

Hello People...

Been a while since I last posted on here....:S....

Just wanted to ask, about oil consumption (again! :P)

My 2002 FX650 Vigor has got 9700 miles on it, and runs well...apart from drinking oil considerably...

A 50 miles ride with a mix of lowish speed and high revs (6,000rpm max), and cruising on main roads at 3-5k rpm, and it will drink almost a litre of oil...depending on ambient temperature (colder weather it only used about 1/2-3/4 litre of oil)

I have checked the compression, which is fine, the plug is a nice dark tan brown after a run, but there is still blue/grey smoke from both exhausts, due to the oil consumption.

The valve stem seals were replaced a couple of months ago...

Anyone think of a reason?
Or does the bike just think its a 2 stroke :P

Thanks in advance

Kev.

P.S. Forgot to ask, slightly off topic however; What is the top speed of your NX/SLR/FX/SMX 650's 2 up?

[catteeclan]

Many engine burn oil when they've had an easy run in. My domi included.
Mine's using about 1/4 litre of oil per tank of fuel and I'm pretty sure it's a prob with the oil ring/bore.
Never had mine flat out 2 up but it's easly clocks 100mph, not on public roads though.

[IgorVigor]

Fair enough...

Mine seems to drink oil at different rates according to the weather...

went for a spin today, about 50 miles and have just had to put 1/2 of a litre in...

Yesterday however, went for a 40 mile ride, and it used almost a litre of oil..

its starting to get costly on oil :S...

I have already had to start using a cheaper oil (Halfrauds Motorcycle oil)...couldnt afford to keep using Castrol GPS or Silkolene...

Mind you, it doesnt seem to stay in the bike long enough to worry about quality :P

I checked the plug, but its a nice tan colour...

Might have to seriously consider getting a different bike...
Not having an income at the minute due to losing my job and leaving uni, the costs are starting to be worrying...

EDIT:
Might have to see about something like an Yamaha XJ600, or a Suzuki Bandit...not that I am too keen on either of them...

[catteeclan]

Try good old mineral oil, should use a little less.

[IgorVigor]

Tried that...but it doesnt alter the consumption at all...

and its about a £1 cheaper for 5 litres...at least...thats what it is down here in Cornwall...

Its a bit annoying really.....love the bike, just starting to find the oil cost a bit pricey.....almost as bad as a 2 stroke :P

[joch]

i had blue smoke problems on deceleration and high rev running. changed the valve stem seals, was temporarily better but after a few weeks back to normal. turned out the valve guides were worn (exhaust side) and cylinder walls had some scoring. ended up replacing the cylinder head, piston and cylinder.

[IgorVigor]

My bike is only on 9,700 miles so the bore isnt worn...have checked though...

The oil is getting into the airbox!

Took the air filter out just to check whether it needed replacing and noticed the airbox has a thin film of oil...

I have checked the breather pipe, which was clear of any crap, so am now wondering if the oil pump is clogged up a bit...

Whilst the airbox lid is off however, I think I will cut a nice big hole in it...sounds SOOO much better without the airbox lid on...more like a big single should (at least with stock cans )

And forgot to mention in original post, that after the valve stem seals were replaced by the dealer, it still smoked...just not quite so bad :P

[IgorVigor]

Cut a hole as I previously said I would...

A 3 1/2 inch x 2 inch hole, and it seems to run better, it definitely sounds better....and its stopped smoking :S...used to smoke all the time...since the hole it doesnt

will go for a decent ride tomorrow and check the oil level...

[catteeclan]

Not unusual to have a little oil in the air box as these engines can breathe a bit through the pipe from the engine breather to air box.
It can get flooded when the bore/rings gets worn out.

As for the drilling/no more smoke?????? Keep us posted.

[IgorVigor]

Ah right...that makes sense...

Will do more thorough testing as to the hole stopping the smoking...

Only thing I can think is the airbox is over pressurising...
I had it on a different bike I had (A TZR125 for the record...)

All I did on that was remove the snorkel from the airbox...

Thinking of that...

the snorkel works of suction pressure doesnt it?
also, removing it, and blocking the hole would allow a bigger hole on the front of the airbox lid, wouldnt it?

thanks for the quick responses...

EDIT:
Keep forgetting to ask, will the K&N air filter for the FMX650 fit the FX650? They look the same, but K&N's website didnt say it would fit the FX650.
Reason being, is if it will, I will buy one...sound investment of £35 quid of Ebay, when normal paper types are £20
Also, what jet size roughly would I need too fit? Not sure what the stock is?