Head gasket??

[legarcy]

Hi guys im new here, so big hellos to all!!

I have a Honda XLR 125, iv had it for about 2 years now and iv done loads of miles on it.

Now... iv noticed on the cylinder where the head connects to the barrel there was a black stain which has been there for awhile iv since wiped this off and im waiting to see if it appears again.

I'm just curious but what signs are there on an air cooled engine that the head gasket is going/gone?? i know all the signs on watercooled lumps but mines air cooled..? the engines done about 30,100 miles and does about 100 miles a week.

cheers!

[416cc]

If you put a bit of talcum powder on the spot where the oil leak next appears then you'll be able to see if it gets any worse more easily.

Main thing about head gaskets is you might lose some compression, or if the oil leak gets any worse, then this is oil that's not getting to the cylinder head.

Easy job to do if it does get any worse, & a good opportunity to lap in the valves while the head is off.