Just got back from a 1600mi ride and I'm replacing the oil (Rotella T6 Syn). I pour 4 quarts in and reuse the oil jug and only get just over 2.5 qts back in waste oil. Mind you, I had to put an extra quart in right before I left to get to the top of the oil line. So 2.5 qts burned in just 4k miles.

And I've got oil in the airbox. Not a lot, but a nice sheen to everything.

How hard is it to re-ring these things again??

 

No worse really than any CB twin cam motor - whole top end off, barrels off, re-ring etc etc. May have to pull it out of the frame - I've not done it, but I think clearance may be an issue in the frame......
Good luck !

 

Before you tear your motor apart, consider that in the 4 wheeled world "excesive" oil consumpsion is defined as more than a quart every 600 miles (1000KM). I'm not familiar with Rotella oils but also keep in mind that motor oil evaporates. Some faster than others. Check the Amsoil MC oil paper. Your oil might be listed and give you something to compare it to.

http://www.amsoil.com/products/stree...hitePaper.aspx

 

I'm also having to take into account that I just passed 83k miles, and I don't really care what happens at this point. If it blows up, so be it. If I make it to 100k miles, I've got my monies worth out of it. And I've seen a 93 1kF in Rhode Island with 8k original miles in mint condition that might be for sale soon

 

There you have it!
I used to run about a qt through my old civic every 2 weeks before I did the rings.
I called it "automatic oil changes".

I'd imagine this bike is kind-of a PITA to do rings on, though, and I think that cbracer guy was saying that it's impossible to get a regular ring compressor in there.
I know the old honda car engines were easy as hell, though. Done a few of those, no trouble at all.

 

They really are a PITA to work on, but hey beats paying a dealer 50 bucks an hour, right? I put piston kit in mine with engine in frame and clearance really IS an issue. You couldn't stick a playing card between the head and framerail. The cylinder studs are in the way of regular squeeze type ring compressor. I made some out of pvc pipe and hose clamp (don't laugh, it worked pretty good). Btw, on a sidenote...that 1049 piston kit ROCKS!!
Also getting the front camchain guide and head on are an adventure as well. If you decide to do the job, you'll see what I mean LOL (who the heck designed this motor??)

 

83,000 miles is a good run!

When you go in to do the rings you'll probably find everything that moves will be outside tolerances..sloppy bearings, shagged primary, worn cams etc.etc. $$$!! I'd top up the oil whenever it needs it, run it into the ground and wait for the '93. I'm not sure what a complete re-build would be worth in parts alone and just doing the rings might buy you some time. You see old cars belching smoke where the drivers must check the fuel and top up the oil.

If you've got a K&N filter in at least it's self oiling now

 

If you're just wanting to patch it up for now, just re-ring it (and hone cylinders). I rebuilt stock 900RR couple of months ago, stock rings for it were around 125 bucks so yours should be similiar in price. With help from Permatex, you can re-use both head and base gaskets. All in all, you could get by under 175 I would think if you do it yourself. I'd mic the cylinders before dropping a dime on it, just in case they are wore beyond rings. More than likely with that many miles, they are going to be out of round, too.