A local dealer has a 1988 CBR1000F with 14k miles on it. He said it has an oil leak, do these have oil leaking problems? Any other stuff I should look for?

 

No, these bikes are not known to be oil leakers at all. I'm not aware of anyone that's had leaking problems. These are Honda's, not Harleys. I would be curious to know where it's leaking from. When I bought mine, it had a oil residue coming from the left crankcase cover. Turns out the bike had been dropped on that side and it had a tiny crack in the cover. It would open just enough to put a oil film on the cover on long rides. A little JB Weld on the inside and it's not leaked again in 20K miles.

 

I'm not sure yet where the leak is I'm going to findout tonight. He wan'ts $1000 for it, it has new tires, chain and srocket. Are these engines avalible to swap in or should I look for a different bike?

 

Here is a picture.



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The oil leak may come from a bad valve cover gasket. Ask the dealer if he or yourself can remove the side fairings and try to see where the leak comes from.

 

He said the fairings are off so i can look at it. I think if it was a simple fix they would do it and get full price for it.

Could it be the gasket between the head and block?

 

Yes it could be but I've never heard of such problem on these bikes and then it is usual with more indications like e.g.engine overheating, smoke or water in oil. It is not uncommon on air-cooled engines but quite rare on water-cooled. Oil leaks usually origins from parts that are removed during maintenance (valve cover, engine covers,stripped oil plug threads, leaking oil filter) or parts that are exposed to vibrations like oil cooler and it’s tubing. The oil pressure switch at the lower right rear may also leak if the bike has been on side.Also check the clutch slave cylinder for leaks and the brake hoses.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm going now to look at it. I will get back to you later with my findings. If I can i will take some pictures.

 

Why has he got the fairing off for might be a question ????

 

The plastic and corbin seat alone are worth over $1000, not to mention the new tires ($300), chain ($75), and sprockets ($100-$150). I wouldn't be awfully concerned about an oil leak because he could part it out and make it all back if it isn't worth fixing. It looks pretty good from here.

Man, I'd be all over that.