OK, I've had my 88 1000F for a little over a month (85K miles) and love it. After about 1K miles I'm losing a couple of ounces of oil. It's not leaking so it must be going out the exhaust. It's not enough oil to get real excited about unless it gets worse...gotta keep an eye on it though. I'll be doing a compression check soon to figure out what is the culprit. I'll most likely tear it down during the white season (Winter for those weather challenged). Here's the question, given the miles and not knowing the maintenance history do I do rings, valves, cam chain, etc only or do the bottom end also? I know these are high mileage bikes which is the reason for the question.

 

Is it smoking ?
If not, I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Mine uses about 250mls in 1000 Miles, and has 43000 miles up. No smoke.......

 

No smoke, that I can see. I was told by a rider following me that they could smell it. I'm not too worried yet...it just means keeping a closer eye on something I should anyway. Thanks for the quick reply Shadow, you must camp here.

 

The thing about rebuilding is that if you only do the bottom end of the engine, its places more "strain" on the upper end (valve train), and vice-versa,so either you do the whole rebuild or leave it alone. How's the cam chain? I run a bit heavier oil in my Cane (20w50) and it helps with the oil consumption and quiets the CCT as well a bit.

 

I have my computer in an area just off the lounge, and when there's a new post I can see it, if I'm watching TV or whatever, and try to help.
I can ignore you, if you prefer.....he he[X(]
If they can smell it, you may have a slight leak on the tappet cover (front) which is dropping on the pipes, or something hot - I did and it scared the life out of me one day - cloud of smoke comes billowing out of the fairing vents......nearly sh...t myself.

 

It appears Shadow is using quite a bit more oil than youper 1k miles (and I believe he takes excellent care of his machine) so I think the oil usage alone is no big deal.

 

hi all

Mine has 100604 kms and uses no il at all, and i check it every two days.

 

Dragon, want to trade?

 

I've heard some positive results from using Seafoam in your crankcase before your next oil change, however if something is worn or broke internally, then there wont be anything you can do. Besides oil is cheap!!

 

Using motorcycle oil is a must. When using regular engine oil, the lubricating spheroids get crushed by the transmission gears and break down after 300 miles or so. Motorcycle oil is designed to take the high pressures crushing of the transmission. In the past, before I was aware of that fact, I too have used regular oil. I noticed a small lose of oil and changed to motorcycle oil. Now I never have to top off between oil changes. Actually at oil change time the oil still looks fresh.
Edit: OMG...OMG I was able to post...