2010 GSA Oil Leak

[john1215]

Hi,

I have had my GSA for just over 2 months and I have noticed quite heavy oil consumption. When I get back from a ride and stop the bike I immediately get the smell of burning oil wafting up from the front of the tank (between the handlebars and the tank). In the first 600 miles I managed to drop the oil level in the view window almost out of sight. I've now done 250 miles since the 600 mile service and already the oil level in the view window has dropped approx 8 mm. I now the GSA can use oil but I'm concerned that there is a leak that is dropping onto perhaps the exhaust or something else hot. Others have commented on the smell of burning oil when I stop near them.
The dealer has done a visual check on the 600 mile service but can't see any obvious leaks. They asked me to keep an eye on the level over the next 400 miles and report back. I think there is a leak somewhere but I don't know where it is.

john1215

 

[T.REX63]

The smell of oil dripping on the header/exhaust is very distinct. However, you would be able to spot it easily. My new '09 GS did stink up my garage as well. However, the reason for the smell was the protective wax/oil coating burning off the new engine block. It will go away eventually.

How much oil are you re-filling, i.e. oz/miles? IIRC, the side glass from top to bottom is about 250ml, or half a quart (maybe somebody else can verify this)

Oil consumption usually "stops" after 10-15,000 miles.

 

[Engineer]

Hi,

I have had my GSA for just over 2 months and I have noticed quite heavy oil consumption. When I get back from a ride and stop the bike I immediately get the smell of burning oil wafting up from the front of the tank (between the handlebars and the tank). In the first 600 miles I managed to drop the oil level in the view window almost out of sight. I've now done 250 miles since the 600 mile service and already the oil level in the view window has dropped approx 8 mm. I now the GSA can use oil but I'm concerned that there is a leak that is dropping onto perhaps the exhaust or something else hot. Others have commented on the smell of burning oil when I stop near them.
The dealer has done a visual check on the 600 mile service but can't see any obvious leaks. They asked me to keep an eye on the level over the next 400 miles and report back. I think there is a leak somewhere but I don't know where it is.

john1215

Connections to the oil cooler might be worth checking?????

 

[GSband]

The difference in oil quantity between top and bottom of looking glass is 0,5 litres. Seems weird to just offer wrong info. Don't know for certain, then don't mislead. (rant over )

To check the oil level there's a specific procedure you MUST follow, checking your manual is a good starting point.

 

[T.REX63]

The difference in oil quantity between top and bottom of looking glass is 0,5 litres. Seems weird to just offer wrong info. Don't know for certain, then don't mislead. (rant over )

To check the oil level there's a specific procedure you MUST follow, checking your manual is a good starting point.

Yup, re-reading my post, you're correct, half a quart is about 0.5 liters and not 250ml as I stated. (rant justified )

Sorry...

 

[john1215]

The smell of oil dripping on the header/exhaust is very distinct. However, you would be able to spot it easily. My new '09 GS did stink up my garage as well. However, the reason for the smell was the protective wax/oil coating burning off the new engine block. It will go away eventually.

How much oil are you re-filling, i.e. oz/miles? IIRC, the side glass from top to bottom is about 250ml, or half a quart (maybe somebody else can verify this)

Oil consumption usually "stops" after 10-15,000 miles.

I'm not putting any in myself. Over the first 600 mile the level started out as full in the sight glass then was virtually empty after 600 mile when the service took place. I reported the excessive consumption as I saw it and reported the aroma of burning oil when I came to a halt. They serviced the bike and said I should monitor the oil level for the next 400 miles which I am doing, the aroma of burning oil is still there and the level in the sight glass has dropped by approx 6-8mm in 200 miles. I'm particularly worried about the consumption but its the burning oil smell that concerns me.

john1215

 

[GSmonkey]

The only thing that would burn oil is the exhaust. You can see every inch of the exhaust.

If it were leaking, you see a puddle of the stuff in your garage. There would also be some misting of oil somewhere.

Sounds like it's just burning the stuff, which is usual early on. Are you checking the oil level correctly ie after a long run on the centre stand after a 10min wait.

 

[FERRET]

Certainly seems to be using more oil than my 2010, nearly 4000miles and the oil is less than a third down the sight glass, didnt appear to have used any prior to 600 mile service

 

[T.REX63]

I'm not putting any in myself. Over the first 600 mile the level started out as full in the sight glass then was virtually empty after 600 mile when the service took place.
...

Well, half a quart (0.5 liters) in 600 miles (1,000km) would be on the high side for my taste as well. Although, I don't think it is outside any tolerance.

But, as mentioned above, the oil checking procedure is critical. Make sure you consistently check it the same way, with the same amount of time from shut down to checking, as specified in your operating manual for the 2010 model.

And, I know it stinks bad, but I would not worry about the smell. It will go away...

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

how did you run it in? theres a theory that if you are too gentle they use more oil?

 

[APW]

Bought my 2010 in April and I to could detect what I considered was the smell of burning oil for the first few hundred miles, along with what I also considered was an unacceptable level of oil consumption.
On reporting this to my dealer I was told that it was the clutch bedding in and nothing to worry about.
The smell did go away and is no longer an issue.
As for the oil consumption, that still disappeared at an alarming rate.
I Think I topped it up at least 4 or 5 times from being below the sight glass and out of view to the top of the sight glass (yes I did measure it correctly) before the 600m service.
The consumption has dropped off gradually as more miles are added and now with over 6000m the consumption is within what others seem to be reporting.
This initial hi consumption was for sure not a leak as there are no drips anywhere. There is however a brown deposit on the exhaust side face of my pannier and the pannier frame. Clear evidence to me that that is where the oil was going. The engine is burning it. or is someone going to tell me it's heat from the exhaust burning the pannier and they all do that
My concern lead me to monitor the consumption a little closely.
It appears to use oil when I rev the motor beyond 5000rpm anything below this and the level does not move. Wind it up beyond 6000rpm and use the gearbox due to some nice Cumbrian roads or a blast down the motorway and It will use oil like it’s going out of fashion.
Now as the novelty of a new bike (this is my 1st GSA) has worn off and the weather is not what it was in summer and I'm not flying around like a loony the oil usage is minimal.
So my experience is that the smell will go away and the oil consumption will not be a concern in a couple of thousand miles time.
Stop worrying and enjoy.

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

wierd thing is I've had 4 1200's and none have used any oil from new between services