Author Topic: High oil usage after 1st service (Read 1842 times)

s-d · « **on:** March 29, 2013, 14:44:44 »

Hi

Been away from the forum and the Glee over the winter period, nice to be getting back into riding again.

So its only been a few hundred miles since the 1st service and the bike has been feeling a bit 'clunky'. Sure enough oil was very low. I haven't ridden that much, 550miles since the service but I have been giving it a bit of welly.

Is it normal for it to use so much oil in such a short space of time?

stibbs · « **Reply #1 on:** March 29, 2013, 15:23:47 »

No, not at all usual. Mine uses no oil.
Take it back and moan at 'em.
Perhaps they never filled it with the correct amount during initial service

s-d · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2013, 18:22:54 »

I'm not 100% sure but I think I checked the oil level after the service and it was at the F mark.

Gassoon · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2013, 23:41:23 »

Probably best not to give it too much welly on only 700 miles! Oil windows can be very unreliable, need to let the oil drain down from the top of the engine before inspecting, get it very level etc...especially after a filter change. I would top it to the mark, run it for a few minutes, switch off and ensure its at the mark then check again after another hundred miles. It'll probably be OK - although some riders do report heavier oil use than others (at least on the old engine).
Probably they've measured a wrong amount (not taking into account the volume taken by the filter?)into the bike at the service, as mentioned.

mr_diver · « **Reply #4 on:** March 29, 2013, 23:46:10 »

100ml per 1k miles is the average oil use for the sv 650engine. some report no use others more. I'd say my figures are right on the money for my bike.

nt1 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2013, 06:53:03 »

My 2010 WEE was exactly the same after the first service but by the time it hit the next service it was using hardly any at all , hope this helps.

)

Mitch · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2013, 10:02:14 »

Top it up as suggested and keep an eye on things. Don't ride it too hard yet. Follow the manufacturers running in guide. These engines last for many a mile so make sure you take it easyish until you have a couple of thou on it. After the 3500 mile service she'll start to loosen up nicely. I waited till the first proper service was done until I started to ask for her angry side. Jekyll and hyde of an engine. Mine uses no oil at all.

jabmotorsport · « **Reply #7 on:** March 30, 2013, 12:06:20 »

Mines at 8700 now and even though shes 33 bhp pulls like a train .. mine uses no oil to be honest

skinny5216 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2013, 13:21:49 »

It shouldn't be using that much oil, need to be sure it was topped up correctly. I've only done 3200 myself and do regular checks and found no oil used.

If in doubt take it back.

mr_diver · « **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2013, 21:08:29 »

I found the engine wasn't truly loosened up until well after 20k.
as I said some will use oil, some won't.

if your concerned, top the oil up on flat level ground, and keep checking it every week on the same spot so no variation in the level of the bike.

if your riding at higher motorway speeds the engine design means it will consume a little oil, but will also blow some up the crank case breathers. and the same if you regularly hard accelerate.

Brockett · « **Reply #10 on:** March 31, 2013, 09:57:29 »

Some oil will escape up the bores until the rings fully bed in.

The initial 'running in' is only the start of the process.

On some engines three to five thousand miles of increasing loading and cooling is reqired depending how they are driven. Some engines feel 'right' after 12k miles.

As others have said follow the handbook instructions for checking / filling oil.

s-d · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2013, 17:42:21 »

Thanks for all the replies. I've filled it with oil and will keep a check on the consumption.

Its not easy to do though. I have a paddock stands but the front stand doesn't seem to work with the bike. Not sure it would be level even then? Have resorted to asking for help from my kids or filming the side of the bike with my iphone as I lift it.

Is there another way to see the oil window?

greywolf · « **Reply #12 on:** March 31, 2013, 18:57:59 »

The oil window is only accurate with both wheels on level ground and the bike held vertically. Use a rear stand and the level will read above the true level. Raise the front and the opposite occurs. I prefer to use the centre stand and the proper full level will then be just below the top of the window.

Jacko · « **Reply #13 on:** March 31, 2013, 22:59:38 »

Quote from: "s-d"

Thanks for all the replies. I've filled it with oil and will keep a check on the consumption.

Its not easy to do though. I have a paddock stands but the front stand doesn't seem to work with the bike. Not sure it would be level even then? Have resorted to asking for help from my kids or filming the side of the bike with my iphone as I lift it.

Is there another way to see the oil window?

Just the rear stand will give you a consistent control level, it will be slightly out of true but nothing to worry about as its only oil loss you're interested in at this time. I use the rear stand to set my oil levels on all my bikes that don't have centre stands, I then check with both wheels on the ground and the bike upright and the difference is virtually imperceptible.

The front paddock stand will not work if it's a standard one as the fork bottoms are not level, one goes further down from the spindle centre than the other..

s-d · « **Reply #14 on:** April 02, 2013, 11:18:33 »

Ah right - is there a way for a front paddock stand to work at all with the Glee? Bobbins?

Jacko · « **Reply #15 on:** April 02, 2013, 12:28:36 »

Get a Front Headstock paddock stand, then you can even drop the forks out if you need to..

They can be found for not much more money than a standard one and are far more useful..

Like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290888812415?redirect=mobile

An adjustable height feature might be better for a taller bike..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370535540741?redirect=mobile

s-d · « **Reply #16 on:** April 02, 2013, 12:47:10 »

That certainly looks more useful, thanks! Will try checking the oil with just the rear stand as you suggest- at least just to keep an eye on the change in level.

s-d · « **Reply #17 on:** April 26, 2013, 12:25:08 »

An update and a question: After using the bike on a few 30min+ high-speed motorway trips (not more than 70 mph you understand, but its quite easy to imagine this bike cruising at oh say 85-90mph) and letting it rip on some twisties I'm happy to say the oil level hasn't budged.

Either, as has been suggested, the dealer didn't fill it up properly after the 1st service, or I'm wondering if I hadn't run it in well enough? I've been giving it a lot of stick lately, varying the revs and all seems well.

Thing is I filled the oil right up to the top of the window expecting it to drop but it hasn't. There's just the sliver of a bubble visibe with me sat on it and the missus checking the level (no centre stand you see). Should I drain it a bit or is it OK to leave it as is?

Strommer · « **Reply #18 on:** April 26, 2013, 13:15:48 »

If it's too full it'll blow out the left side of the airbox. You'll see oil running down over that side of the engine. Messy and smelly, not really dangerous.

NB If there are two of you around use a spirit level with one of you on the bike and the other looking at the sight glass, that'll give you a good measure. Once you've done that, pop it onto the centre stand and see how that affects oil level. Once you know where the top and bottom levels are on the centre stand you could use that in future.

s-d · « **Reply #19 on:** April 26, 2013, 13:21:31 »

thanks, will check for oil on the engine and a spirit level sounds a good idea. The bike doesn't have a centre stand though. (edit for 'Bikes')