900 2 valve - oil consumption?

Question - my 1995 900SS seems to use a small amount of oil.

Let's say in a 6 week period and about 1,000 miles of riding, it looses around 200 to 300 ml of oil - enough that in my oil sight glass I can notice a slight drop - say from between the high to low oil level bars.

Thoughts, feelings, rumors, innuendo?

Mr. Ted

How many miles are on the bike? It is not uncommon for Air/oil cooled motors to use some oil. My BMW R1100S never used a drop except on long extended trips I would use a small amount, but other R1100S would use some like you are experiencing.

My Buell also doesn't use any to date, but that motor only has 3000 miles on it. If you have 30,000 miles or more, I would say that using a little oil is not a big deal. Do you get any smoke in your exhaust? Is it possible you are maybe blowing by some in the valves and burning a little, the smoke would be a blue kinda colored smoke if that were the case. Sounds like normal consumption on an older engine.

On all three 900ss bikes Ive had (94SS, 95SP, and 98FE), I've had some oil consumption. Usually, 1/2 to 1/4 quart in about 2000 miles for the 94 and 95 and 1/4 or less of a quart on the 98.

Check to see if you're not leaking oil at the base gasket area/crankcase breather or through the exhaust (wet exhaust instead of light, brown/black soot).

Usually some consumption is normal on the 2V oil/air cooled motors.

Ditto what everyone else said. Also, my 1997 900 SS was burning a quart in 2-3,000 mi. As soon as I put new valve guide seals in, it went to zero oil consumed. The seals don't seem to last that long.
Joe

That seems to be approx the same rate that my '98 900CR goes through oil as well. Sounds like we're all in the ballpark...

Best regards,

Jeff

Well thanks guys, that puts my mind at ease. I figured it would be normal to burn a small amount in an air-cooled motor.

I just notice it's dropped somewhat and it usually co-relates to slightly chunkier shifting.

What oil are y'all using anyways?

Mr. Ted

Same rate of consumption here on an internally stock and original engine with (about to turn) 25,000 miles on the clock. Using a bit of oil is pretty normal for these motors, I think.

When any of my cars use(d) oil I panicked; I think these old 2V motors just like a sip here and there...consider it care and feeding!

I use yer basic Mobil1 20W50 synth, and change it when (A) I have taken off the oil cooler or had to drain the oil to add some new doohickey or do some kind of maintenance, or (B) the bike's inner spirit guides me to change it. Probably ends up being every 1500 - 2000 miles, which is likely totally unecessary.

I think part of it is knowing that these motors do generate some heat, and the oil is part of the "cooling" system. Even though synthetic is WAY more resistant to viscosity breakdown and loss of additives under high thermal loads, it makes me feel better.

i don't know if it means anything, but i have more consumption when i run the mobil 1 full synthetic. it will drink it from half way between the lines to completely out of the window in less than 1000 miles. it doesn't seem to happen with the klotz oils that BCM recommended to me.

I'd say realistically that's what I'm seeing - 1000 miles, and a drop from the full line to the bottom of the sight window.

Good to hear it ain't just me.

Do you guys notice a deteriorating shift feel as well when the oil drops a bit? More clunky, less slick?

Mr. Ted

I like Klotz too every 2K miles. I especially like the smell!

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr. Ted &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Do you guys notice a deteriorating shift feel as well when the oil drops a bit? More clunky, less slick?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Not really since it's gradual. But when I top off the oil after noticing it dropping a bit in the sightglass, shifting is definitely better/smoother.

I always can tell the bike shifts smoother when fresh oil is in the bike. Bike always seems to rev sooo smooth with that fresh oil the first 100 miles or so. I run AMSOIL when I have less cash, and run AGIP which is twice the cost but I think a perfect oil for the bike, maximum protection when you are keeping those rpm's high. My