sv1000 burning oil

[clarke135]

had my sv1000 for a few months now and it seems to be burning oil got back from a long ride yesterday put the bike away, went to use it today and thought I better check the oil and it was below the sight class, it took about 600 ml to get it just under the full mark is the engine likely to be ok? not sure why its burning oil cant see any visible leaks.

[Craig380]

Hopefully it will be OK. 600ml is what, just over 20% of the total oil capacity, so while it's not ideal, you didn't run it completely dry.

It's got a healthy dose of nice clean fresh oil in it now, so just ride it and see how it goes, and check it's topped up every ride so you can get a handle on how much oil it's using.

[clarke135]

That's what I was thinking I'll be checking it if it continuous to be a problem I will get a mechanic to give it a look think I probably will anyway just to be on the safe side not sure how much oil these engines get through?

[Craig380]

Dunno how much they burn, I'm afraid. Might be worth trying to see if it gives visible blue smoke while riding. If the valve guide seals are worn, it will give smoke if you throttle off and decelerate, then snap the throttle open.

If it's worn / glazed bores, it'll smoke when you accelerate. Or it might not give visible smoke at all but still burn a bit.

[Biker Biggles]

What mileage is on it and when was it last serviced, including valve clearances?
Always a good habit on any bike to check the oil level often,if not every time you ride it.That way it never runs low,and you get to know its consumption rate.

[clarke135]

Its done 50,000 it was serviced not long before I got it but by the looks of it it was just a basic service when I finish work I'll get the paperwork out and find out what's been done in the past I'm going to change the oil filter and plugs as soon as possible

[Biker Biggles]

At 50,000 miles I'd make sure the valve clearances are right, especially if you don't know when they were last checked. Also a general check to ensure all breather pipes are connected and a look in the airbox for any excess oil there. Anything dripping from behind the front sprocket where the shaft emerges? Get the plugs out and see if they are oiled up.

[clarke135]

Thanks for the advice I'll get a checklist together and make sure everything is as it should be take it valve clearance is best left to a mechanic?

[Mark_h]

Mine gets through a bit if I do 200-300 miles of sustained high speed riding such as long motorway/ dual carriage way routes. Otherwise it uses virtually none. It does however take a while for the oil to make it to the sight glass when it's stone cold and has been leaning the wrong way on the side stand so make sure it is actually low before you top it up otherwise you risk over filling it.

[clarke135]

Ok thanks for the advice I'll re-check the level