Oil leak around chain area? Or just oil from the chain?

Hey Guys,

I cleaned this up last week somewhat before I went riding. I've had about 150miles on it since cleaning it (i didn't clean it all that well).

This is what I'm seeing. It looks like the seal on the back of the chain drive sprocket is dry... I don't think its leaking from there.

Do you guys just think this is oil from the chain? (also oiled the chain last week with gear oil... I thought I didn't use too much )

Or is there something behind there that can be leaking at that spot. There is no dripping on the fairings.

Mike

 

Looks like chain gook. The manual calls for gear oil, but a drying type chain lube is MUCH better. I have Pro Honda Chain Lube (or something like that).

Clean the chain with WD-40, dry the chain, spray the lube on, wait 30 min., ride.

 

It could be a build up of old congealed chain lube, dirt, grit, etc. I've had a few bikes that would start weeping similar to that after chain lube was applied and they got hot on a ride. The only other thing that could leak back there, other than the countershaft seal, is the clutch push rod seal, but that doesn't look like engine oil in the pictures.

 

Thanks guys! I think its just warming up and weeping... I was riding her hard on the way back!

~mikeym

 

That's from overspraying your chain.

The bike doesn't leak, that's chain lube congealed with road dirt. Your chain is rusting already which tells me you do not lube it often enough. Chain oils do not last long, especially if you go out ripping up the roads.

#1 - Don't use chain lube, use chain WAX! It stays on longer and does not fly off like oils do. It's also easier to apply and rub into your chain Takes me all of two minutes to do.

Clean the chain off with WD-40 as a few have already said. The easy way is to put your bike on the center stand, put a towel under the bike, and spray the hell out of a mechanic's rag and rub the chain thoroughly. You can rub the chain right behind the side stand area and pull it along as you go, or you can do it from the rear sprocket and turn the wheel as you go. After you clean it go for a short two minute ride to dry it off. This keeps the chain warm to accept the wax better.

Then, well here's a link to my photos showing you how to place a piece of cardboard in back of the chain and then spray the chain with chain wax. This method is neat and clean and the wax only drips slightly down the cardboard while you apply it for 15 seconds with the bike on center stand and running in first gear. None of the wax gets on the bike at all with this method. I also buff it in the manner I already described above. Do not leave the chain that nice golden color (loaded too much with wax), the excess wax will attract dirt like flies to flypaper. A buffed chain does not. I wax and buff once a week. Hope the pics are helpful for anyone interested.

http://vfrworld.com/photos/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/7014

 

oil flung from chain can collect in sprocket cover and drip.....only 2 other possible sources there are output shaft seal or shift shaft seal, neither one of which you'd ever want to need to replace!

Just add oil as necessary.....

 

I just bought the bike 3 weekends ago. Its rusting because the P/O lived on Long Island next to salt water. This was my first lube.

Thanks for the info. though! Very helpful... I'll be using wax next time

~mikeym

 

I had the same thing happen to mine, an 06. Got a couple spots on the garage floor. Like what was said before, a good dousing of WD40 while running at the two bit car wash, then pressure wash it off and of course lube right away again. What I was doing totally wrong was over lubing when I lubed. I have found that with the bike on the centre stand and bike idling if first gear,a quick 3 second squirt on both sides of the chain is enough.

You know though, if you step on one of those blobs on the garage floor and track that shit into the house on the carpets it does leave an interesting patternand has amazing effect on your marital relationship.

We are getting new carpets in a couple weeks.:frusty:

 

Show me a rider with a CLEAN rear wheel.....and i'll show you a rider with a dry chain who never uses his rear brake.........

Something else to check : after LUBE most chaIns fling off some excess, so watch the left side of your rear TYRE ( English spelling) and wipe it down with a clean rag (your girlfriend's cotton panties work fine) if you see lube there or you could have a scary moment in a left turn.........
__________________

 

"A" typical of an over zealous oiler.