Sorry to start with the questions but im nervous.

I just brought home my 2006 VFR and have yet to ride it (darn cold in upstate NY right now). I took it out of the shed to clean her up this after noon and let her run for a few minutes (beautiful music i must say) knelt down to look in the oil window and it was fogged up with moisture and when I removed the filler cap the oil on the cap was somewhat milky. God i hope it isn't a head gasket. I do have to admit i washed the bike with buckets of water and car soap. I did probably dump some water down the exhaust as i was rinsing it off with the buckets. Could it just be from water gathering up from me doing so? I probably dumped 2 buckets of water on the back of the bike towards the exhaust inlets before realizing i was doing something stupid. Someone please tell me if im screwed and need to talk to the dealer about a possible head gasket or if its just from me being an idiot. I should add the bike is not new but only has 3100 miles on her. I did run the bike and the oil itself looks fine. No noises and the fogged over window seemed to improve. I really am sorry for the "help me" only days after joining.

 

You're fine. There have already been several asking this question since spring time has come upon us. All that it is from is condensation as the weather has changed from fall to winter to spring. Warm the bike up, change the oil, and you probably wont see it again for the rest of the year. Mine had it this spring as well and I just changed it the other day. Everything is fine and normal, you have no reason to panic.

Welcome to the boards. This is what we are here for so ask away

 

+1...and do not feel bad about asking questions, thats what this site is here for. That and bullshitting with great people. Welcome!

 

Thanks everyone. Ill run her a while tomorow and see what it looks like. The oil looks new but i think ill change it any how. Recomendations on oil type grade etc?

 

I hope you have a lot of free time:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/3532-what-your-oil-preferance-4.html

http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/21149-amsoil-oil-best-oil-period-please-read.html

http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanic...l-rotella-5w-40-test-actual-oil-analysis.html

http://vfrworld.com/forums/5th-generation-1998-2001/18789-changing-myoil-lucas-oil.html

http://vfrworld.com/forums/5th-generation-1998-2001/3335-oil-change.html

 

Run 10w40. As long as it isn't labeled as energy conserving, you should be fine. These energy conserving oils contain additives that are bad for wet clutches and cause them to slip. Honda oils are good. Amsoil, Motul, and Repsol are all top of the line. At 3100 miles, she should be good and ready for the switch to a full synthetic oil.

Personally I use the Motul 300V 10w40 as that is what is available to me the easiest in the top end oils. I've noticed a huge difference in the way the engine, clutch, and transmission perform with the top end oils compared to the low and mid quality oils but the choice is up to you depending on how you ride and your budget.

Almost forgot to add this.... Check the owners manual. It should give you the information you need located around page 102. If you don't have one because it didn't come with the bike, you should be able to download it here on the forums somewhere or over at www.vfrd.com . Lots of good information in there especially concerning maintenance and other tidbits such as setting the clock.

 

Now you have gone and done it!

 

I agree with Meatloaf that's prolly just a little bit of condensation build-up you're seeing in the oil sight glass.
I see that same thing every spring on my Ducati 900ss,and that's an air/oil cooled engine in that bike.
I change the oil and filter before I put the bike to bed for the winter,and come springtime I just take the bike out and run it for about half an hour maybe forty five minutes to burn that moisture off.

As far as washing your bike without capping off the exhaust pipes,WTF dude are you :crazy:!!!:lol::lol::lol:

When I wash my bikes I use exhaust pipe caps that are made by Pro Grip. They make them in a couple of different sizes.
I also use those pipe caps during winter storage to keep the moisture out. Here's a pic of what they look like.
If you're a cheap bastage,you could prolly just use a couple of plastic caps from the hardware store to cap off your exhaust pipes.
Anything's better than nothing though,and don't forget to remove them when you're done washing your bike.
Otherwise you'll hear a couple of loud pops when you start your bike......and then suddenly you'll remember what it was that you forgot.
Ask me how I know. :redface:ound:ound:ound:

 

Yah im a dumb ash but in my defense it isn't an issue on most cruisers so never gave it a thought Thank you for the info.

 

^^^^^ LOL Dave. Welcome to the forum.

 

Found a manual.... Thanks again.

 

I eliminated condensation by keeping a "Golden Rod" on all the time under the bike.

I'ts equal to about a 15 watt bulb.

You can get these in boat shops. They are designed to be used in moist areas.

Here's a link to these de-humidifiers . . .

Golden Rod, Goldenrod Dehumidifier, Golden Rod Dehudifier | Cabela's

For storage I also use a Yuasa 900 charger and StaBil in the fuel.

After months of storage it fires up in seconds . . . every time!

 

I like the idea of that golden rod thing that PorchBOB mentioned, I am gona get that for my closet I think. Just a foot note on the foggy oil window. I have seem many Ducartis and BMWs with foggy windows here in south Florida. Have changed a few too, its condensation that adventually burns off. Can not really remember if the bikes had a long down time though. Use a good synthetic oil and change it early. My preference for my vfour is Amsoil 20-50, and I got 75,000 on the motor. Cheers/

 

Where exactly are you sticking this goldenrod?..... (seriously)....

 

I am thinking about putting it in a guest room closet that has some moisture in it because the ac air handler is sharing an ajecent wall and sometimes leaks.

 

You do not wash a motorcycle like you wash a car.
You need to be a little more careful about not getting soap and water in places it should not be.
When there were a lot of the do it yourself car washes there were many motorcycle owners that
got into trouble when forcing high pressure water into rubber boots and carb openings and vent holes.
'
Once I saw two girls ride into a car wash place where immigrant workers at the car wash used big soapy sponges to wash the girls' motorcycle. There was nothing I could do as I did not speak spanish.
Then they rinsed it with a hose aimed right at vital parts. Handlebar switches etc.
Needless to say it would not start. The girls did not speak spanish and I left because it was just too heart breaking to
watch the show. They probably had to get a ride home etc.,.

 

dang, a new way to pick up girls...