If it Bleeds, it Leads... but does Seeping lead to Weeping?

I'm trying (really really hard) to understand my bike, Max.

He's a young 34 (10Kmi) and has never really been worked on other than mileage-based service.

His intake Boots suck (literally) so I just dropped a wad of cash on Len for new boots to overcome that (and a couple of other minor things).

But I'm curious... there are places where it is obvious that there is some Oil seeping through the cracks. Some on the final drive, some below the heads, some in general.

I'm not LOSING oil in any significant way, but it's black and icky (such a technical term... ) in places that shouldn't be that way and make the bike look gross.

At what point should I be getting concerned?

 

show me a bike that doesn't leak oil, and I will show you a bike that has no oil in it.

but seriously, a regular degreasing will go a long way in keeping your bike looking good.

FU

 

FU... Thanks. Degreasing is on the schedule, but making sure that the leaks aren't a problem was more important first...

 

Here's one---- and it has oil in it

 

Seals get old, become less flexible, and start weeping. Gaskets do the same. If it's just weeping then leave well enough alone until the oil loss becomes significant. Oil is an excellent corrosion inhibitor.

 

Hey Dave! Your front brake is leaking trophies!!!
Is that the 900RK in your signature? I thought that it was 30+ years old! that thing looks brand new!

 

that is truly a beautiful bike. what year is it? and how many miles do you have on it?

FU

 

1983, 33,000 mi. Due for its next valve shim check this summer. So far, 4 trophies have leaked out of it.... I haven't been able to stop that leak yet---

That's one of the ones in my signature....
It's also the lowest serial number 900rk (usa-delivered) currently know to still exist..... And it's unrestored--- a very few things have been replaced as needed but with original 900rk parts

 

That IS a nice bike...

 

Thank you!