Rubbermount oil leak poll...

MacDuff · #1 6th March 2005

Do any other Rubbermounts leak oil or is it just my bike?

Purchased a NEW '04 1200R model in February this year. The weather was cold but clear last weekend so I rode 4 miles to the gas station and topped it off. When I put the bike away I noticed a couple drops of oil. I assumed that I missed the hole slightly when I added some oil before the ride.

Yesterday I rode the bike about 12 miles. When I parked it there was a small puddle starting to form under the bike.

The oil level was exactly at mid point on the stick and the outside of the oil tank looks dry but there were lots of drips hanging on the bottom of the frame. I used my flashlight to look and found oil sitting on top of the engine case behind the rear cyclinder. There is an oil fitting there that connects to an oil tank hose. It is under the starter naturally. Glad it is under warranty but

. You would think after a 100 years they could figure this out. I can't belive it got out of the plant with a leak like this. It only has 20 miles on it.

I bought the bike early in the year so I could ride as soon as the weather cleared. Now it may be sitting at the dealer when the weather clears.

I have been dreaming of buying a new Harley for a couple years. I could have purchase a used Sportster cheap that had a small leak that needed fixed. Now I am rethinking my decision.

I put 10,000 miles on a used Suzuki that never left a drop of oil anywhere. Hope no one minds my venting. Thanks for listening.

NO COAST CHOPPER · #2 6th March 2005

sorry macduff, i also have an 2004 sporty. i have never had any problems with oil leaking though. but be glad it is under warranty, oil leaks from bad gaskets or connections is not uncommon on any brand of bike. the worst part is though it is going to be near 60 today and tomorrow in indy and your bike is at the stealer's. better luck tomorrow.

jwb47 · #3 6th March 2005

I bought a new dodge pick-up and had the transmission go out in less than 300 miles . stuff happened after they fixed it I put 110,000 miles on the truck with out incident and it was running good when I traded. dont worry they will fix your bike and have you on the road in no time

alleydude · #4 6th March 2005

Not a drop.

collinsb · #5 6th March 2005

Hi MacDuff,
It's my belief that when you topped it off, you really overfilled it. When the bike sits for an extended period, your oil tank oil may settle or drain down a bit into the lower portion of the engine. I feel the best check for oil level is when it is warm!
Billy

chevypowered · #6 6th March 2005

My front head gasket started leaking around 19,000 miles.Which was replaced much to my surprise in two days along with the base gasket.But nothing from any of the places you would expect.

sportymark · #7 6th March 2005

mY 04 1200R doesen't leak oil and I don't remember any recent threads about oil leaks on the 04/05's.

Just a quick question, why were you topping the oil up on a brand new bike?

MacDuff · #8 6th March 2005

Glad to hear most people are having better luck than I am. I was starting to think about another bike that starts with "H".

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportymark

Just a quick question, why were you topping the oil up on a brand new bike?

Good question. Hard to belive the oil level was below the dipstick when I did my pre-ride inspection for the first ride last weekend. You could see the oil but none on the stick. I assumed the oil had moved down into the engine while sitting at the dealer. I warmed up the bike and rode about 2 miles. When I stopped at home to recheck the oil it was at the same level. I added almost a quart to get it to middle of the stick. (yes it was on the side stand) I may have dribbled some between the side cover and the oil tank but it is not over full. Even if it were over full, I don't think it would be pumping it out on the ground in a puddle like this.

I wish it was over filled as that would be easy to correct. Thanks again for listening.

bubbahog · #9 7th March 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacDuff

Glad to hear most people are having better luck than I am. I was starting to think about another bike that starts with "H".

No! Don't do it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacDuff

Good question. Hard to belive the oil level was below the dipstick when I did my pre-ride inspection for the first ride last weekend. You could see the oil but none on the stick. I assumed the oil had moved down into the engine while sitting at the dealer. I warmed up the bike and rode about 2 miles. When I stopped at home to recheck the oil it was at the same level. I added almost a quart to get it to middle of the stick. (yes it was on the side stand) I may have dribbled some between the side cover and the oil tank but it is not over full. Even if it were over full, I don't think it would be pumping it out on the ground in a puddle like this.

I wish it was over filled as that would be easy to correct. Thanks again for listening.

Seems like 2 miles wouldn't be enough to get her really warmed up - but I'm not sure, either. You don't mention if you already knew this, but it's normal for the oil to not reach, or barely reach, the dipstick on a cold bike.

Let us know how it pans out...

Slinkee · #10 7th March 2005

My '05 1200R hit 1000 miles yesterday. Hope to drop it off this afternoon for the 1st service. No leaks yet - knock on wood and cross my fingers.