Oil Consumption

[Momo1970]

I wonder how much oil consumption is consider normal for the duke?
My 2010 duke seems to always be on the lower 3rd of the window after every ride (150 to 200 miles). I always add 50-100 cc, but the next ride it one the same level. Never too low but always less then half. I never top it all the way as I'm afraid to top it too much.
Here is how I check the oil level:
After long ride (over an hour),turn off the engine and let the engine 2-5 minutes rest,check on horizontal surface, bike level.

[bajadog]

Manual says--"check oil level when engine warm(at least 4 bars on temp scale). Allow warm engine to idle for approx one minute and place motorcycle on level surface and upright(not on sidestand). Wait 20 secs for oil level to adjust and oil level should be between MAX and MIN marks in sight glass. Always check oil level when engine warm. A cold engine can distort the measurement. Engine oil expands when heated,increasing apparent oil level."

[Momo1970]

Is that means keek engine running when motorcycle is at upright position wait 20 second and then check oil level while engine is running?
This is how i used to check oil on my old TT 600.
Thanks!

[bajadog]

Just warm it up to 4 bars, it can be on the kick stand.

When you check it, then level the bike.

[Momo1970]

Seems like have to turn off the engine, and let the oil go down for at least couple of minutes. After today's very hard ride (chasing AMA ex racer) seems like I lost about 100 cc in 200 miles. Not sure if this consumption is normal. Will contact dealer tomorrow.

[Calspeed]

^^ always refer to the manual first and the forum second.

As for oil consumption. Some motors consume oil. Especially high performance "Thumpers" and twins. And that's what we own.

OR....

Another reason for a low oil reading is..... Incorrect oil level check.
Basically a domino effect theory. If one initially checks the oil level incorrectly and deems it low. Then adds oil to bring up the level. Well....

If the oil was already at its maximum the motor will actually consume the overage in its combustion chamber.
Then, the oil level its checked again incorrectly and deemed low only to begin the cycle.

Of course, too much oil can cause more problems then one realizes. If there is too much oil the crankshaft will make contact causing the oil to aerate. The oil will then travel into the combustion chamber and out the tailpipe.

But before it leaves the tailpipe it goes through other systems and causes other problems.Not gonna get into that with this thread. We can save it for later.

Good luck.

Miguel

[P7HVN]

Originally Posted by Momo1970

Seems like have to turn off the engine, and let the oil go down for at least couple of minutes. After today's very hard ride (chasing AMA ex racer) seems like I lost about 100 cc in 200 miles. Not sure if this consumption is normal. Will contact dealer tomorrow.

Yes, you do need to turn off the motor first. But I would say no reason to wait more than 20 or 30 seconds to check the level, not up to 5min. However, even if you were waiting a little too long and maybe over-filling, that wouldn't account for the level being low again on your next ride, unless the overflow was blowing out elsewhere... Yes, some hi-po motors do tend to regularly use oil, but I consider that a design flaw or maybe parts tolerances off on a particular unit; there's no reason a modern street motor should be going through oil that frequently.

Where were you chasing your friend? I moved to coastal GA from the eastbay and really miss the roads. Use to do Mines Rd all the time, out to Patterson and back to the Junction(bar & grill) multiple times. Not a twisty road within 3 or 4 hours of me now.

[Momo1970]

That specific ride was over Santa Cruz mountains, to be specific Gazos Creek, Pascadero, China Grade, and 236 (few more roads of course).
BTW, no oil consumption after service (4200 miles) for over 1000 miles.
Not sure if related, but I didn't have to add any oil after the last 4 rides :-)

[ranchopower]

Oil consumption can be as easy as the lubricant choice does not meet the riders demands.

Try another brand of lubricant before getting confused at the dealer with 40 opinions.

Pick top of the line oils and soon you will find a winner that wont burn off while you are flying at sea level.

Plenty lubes to try, dont seem to see you mention what brand lube you are cooking with

Javier

[reddogs]

how far do you rev ur bike? i notice my 2010 duke burns oil too. i only use rockoil racing 15w50 and it also burns alot more when i go on rides where i redline alot. my level can stay properly in the middle for weeks if im just casual riding but when i wana let out som stress and i redline the s*** outa her i can notice my level will go almost all the way down to the lower limit after a couple hr ride. the welding on my stock muffler also cracked along the top presumably from my tendancy to wana rev it to 13 like my dirtbike