Rear Seal Leak

[snag]

Getting ready for a 1,500 mile trip tomorrow and found that the rear seal is leaking. Thought it was some grit in the oil filter compression ring, but now see that it's the seal. There is probably 1,000 miles since it started to leak and have found probably less than 10 drops of oil on the floor this last winter and summer, though the bottom of the crankcase is quite dirty. Question: I think I'm good for the trip and the 6K service is due when I get back, is it possible that the seal will materially deteriorate over the next 1,500 miles?

Doug

[Paul-from-VA]

Do you mean rear main seal leak? I thought I had a rear main leak and it turned out to be the input shaft transmission seal.

[bobw]

The post is a little open ended as to what is leaking, but if I had such a small amount of oil visible over so many months I would not cancel the trip. Any seal can fail at any time, but as described there is no reason to indicate this weeping should ground the bike immediately. I would make sure all fluids are full prior to leaving and check her over at every stop to make sure nothing has changed. YRMV


Safe travels

[daveyator]

Just be careful because when mine did this it turned out to also be leaking into my clutch plates. Would up replacing more than one seal.

[NeilS]

Any seal can fail at any time,

I disagree. Seal failure on a motorcycle less than two years old is unacceptable. Well, you accepted it on a '70s Triumph, but not on any modern bike.

Ever see a 2-year-old Toyota with an oil leak? I think Japanese engineers kill themselves when that happens.

I do agree that it's OK to take the trip as long as you keep an eye out for it getting worse. It takes lots of drips to materially affect the oil level. When you get back, make sure they check the shaft for scoring (sign of improper heat-treating) and don't just pop in a new seal.

[bobw]

I didn't say it was acceptable, just that it could happen and in fact the reported leak indicates to me that this one has.

Safe travels.

[snag]

Sorry, the post was ambigeous and I even had a compression ring on the oil filter instead of the drain plug (late night). Am 1,000 miles into the trip and no issues so will deal with the leak at the 6,000 mile service when I get home.

Tomorrow we get to leave the cases at the hotel and hit the twisties naked. Great way to spend a Monday!

Doug

[snag]

Took the 12R in for it's 6,000 mile service and to have the seal leak fixed. Leak was from the balance shaft. They charged 4.5 hours for the repair (on warranty); standard rate I suspect. Tech says that they adjusted the valves and sinc'd the throttle bodies. I have to say I was worried about their ability to get it right, but... I have a new bike! The headlight donuts in the mirrors have disappeared, the mirrors aren't crystal clear at all rpm, but holey cow, what a difference! I can now actually see clearly what's behind me; just a hint of vibration left to give it some character, but almost jet smooth. Now I really love this bike!

The last trip was with a new riding bud that does the twisties as fast as he can without touching the brakes, new concept for me and it was a lot of fun, and educational. From the service (7,000 miles), the front pads are at 80% and the rear at 90%, the front BT016 is at 20% and the rear after 2,000 miles is at 70%, for those who care about those sorts of things.

The 6K service was CAD240 + tax, call it USD216 also for those of you who are curious.

I'm going to call the tech tomorrow and give him an attaboy.

Doug

[Mollygrubber]

Hey, my 6000km service was over $400 Can. What did you do to your service guy?

Glad your trip wasn't ruined, where did you get to, Doug?

[snag]

Mollygrubber,

I am amazed at the variation in service costs. I would have winced at but paid some of the higher prices I've seen here, so it was a real treat to get the service done at a decent price and have the bike turn out so well. And it was detailed! When I called the tech today, he thought I was going to beat on him for something; he was a little shocked when I gave him the attaboy.

The trip was Calgary, Waterton, Going To The Sun Hwy, Whitefish, Eureka, Yaak, Slocan Valley, New Denver - Kaslo (three times), Crawford Bay on Kootaney Lake and then home through the Crowsnest. There are a couple of very memorable roads in that loop and some spectacular vistas too.

Doug