engine using oil

I have tried to search on this subject (must be here!) so apols for raising, BUT:

I had my new Bandit serviced at 1000km incl oil and filter. When I arrived home (100km down the highway), I topped up the oil as it was not up to the full mark in the window.

2000km later (at 3000km) the oil level is close to the low mark. I don't know how much oil I would need to add to top it up. If it would take a bit to top-up I might as well change the whole lot and give it a filter too. (That probably makes me feel better than the engine!)

SO, I am wondering if this oil usage is okay. Would it be unusual do you reckon? I have only done easy k's (country trips) since new but have not idled it around.

Thanks GG

Start your bike up on the centre stand. After it is warm, give it a few good revs while watching the muffler.  Any  greyish smoke ?  Hope not.

Ever since I dropped mine on the muddy Nerriga road it has used oil between changes.  On a return trip between Canberra and Philip is I'll have to top it up about 500mls.

From memory it's about a cup from the low mark to the high on the sight glass.  If that's right, then your consumption is about 250ml/2000kms or roughly 100ml / 1000kms.  While not ideal, (mine does not use any and gets the snot rev'd out of it on regular track days), I would find that consumption rate quite acceptable.  

You don't say how many kays you have on the engine; is it possible that it is still bedding in and the consumption will reduce?  Are there any other factors at play here, what type and grade of oil are you using?  Has the oil ever been over-filled?  After changing the oil filter did you give it a run to refill the filter and then check, or did you just fill and check?

Dekenai wrote:From memory it's about a cup from the low mark to the high on the sight glass.  If that's right, then your consumption is about 250ml/2000kms or roughly 100ml / 1000kms.  While not ideal, (mine does not use any and gets the snot rev'd out of it on regular track days), I would find that consumption rate quite acceptable.  

You don't say how many kays you have on the engine; is it possible that it is still bedding in and the consumption will reduce?  Are there any other factors at play here, what type and grade of oil are you using?  Has the oil ever been over-filled?  After changing the oil filter did you give it a run to refill the filter and then check, or did you just fill and check?

 Re-reading the post it looks like it only has 3000km on it, I'd stop pussying around and get stuck into it

That'll fix it

Thanks all.

Yes, total km = 3,100.

I went into town this morning and when I came back I gave it a rev while on the centre stand (tks Hammy), let it idle for a minute, another rev. Exhaust seems very clear.

Okay, I didn't know how much between the low mark and high, not much so maybe my 'oil use' is not too bad and might take-up with a few more k's. My Vstrom didn't use a sup but I know it can vary from engine to engine a bit.

The Bandit has so much oomf that I seldom exceed 4000rpm. Is this a problem?

He he yes give it some stick - that may be the answer.

Cheers GG

My Bandit has never used oil in 36000kms, I religiously change it as per the book with a new filter and oil. I didn't use any type of synthetic until the bike had done 12000kms though and the bike does get revved upwards of 8500rpm at times. I'd say stop mucking about and give it shit, if you are not up to it let one of the guys on here take it for a ride.

If you are using synthetic already I'd honestly dump it out and put some standard 10w40 mineral oil in it to let the rings etc bed in as they should. If the consumption doesn't calm down after that I'd be chatting to your local service department.

My engine and thoughts mirror RD's
Giv it some curry before it's too late. 
Nothing wrong with cracking 110 in second before punching 3rd. 
Other gears are for the track lol

The only time my Bandit (air/oil cooled model) used oil was when 'rocker' cover gasket was weaping a bit.  Even then the only reason I noticed it was because I could see the oil, but it never required topping up.

My 1250 has now down 64000 and doesnt use a drop.

GGiant wrote:Thanks all.

He he yes give it some stick - that may be the answer.

Cheers GG

 Take it out and spank it hard!

Dekenai wrote:

GGiant wrote:Thanks all.

He he yes give it some stick - that may be the answer.

Cheers GG

 Take it out and spank it hard!

 But what about his bike ? 

 ( my bike doesn't  need to top up the  oil between services either )

Dekenai wrote:

GGiant wrote:Thanks all.

He he yes give it some stick - that may be the answer.

Cheers GG

 Take it out and spank it hard!

 What exactly are we talking about here???

Thanks bandits for all this. I've found it takes very little oil for top-up from the low mark to high which is good news - yes about a cup, tks Dekenai. I thought it may have taken much more.

So no oil use dramas and I expect it will settle down a it yet.

Spanking!! NO way!! High in my list of reasons for buying the big B was its beautiful torque characteristics, meaning I don't need to scream the daylights out of it. I love its silent torque. My own redline is 6000rpm. No need to exceed, just change up to the next gear and enjoy the torque surge  

Cheers, GG

GGiant wrote:Thanks bandits for all this. I've found it takes very little oil for top-up from the low mark to high which is good news - yes about a cup, tks Dekenai. I thought it may have taken much more.

So no oil use dramas and I expect it will settle down a it yet.

Spanking!! NO way!! High in my list of reasons for buying the big B was its beautiful torque characteristics, meaning I don't need to scream the daylights out of it. I love its silent torque. My own redline is 6000rpm. No need to exceed, just change up to the next gear and enjoy the torque surge  

Cheers, GG

 In every day use I agree but you can baby an engine when running in and shorten its efficient life expectancy.

Unfortunately any thread on running in an engine turns to a shit fight but the general consensus is you should vary the revs and load across the whole range.

No probs 2Wa. Yep I understand the 'babying' thing and need for varying eng speed.

I'm still getting used to taming the beast,  and enjoying it....well most of it .

GG

2wheelsagain wrote:My engine and thoughts mirror RD's
Giv it some curry before it's too late. 
Nothing wrong with cracking 110 in second before punching 3rd. 
Other gears are for the track lol

 C'mon you can do better than 110 in second... hell you never need to change out of second....

AS for personal redline of 6000, maybe you'd be better off with a single cylinder bike...?? The bandit doesn't even come alive until 6000rpm.... it ain't gonna kill it to rev it harder once in a while.....

Used a little oil in the first 6000km. Then nothing to note since.
Recently started using the freeway on my daily commute (only about 30% of commuting Kms) and using a little again. Not much but enough to go from high to low on the oil display window between oil changes (ie per 6000km).

Ultimately nothing to write home about.