Oil leak - location?

Hi all.

I have changed oil and oil filter about 100km ago, and today I went to work on my bike electrics and saw few drips of oil coming from front sprocket area ( please see attached pictures ).

I never had that problem with any bike so I wonder if this is something common in VFRs and maybe someone already had this happened and fixed it?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

I have a feeling it could be seal behind the front sprocket. Some old bikes had to have engine taken out to replace this seal because it had a lip on it... Do VFR countershaft seals have a lip? Or I just pull it out and insert a new one? Anyone had experience with this?

 

I can't really judge from the pics, but the "leak" doesn't seem too bad to me.... is there a possibility it's just build-up of chain lube that has finally reached the point of needing to drain...... I think I'd just remove the cover, clean things up and monitor it for a while to see if it's really a seal leak.

 

Basically - DO NOTHING until you have discovered that you have a leak.. First, clean the area - use a used tooth brush, get all the crap out of there. Check the bolts are all tight - BE CAREFUL OF THE TORQUE SETTINGS..

Then monitor it.

Are you loosing oil>?

A couple of drips will only help lube the chain anyway... = saves buying a scottoiler - lol

 

Understood. I will take it apart over the weekend, clean the f out of it with degreaser ( it was done 2 months ago so should be easier now ). I have torque tools so will follow Hondas manual. Ha, that's what I thought, automatic chain lube;-). Chain was actually pretty dry before I took it for a spin , so I know it is not the chain. I will take it apart and let you know how I got on. Thanks for replies.

 

Chain lube will stay there pretty much for ever - its easy to confuse drips as oil - especially after a drive... Also as its a used bike how do you not know that the last owner didn't use WD instead of chain lube - for part of this reason is why I use chain Wax.

 

I have had this bike for 3 years. Did not touch it over winter time, chain was dry. I just changed oil and filters, and it started to drip. Will take apart and investigate over the weekend. I ordered the seal anyway, once have it apart there is no harm to change that 20 years old seal

 

Well, no harm in that at all either!

 

The seal came in. I can forget about changing it. It has a lip on the outer part which goes first onto the shaft, and it has a metal plate integrated with it, so you can't just push it in, or take it out by drilling wood screws into it... Engine has to be taken out and everything taken apart... Great design.

 

Vfr on Donedeal shortly
seriously, sounds like a major job to replace that seal, if you have to pay someone to do it then it could get very expensive.I have when you run into design issues like this, very common on more modern bikes where you have to strip half the front end to change a frign bulb.
my own bikes brakes are binding very badly at the minute and I was just getting her ready to come out of hibernation, about to start cleaning the pistons now etc, sure what else would you be at weather like this!!

 

No, not selling it. Put too much work in it, including programming ecu, flip plates, new fairings etc. It is a project bike, 2 years project. Just need a garage for a day or 2 and I can do it myself. No time at the moment, as I am very busy for the next 3 months. Yeah, weather is mad at the moment!!! I delinked brakes and rebuilt the forks, also upgraded rear suspension and got harris hugger

 

less drippages if u park on the centerstand, obviously.

 

Yes, but it leaks while you ride... Does not leak on the side stand.