Final Drive Leak... :(

[Sunfire]

Well, I think I'm being punished for all the fun I've been having with my Rockster! Yesterday I took my Rockster for an oil change, and while they were doing an inspection before taking the bike in, they noticed and pointed out to me a leak in the rubber "thingy" on the final drive. Last week, while vacationing in the Adirondacks, I got a bolt stuck on my rear tire - that forced me to ride down to Max BMW (Troy) to replace the tire ($275). Gee, seems like this month I've spent too much on the bike, with the 12K mile service, new rear tire, oil change, and now this! Luckly the bike is still under warranty!

Isn't this too soon to happen at 13.7K miles? I've read about leaks with the final drive shaft, but I thought I was safe with an '04 model. Well, hopefully this issue will be resolved favourably. The earliest appointment I have is for the 29th, but I was told that I could ride the bike until then by the service advisor. What do you think - okay?

Paul

[sweatmark]

Paul,

Glad you're having fun with the Rockster.

If I was in your shoes, then I'd check the rear drive gear oil level to make sure it's OK.
If OK, then I'd keep riding until you get the bike in for warranty service.
If not OK, then add some gear lube, ride a bit, and assess the leak rate; keep some in your tank bag to top it off as necessary, and keep riding until that warranty service.

BTW - I have a new Buell XB rant! Makes me appreciate my R1150R Rockster all the more.
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/ ... OST1185927

Mark
Oregon

[Sunfire]

Hey Mark, sorry to hear about the "streak of bad luck" you are having with the XB! Very seldom do I go on the Badweather's website, but I do miss my XB. If I wasn't saving to purchase my GS A next year, I would buy a used Lightning.

As for my "leak", you mention to check the level, but I can't figure how to, as it is sealed. Do you mean I should unscrew the bolt on the side? The leak is more like sweating, not dripping. I was told that there is about a pint of oil in there, so I'll keep riding but I'll check every morning for any changes.

Thanks for the info.

Paul

PS BTW, I'm actively evaluating relocating to the Southwest, maybe Utah, Colorado, or Arizona. When that happens we could do a run to Moab! That's why I'm looking at the GS A!

[riceburner]

Hey Mark, sorry to hear about the "streak of bad luck" you are having with the XB! Very seldom do I go on the Badweather's website, but I do miss my XB. If I wasn't saving to purchase my GS A next year, I would buy a used Lightning.

As for my "leak", you mention to check the level, but I can't figure how to, as it is sealed. Do you mean I should unscrew the bolt on the side? The leak is more like sweating, not dripping. I was told that there is about a pint of oil in there, so I'll keep riding but I'll check every morning for any changes.

Thanks for the info.

Paul

PS BTW, I'm actively evaluating relocating to the Southwest, maybe Utah, Colorado, or Arizona. When that happens we could do a run to Moab! That's why I'm looking at the GS A!

if it's just a "sweat", or "weep" then don't worry about it. yes the seal may be slightly compromised, but unless the oil is pooling on the floor you won't lose enough to worry about.

To check the level on the final drive - it's the top most bolt at the rear (on the flat panel) - oil should be up to the end of the threads.

It could also be the seal on the gearbox output shaft that's been compromised - again, don't worry about it unless it's pooling under the bike. Check level by undoing the upper of the two large allen bolts on the right side of the gearbox - correct level should be about the bottom of the hole. Can't remember how much it takes (1.2litres??) - but as long as it's roughly at that level then you're ok.

[sweatmark]

Paul,

'Burner has you covered with the final drive issue!

Please PM me if you move out west. Would be great to head down to the desert for some grat roads and vistas.

Have you bought a tank bag for the Rockster? If not, then I can send you a spare setup that I intended as gift when you joined the R1150R ranks a year ago?! You can tell I haven't had my act together!

Mark
Oregon

edit* If you do find yourself in close proximity to a track, then you could pick up a cheap XB9 (not exactly the best bike for holding value) and use it for trackdays. They crash well! Turns out one of our local Buell riders did make it to the Portland trackday on Tuesday... and low-sided in the hairpin. We've had a bad run of luck in our little Buell group this year.

[Sunfire]

Thanks 'Burner for the info - it's not actually dripping, just like "sweating". I'll keep careful watch in case it gets worse.

Mark, as for the tank bag, yes, I had bought last year a magnetic Marsee tank bag, but thanks for the thought! Here's what it looks like, taken last year near Skyline Drive:



I'm actively looking to relocate to the southwest, so I'll let you know if it comes to fruition. I'm trying to pick a medium size hospital, and it has to be somewhere near "civilization", if you know what I mean!

If you want to look at some pictures of the Adirondack area, here is a link: (click on "Full View" on the right-side box)

http://paul-ferreira.spaces.live.com/ph ... 81B63!146/

Take care,
Paul

[MikeCam]

That picture makes the sour apple green color look positively wonderful. Excellent setting, lighting, and composure.

[riceburner]

Thanks 'Burner for the info - it's not actually dripping, just like "sweating". I'll keep careful watch in case it gets worse.

Sounds ok to me - that's pretty much what mine does. The road dirt around here is a lighter colour than the bike's black, so the oil "weep" stands out a lot if the bike is dirty (mine doesn't get much cleansing - the filthy beast... )