Gas tank patch and more...

[rwrex]

I got my first bike (a 2005 GS500) a few months ago. It's been a great bike, but it came with 15k miles and a few things that needed to be fixed (blinker, horn). I've fixed about as much as I could but these questions still remain:

1) When I park the bike, I always get a small puddle of dark fluid next to the bike (under the crankcase and down the center stand). On average, its about a half cup of fluid. I've heard that it could be chain lube, but it looks more like its coming from the crankcase screws. Oil level doesn't seem low.

2) The bike has a patch on the gas tank. I've never had an issue with it until I played the stupid game of "How much gas can I put in the tank"? During the ride home, gas leaked out of the patch, down the bike. Any recommendations on fixing the patch? Any ideas on how to clean the brown stain it left? Soap and water isn't working.

3) I cleaned out the front sprocket case, and noticed their is some rust. Do I need to replace, or just give some WD40?

4) I've ridden the bike for a few months and it rides great. Is there anything I should fix or have checked out before I start taking it on longer rides?








Thanks

[Porkchop]

First Congrats on your first post.

Here is my two cents worth of advice....

1) When I park the bike, I always get a small puddle of dark fluid next to the bike (under the crankcase and down the center stand). On average, its about a half cup of fluid. I've heard that it could be chain lube, but it looks more like its coming from the crankcase screws. Oil level doesn't seem low.

Half cup seems like a lot of chain lube to drip in one place after parking.  I suspect an oil leak.  Wipe everything down, re-torque all the screws and nuts and watch for the leaks the next time you park.  Also, keep an eye on your oil level.

2) The bike has a patch on the gas tank. I've never had an issue with it until I played the stupid game of "How much gas can I put in the tank"? During the ride home, gas leaked out of the patch, down the bike. Any recommendations on fixing the patch? Any ideas on how to clean the brown stain it left? Soap and water isn't working.

Get it welded.  Patches are only temporary.

3) I cleaned out the front sprocket case, and noticed their is some rust. Do I need to replace, or just give some WD40?

If it's just surface rust, clean it up.  You should be fine.

4) I've ridden the bike for a few months and it rides great. Is there anything I should fix or have checked out before I start taking it on longer rides?

There are several posts about what members have done to prep for longer rides.  Do a search.  In general, since your bike is running great, and if you've been doing all the basic maintenance, and the tires, brakes, and chain are in good shape, I wouldn't be afraid of going for a longer ride.  Just get the oil leak issues fixed and get a ride buddy.

- Porkchop