Oil leak

[Searl_Z]

Hi all,

Every now and then I find there is a drop of oil under my bike, right near the end of the engine - left hand side. I checked my oil a few weeks back, seemed all
good, check it again today and it's just above the L mark...

I believe I found the source, I've provided a Google Drive link for pictures (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BwsHuXNLNSiadkdKLS1nSjlXUzA?usp=sharing) -  but I am a real beginner on motorbikes in general and have no idea what the cause may be or how to fix it. I recently tried to tighten the drive chain, successfully but had some trouble, reason for the trouble is turns out the chain is a bit worn and had a few tight/loose spots and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Searl_Z

[Watcher]

Looks to me like either the oil pan gasket or possibly a seal in the final drive.
Lower engine gaskets aren't hard to replace, but they are messy jobs.  But there's little risk of putting anything together incorrectly.  Definitely a job you could do in the garage.

To check the final drive first you have to remove the shifter and just a few bolts so you can take off the cover the shift shaft passes through.
It is just a cover, no gaskets or anything.  If it's wet on the inside and you can identify it as not being chain lube you have your source.  This job will be a lot more involved depending on what it is.
Chain oil typically gets dirty and falls off and collects in the cover as a grease like sludge.  If you find a more fluid and brown substance that there is engine oil.

[Searl_Z]

Thank-you for the response, gives me a good point to go from.

I'll look into how to do what you suggested, beforehand though I'll wipe down the area and go for a few
rides to see if I an see the exact spot it is coming out of.

Thanks again!

[Watcher]

IIRC people around here recommend Talc powder on a dry engine to identify leak sources.

[Torstein]

My GS has been parked for several months now (lots of snow) and i noticed a bit of oil and maybe even some gas on the garage floor recently. grr. i'll have to check the suggestions posted above and see what i find. this dang bike!