Hey guys, finally got my first motorcycle- a 1993 GS500e from a guy off craigslist. While everything seemed great about the bike buying it, cosmetically fine, alright tires, and only 7,500 miles on it I'm afraid my inexperience has come back to bite me in the ass. I guess when a bikes 16 year old and only has 7500 miles on it that means it probably had done alot of sitting because she leaks a little oil, and by a little I mean alot. It didn't seem too bad at first just one spot but I think thats because I wasn't riding it far. As my rides got longer ~40 miles when Im done riding the oil begins to leak quickly. In 10 minutes there will be spots forming on both sides and one towards the rear (but I dont think its from under the chain it seems to be dropping of the center stand as if it runs down it). I call the guy back and ask him and he says "oh yeah i do remember it leaking a little oil, try changing the o-ring." So I do that deep down knowing it probably wouldn't do anything and sure enough the leaks still bad. So to get to my question: I'm guessing the gaskets have dried out and need replacing, should I go ahead and get the whole set (I saw on another post a link to a site with it for $63- is that about as cheap as it gets?) and how difficult is replacing gaskets? Can I replace alot of them without removing the engine?

Also, one more thing... when I'm going highway speed I'll hear and feel these like oscillating vibrations on my legs. Is that from the tires on the ground or something internal on the bike?

Appreciate the help guys!

Mmbmk

Welcome.

"David... Why'd I send my mother to Atlanta?"... that line just cracks me up.

Anywho... let's have first things first...

"leaking out of both sides" doesn't really tell us anything. Both sides of What? Take some photos and post them up.

BUT... here are some things you should Do and some you should Check as a priority....

#1: Change the oil and oil filter.

#2: Change the spark plugs.

#3: Go over the chain visually and lube it

#4: Find the tire's manufacture date - look on the side wall. There will probably be a DOT follow by some numbers. The numbers may have letters with them. You want the numbers that appear to be in a rectangular depression with rounded corners. It will either be three numbers or four. Mine are 3308 which means the tire was made in the 33rd week of 2008. Tires made before 2000 only have 3 digits. Closely examine the Side walls of the tires. You are looking for Cracks in the rubber.

#5: Check the tire pressure.

#6: Post a pic of your bike. Pics or it didn't happen 

Michael

You need to thoroughly clean the engine (use degreaser or kerosene) so you can run it and see where the oil starts to come out from. Replacing all the gaskets means taking the motor out and totally dismantling it. You need to see exactly where its leaking from to minimise the work you have to do.

Yes, clean and dust it with desenex foot powder take off the front sproket cover, clean in there and dust it all ...
BTW what city are you near. It may really pay off to take it to the nearest guru and there is one in every city, and follow his tips on fixing it. Remember you can always buy a man's help with beer and a womans help with choclate.

Cool.
Buddha.

Quote from: mmbmk on November 04, 2009, 04:08:39 PMCan I replace alot of them without removing the engine?

the generator/ oilpan/  clutchcovergaskets and the oil rings of the gear shifting shaft and the clutch rod can be replaced without removing. the head- and basegasket could be replaced without removing too, but it would be really tricky to reassemble the cylinder. a broken oilring at the transmission output shaft needs to disassemble the crankcase.

OK thanks for the responses guys, sorry schools got me busy! Ill try and get some pictures up asap. I did change the oil, oil filter, and o ring, and have washed the engine to see where the leaks come from but I need to do it again. Unfortunately it has now come to my attention that my right fork seal is also leaking. Again sorry about not replying in a while and lack of pictures but Tuesday Ill try and get everything up. Again, appreciate the advice!

Fork seal - no biggie, ignore it till you get it all running wihtout leaking.
Cool.
Buddha.

And you gave how much for this bike? Just out of curiosity. . . . mine leaks too but its only like a quart every 1500 miles.