Just posting as an FYI so others are aware and it doesn't happen to them. I recently killed my engine by not having enough oil in the bike.

Apparently it's a common thing for GS500's to burn through oil quicker than most bikes and the oil level should be checked every 1000km or so.

Wish I knew that before. Good news, I found an engine and it will be installed in the next couple weeks, hoping I get a few more riding days in before I have to winterize my baby.

I agree that all bikes should have oil regularly checked. If you nitice you're buring through oil, you may have problems somewhere: a leak, valve stem seals, rings, or?

Many of us would have issues that the "it's a common thing for GS500's to burn through oil quicker than most bikes".

Mine hardly burn up any oil. I do check mine every few hundred or so miles and rarely ever have to put oil in. Actually, when I check tire pressure and chain I also check oil.  Depending on my riding, it may be 50 miles or 500 miles (lots of short or long trips dueing a week or two). I checked everything before a day's 280 mile twistie and highway ride. Got home and checked the next day. All was fine.

With any model of bike or car, some burn through oil faster than others.

I guess it would be dependant on the riding style of the rider as well. Someone who is (Like me) full throttle to speed limit will burn alot more oil then someone who is a more gentle, and takes a "take it slow" attitude to acceleration will burn less.

I check mine once a fortnight, and it's usually fine as long as I've been riding around town. I find I have to take a bottle for a top-up when I take a longer trip, since the oil gets "watered" down with fuel when it does alot of short trips, or so I've been told by the local dealer.

Quote from: Malfruen on November 02, 2012, 01:14:17 AM
I guess it would be dependant on the riding style of the rider as well. Someone who is (Like me) full throttle to speed limit will burn alot more oil then someone who is a more gentle, and takes a "take it slow" attitude to acceleration will burn less.

I check mine once a fortnight, and it's usually fine as long as I've been riding around town. I find I have to take a bottle for a top-up when I take a longer trip, since the oil gets "watered" down with fuel when it does alot of short trips, or so I've been told by the local dealer.

Agreed.  I went on a round-trip to Chicago (800 miles) in a weekend.  All Interstate, high-speed.  Dipstick 'full' when left, 'half-full' when I got home.  2009 F model with 8000 miles on it at the time (10,000 now).

Ever since I bought two bikes with spun bearings due to low/no oil, I check it always before I leave the house.

Yea, thay would explain why the oil got burnt up quick, I ride it like its stolen.lol Good idea with checking every time I do the chain:) I will do that too. Thanks guys.