Hey all,

Have had my license for under 6 months and got a 2001 GS500 as my first bike. Runs great, however there is an oil leak. Not enough to cause major issues, but significant enough to cause oil splashes on my right pant leg.

I am pretty sure it is a gasket issue, however I am very uneducated concerning motorcycle maintenance.
If anyone would be able to explain the issue to me and what gasket is needed it would be much appreciated.
Furthermore, this is not my engine, got the picture from online, just using it to refer to.



Thanks in advance.

Ride on, base gasket's only weep, just add oil as needed, relax..go out and ride 

When the engine is cold, wash the right side so it's 100% clean of oil. Then take baby powder (or similar) and sprinkle it anywhere you think could be the problem area. Then go for a 5 minute, low speed, but high-ish rpm ride. Any oil leaks or weeps will be apparent in the baby powder.

Quote from: Big Rich on March 14, 2016, 03:55:32 PM
When the engine is cold, wash the right side so it's 100% clean of oil. Then take baby powder (or similar) and sprinkle it anywhere you think could be the problem area. Then go for a 5 minute, low speed, but high-ish rpm ride. Any oil leaks or weeps will be apparent in the baby powder.

Once they are more apparent, and if it is at the specified location, is there a way to stop the "weeps" or leaks?

Quote from: Suzuki Stevo on March 14, 2016, 03:48:35 PM
Ride on, base gasket's only weep, just add oil as needed, relax..go out and ride 

Not worried about it too much, and I still ride it, just on my mind. It's like putting on a screen protector for your phone and realizing there is a spec that shows...

Just wondering if there is a way to eliminate this so I don't get that oil splash on my pants.

Thanks for the reply.

There's always a way to stop leaks. Some are definitely easier than others though. I'd be fairly concerned if it was me - oil getting onto your pants is a considerable leak, so check your oil level often.

I agree. I'm 95% sure where the leak is coming from and it piles up on the highlighted spot in the picture. Is there a gasket around there or should I eliminate that option?


If you think it is a gasket issue, would any of these fit the suspected area?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Gasket-Set-For-Suzuki-GS-500-GS500-Motorcycle-NEW-276-/331567534266?hash=item4d32f710ba


Thanks for your time/input.

Yes the top-right one in the red color.  The black one is the head gasket.

I would suggest you buy Suzuki OEM gaskets, unless you have reliable information that these aftermarket gaskets are the exact right fit.  You do not want to have to perform this job more times than absolutely necessary.

That said you should definitely preform this repair yourself.  You will learn a lot!

Awesome, that's the gasket I predicted, thanks for the info.

I will also be performing the job myself after extensive research, best way to learn for me.

Oh! I'm on my phone and  didn't see the circled area in that picture. So yes, that would be the base gasket.

First thing I would do? Take the head cover off the top of the engine (what is it on a GS500? Six allen head bolts or four?) and torque down the 8 cylinder studs according to the service manual. If the cylinder stud nuts are slightly loose, that can cause a weep at the base gasket. The other thing to check is the breather tube coming from the top of the engine and connects to the stock airbox. If that gets clogged, internal pressure of the engine can push oil past gaskets.

That being said, if you do decide to replace the base gasket it's not quite as easy as it sounds. Once you take the entire top end off there are other gaskets that need replaced. Really study the service manual and take special note where it says something needs cleaned / greased / inspected / replaced. Failing to do that can cause a problem somewhere else.

OK me on a phone...

"on my right pant leg"

OK that is not a weep and I replied on my comp this time

Rich is right, first check that the cylinders are torqued down.  That might close up the leak

Common GS5 problem 

The head nuts are supposed to be torque checked at the first service.......this is what happens when they don't get torque checked at the first service 

Nip em up to 38Nm with a torque wrench YOU KNOW is accurate.

If you are lucky it will seal up.