oil usage

[talon]

Hey Guys, I am just curious about my Nomad using oil. I just got back from a 1300 mile weekend ride, and a couple of days later checked my oil and it was almost a quart low. There are no leaks, smoke, or any other discernable reason for the loss. Is that normal? What should I expect for normal?

T

[eagle]

I have a 2001 Nomad 1500. I do not have to add any oil inbetween my 3,000 mile oil changes. Make sure that you are checking the oil level properly. I was fooled by not being patient about checking the oil level. Let the bike run for about 10 minutes or more then let the bike sit for about 10 minutes. Lean the bike upright so that it is level and wait a few moments for the oil level to rise.
I too was also finding the oil level to be low until the great people on this forum directed me to check the oil level properly. The oil level should be between the H-L marks. With the level being about 1/2 way is good. It leaves room for the oil to expand when it is heated and therefore will not be hard on your oil seals.

Hope this helps you out.

[talon]

Thanks Eagle. I do lean the bike to level when I check the oil. I have not started the bike first, then turned it off and let it sit to check it though. I have always done it cold. Does anyone else's Nomad use oil? The bike seems to be running fine.

T

[Jared]

I've owned two Nomads and I have never used any oil on either. I don't think it's too common.

[macmac]

I have had this happen and then not happen again untill some other time. Mainely it happens when you have been out playing with other guys yer old grannie wouldn't like

Check the oil add some... check the oil don't add any.... Unless there is a leak or wicked nasty noises don't worry about it, but Do check that oil no less than once a week.

[psychocycle]

My 2002Fi 1500 will have the oil level drop a little on a long road trip when I run heavy on the throttle. If we are sitting at 140 kph for extended periods I will keep an eye on the oil level at the end of the day. I have noted a light oil leak at the top of the right hand cylinder which I think is the cam plug leaking a little. I will have to try and seal it up with a little oil resistant silicone.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

How many miles did the oil have on it? I have found that with cars once they hit 3,000 miles and more they will start using oil. That is the main reason I change oil in the Nomad before it hits 3,000. Oil does tend to wear down regardless of what people say. I never go more than 3,000 on a bike. With the car as long as I have less than 3,000 miles it hadn't used any oil but when it was at 4,000 and more it would be low of oil.

[ringadingh]

If I spend a few hours at 75-80mph I'll use a bit of oil also. If its city riding, or slower speeds its barely down between oil changes.