Hi guys,

One other thing that happened to coincide with my 2002 DL1000 shutting off while riding was a stink - the stink of oil burning off a hot header pipe. Now, I usually don't believe in coincidence, but in this case I am SURE there is no connection between the two things.

Every time I park since then I get that smell of oil burning off a pipe. There is no smoke from anywhere. I put a piece of cardboard under her today when I parked in the garage, but I doubt there will be any oil dripping. It seems like just a drop burning off, not enough to leave evidence.

So, is there a "They all do that, sir" kind of oil leak on these things? I'll find it if it's there when I get her on the lift, but, what say you all?

Cheers,
Glenn

could be the clutch rod seal.

Thanks, yes, possibility. They do tend to start weeping on most bikes eventually. I'll see if there's any sign of running down and under to drip on the pipe.

Cheers,
Glenn

I get that smell now and then but I have a chain oiler. Oil weeps around the back of the engine and down onto the pipe on the 1000. It didn't get onto the pipe on my 650's.

Depending on what you use on the chain it could just be lube.

Hey, thanks. That could be it. I lubed the chain last week, but hadn't gone more than maybe 100 kms when I got the smell. BelRay chain lube - the white stuff.

Cheers,
Glenn

The one "they all do that" thing is that damn plug in the middle of the stator cover. If you ride a lot and never wash the bike, you'll eventually see the tiniest bit of seepage.


Chain lube seems likely in this case. The DuPont stuff I use smells rather nice, and it's more of a wax that doesn't fling or drip. If I get a little on the exhaust it just smells a little waxy, not oily.

If you get bored, it can be worthwhile to remove the slave cylinder (careful; there's a specific process) and the clutch rod, clean the rod off, and clean the gunk out of the seal lips with a q-tip.

"The DuPont stuff I use smells rather nice"

Like a little dab of Castrol behind the ears?
It's that scent of raw gas when you fire up the bike that can be a worry!

LOL, chain lube smells like good times, I guess...


I actually had that raw gas smell come back during the first cold snap this fall.

I replaced that stupid little crossover bit of hose and installed fuel injection clamps aeons ago, but I guess the hose contracts a little over time.

Fortunately this time all I had to do was snug up the clamps I installed way back in 2011 or so.

Unfortunately, I had to remove the tupperware, tank, and airbox to reach them.

Fortunately, after ten+ years of ownership, I'm confident I could do this blindfolded...

My vote is either the clutch slave is weeping or one of the oil seals in the countershaft sprocket area. Both are located directly above the exhaust.

But, FWIW, I've ridden a gazillion miles with a weeping slave cylinder and I never smelled anything burning.

I'm going to change the tires tonight or tomorrow. I've had a look at the exhaust pipe where it runs under the chain and it is dry and relatively clean - no sign at all of oil. After I get the wheels back on I'll put her up on the lift for a good look around. I'm too old and - plump - to lie down on the garage floor! It still smells, though, so now I don't think it's chain lube. I've ridden in the rain since this started so doubtful there's chain lube dripping now. We'll see...

Cheers,
Glenn