Question for Motorcycle Mechanics

[Werewolf]

I checked the oil yesterday on my Honda Aero 750. It smelled faintly of gasoline. That's a new one. It can't be a good sign. But then the last bike I owned was made in the 80's and I didn't get rid of it till the mid 90's so maybe it is normal on new bikes.

Is the smell normal - should I be worried? What gives here?

Inquiring minds want to know...

[TarpleyG]

2-stroke or 4-stroke?  Could mean the rings are going and not all the fule is being vaporized and burned so some seeps past into the crankcase.  Jim March could probably tell you more than I can.  Maybe he'll be along soon or just PM him.

Greg

[Guest]

Hrm.

Honda made an "Aero 50" little scooter, and several 750s but none "Aero".

In any case, being a Honda we can bet it's 4stroke.

Check your compression.  Get a compression tester thingie at any good auto parts store, check for at least 90lb in each cylinder and if there's more than one make sure there's no more than 10% variance between.  If gas is getting down into the crank it'll show up in poor ring sealing.

[Guest]

Hrm.

Honda made an "Aero 50" little scooter, and several 750s but none "Aero".

Honda Shadow Aero 750

Its a cruiser (V-Twin). Nice looking bike.

Gas in the oil isnt a "normal" sign. If the bike is new I would just make use of the warantee and take it to the dealer to sort out. Otherwise I would change the oil and ride it for awhile and check again later. If it still smells like oil then it could be leaky rings or a carburator in bad need of adjustment (you would probably notice the carb problem with some bad handling). If the performance of the machine isnt effected it isnt an "urgent" problem, but if it continues its worth looking at.

[Werewolf]

Honda Shadow Aero 750 - That's the one...

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll change the oil and see what happens.

Bike has 2400 miles on it. Engine performance is as good as the day I got it new.

[Guest]

It takes awhile for the seals to "seat" on a brand spanking new bike (unlike cars, motorcycles arent broken in AT ALL from the factory), so some gasy smelling oil at this time is likely to be perfectly normal.

[41 Redhawk]

If it has sat awhile and is carbureted as opposed to fuel injected, the floats could be sticking open and causing gas to flood into the oil.

[mfree]

Don't forget to close the fuel petcock when you shut 'er off.

[charby]

+1 for mfree

Someone gave me a 125 4 stroke enduro when I was 18, when I dropped the oil it was mixed with gasoline that drained from the tank from sitting too long (like 7 years or so). I did get it running and gave it to my baby brother when I got tired of the underpowered bike.

Charby