2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650R.......Burning oil?????

[RideN]

I did my first oil and filter change a few weeks ago. I used Castro Actevo part synthetic oil. This was the 1st oil change on the bike (600 mile service) I couldn't get to the shop for another week or so and didn't want to let the oil go any further since the bike had almost 800 miles on it.

Anyway, after I was done, I let it sit for about a hour and checked the level. It was right at the top line.

So, yesterday I'm checking fluid levels and the oil level is just below the LOWER LEVEL LINE???? It has only been about 1500 miles since the oil was changed. Sure Glad I checked it.

When I picked up the bike from the dealer (the 600 mile service) The service guy said to keep the oil near the top of the window because these bikes will burn oil, especially when doing long freeway usage. I drive 150 miles round trip to/from work.

So, what gives? I mean, do these babies burn oil like that? I park the bike in the garage and there hasn't been any signs of leaks.

[High_Side]

Assuming that you checked closely for leaks around the filter and drain plug, did you let the bike sit for at least a few minutes prior to checking it the second time? Also not only does it make a lot of difference if the bike is level side to side, but also front to back. If the bike had actually burned that much oil in that short of time you should have seen it in the mirrors when going on or coming off of the throttle.

My $.02

[Wrider]

I'm with HighSide.
Let it idle for a bit, then sit for 5-10 minutes and check it when the bike is level in both directions. That should give you a good idea of it's actual level.
If it really is burning that much it's burning a lot more than usual. But the manufacturers say it's "within spec" if it burns a quart every 1000 miles or so usually. Which is basically their way of not having to rebuild most motors under warranty.

[wrecks]

Just be glad you don't have a 2k8 CBR 1000. Mine drinks oil like gasoline. What Wrider says is true about the "the manufacturers say it's "within spec" if it burns a quart every 1000 miles or so usually."

[Wrider]

Just be glad you don't have a 2k8 CBR 1000. Mine drinks oil like gasoline. What Wrider says is true about the "the manufacturers say it's "within spec" if it burns a quart every 1000 miles or so usually."

Yeah those are notorious unfortunately. Some of the 08 CBRs fell into a recall, but unfortunately Honda didn't "man-up" and do all of them like they should have.

[storysunfolding]

remember that some oil is sitting in the filter now too. My manual has both a with and without filter oil change. Which one did you use?

[RideN]

Sorry haven't gotten back......life and all.
Anyway, I changed the oil again making sure to pay close attention. It's been a week now and I don't see any oil loss !?!?!?!!? Must have done something wrong the previous change...

[Wrider]

Sometimes it's just how things go! Glad there seems to be nothing wrong!