Posts: 994
Threads: 61
Likes Received: 43 in 16 posts
Likes Given: 8
Joined: Dec 2013
I've searched this forum and read several posts on oil, but I couldn't find an answer to this question: Does your CB1100 consume (burn) any oil? Mine does, although it is not noticeable (no smoke), and you can't smell it. I'm just past 12,000 miles. I run only the Honda brand 10W30 full synthetic motor oil, and I change it every 3,000 miles. I performed the first change at 500 miles. This motor was broken-in properly (I do not want to start another discussion about proper break-in procedures), it has never seen redline, and from what I read on this forum, I ride it pretty typically (meaning it rarely exceeds 5,000 RPM). Between the last two 3,000 mile oil change intervals my bike has consumed approximately one quart of oil (it actually consumed a little more than one quart the past 3,000 miles). There are NO oil leaks. I always allow the motor to warm-up for a minute before riding off, so in summary, I believe this motor was broken-in properly, has been properly maintained, and if anything, it has been babied. As a reference, my 1998 VFR800 has 100,000+ miles (this I have owned since new), and I have NEVER added a drop of oil between the same 3,000 mile oil change intervals. Also, the VRF typically runs about 50% higher RPM. So, are there any other CB1100's out there (mine is a 2014 dlx) that need to have oil periodically added to keep the level topped of?
Posts: 921
Threads: 42
Likes Received: 5 in 4 posts
Likes Given: 2
Joined: Apr 2025
I am up to 35000 miles and do not see any oil consumption between changes every 4000 miles.
Posts: 1,267
Threads: 108
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Feb 2015
Almost over 12,000 miles on my 2013 Standard. 3 oil changes so far each at 3,000 mile intervals. No oil consumption. Oil is always at the high line of the oil sight glass. getting ready to do a 4th oil change after I do the southern Utah ride. From your write up it sounds like I ride mine a little harder than you do yours.
Posts: 861
Threads: 18
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jun 2014
My CB is at 17K miles and I haven't noticed any oil consumption.
To me, a quart of oil consumed per 3,000 miles is a big concern.
Posts: 912
Threads: 19
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: May 2015
Yes, mine drinks a sip or two between oil changes. Mechanic at dealership told me to watch for this, said some do and some don't.
Just another part of routine checks and maintenance, like air pressure and chain lube - only a big deal if you skip it.
Posts: 371
Threads: 25
Likes Received: 20 in 6 posts
Likes Given: 1
Joined: Oct 2015
Mine does too. I commute 90 miles a day, four days a week, half of my commute is full speed averaging 80 mph and the other half cutting traffic, I think it just breaks down the oil. I top it off once or twice between oil changes. I use Honda 10/30 oil. Not synthetic though.
Sent from me......
Posts: 96
Threads: 8
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Aug 2014
All engines consume oil. With 53,000 mi. on my '13 and oil changes every 5,000 mi. using HP4 10w-30 I see very little oil consumption between changes. A small smile always forms on my cynical face when I hear someone claim that their engine doesn't use "a drop of oil".
My experience is that all internal combustion engines consume oil, particularly air-cooled ones (all engines are air-cooled, regardless whether they have water in them or not). Even so-called liquid cooled engines are primarily air-cooled.
The oil filter will hold a significant amount of oil without it draining out. To determine the actual amount of oil contained in the filter would take a weight measurement before and after installation (minus the impurities contained in the filter at the time of removal). Who does that? In addition, oil will adhere to the engine internals, the container that it's drained into, etc. Since all liquids evaporate, including oil, even an engine that is never operated will "use oil" over time.
Enough rambling today, I must be bored.
Posts: 313
Threads: 11
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jun 2013
Most engines use a little oil. My '13 1100 has over 8,000 miles on it and it still uses a little.
Posts: 673
Threads: 26
Likes Received: 5 in 5 posts
Likes Given: 62
Joined: May 2025
Have not had to add a drop in between oil changes
you should have bought a DELUXE
2014 Honda CB1100 DLX
2002 Honda CB750 Nighthawk
Posts: 921
Threads: 42
Likes Received: 5 in 4 posts
Likes Given: 2
Joined: Apr 2025
(11-01-2016, 12:24 AM)Haystack_imp Wrote: All engines consume oil. With 53,000 mi. on my '13 and oil changes every 5,000 mi. using HP4 10w-30 I see very little oil consumption between changes. A small smile always forms on my cynical face when I hear someone claim that their engine doesn't use "a drop of oil".
My experience is that all internal combustion engines consume oil, particularly air-cooled ones (all engines are air-cooled, regardless whether they have water in them or not). Even so-called liquid cooled engines are primarily air-cooled.
The oil filter will hold a significant amount of oil without it draining out. To determine the actual amount of oil contained in the filter would take a weight measurement before and after installation (minus the impurities contained in the filter at the time of removal). Who does that? In addition, oil will adhere to the engine internals, the container that it's drained into, etc. Since all liquids evaporate, including oil, even an engine that is never operated will "use oil" over time.
Enough rambling today, I must be bored.
That is why I state it is not noticeable oil consumption. A small amount is normal, a quart every 3000 miles is excessive.