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?
Oil Consumption
- Thread starter dave
- Start date
kennyw
Road warrior
I am up to 35000 miles and do not see any oil consumption between changes every 4000 miles.
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.
4 Paws_imp
Road warrior
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.
Just another part of routine checks and maintenance, like air pressure and chain lube - only a big deal if you skip it.
mattmcuomo@yahoo.com
Been there
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......
Sent from me......
Haystack_imp
Running like a top
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.
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.
mininsx_imp
Been there
Most engines use a little oil. My '13 1100 has over 8,000 miles on it and it still uses a little.
clearviewx
Been there
Have not had to add a drop in between oil changes
kennyw
Road warrior
That is why I state it is not noticeable oil consumption. A small amount is normal, a quart every 3000 miles is excessive.Haystack_imp said:
LongRanger_imp
Road warrior
My DLX doesn't seem to use any oil between oil changes. If it does, it's inconsequential.
emptysea
Road warrior
27,000 miles and if I'm burning oil at all, it's not measurable through the little window. I don't know much about such things, but a quart every 3K seems like a lot and it's surprising to me that you would not smell (burning) or see (leaking) oil if that much is going away that fast. Hope you figure it out and let us know that the problem was/is. Good luck.
the Ferret
Road warrior
same here on my 26,000 + mile DLX, I'm nearing due for an oil change (every 4K), and again checked it this morning before todays ride and no consumption thru the site glass I can tell.
Thank you all for your replies. Maybe my bike isn't really burning as much oil as I think, and the real issue is with oil draining into the crankcase and providing a correct indication on the sight glass. Like I said, I have never seen or smelled any exhaust smoke. 3 weeks ago I checked my oil and it was just barely on the lower line of the sight glass. This was after sitting for approximately 2 hours. I went through the recommended check procedure (starting the engine etc), and double-checked it, and it was at the same level. I rode to the Honda shop to purchase a quart of the recommended 10w30, full-synthetic, Honda motor oil and when I checked it again at the shop when I arrived there (about 6 miles from my house), the level was back up to the top line. This isn't the first time I have experienced a situation like this. On another occasion I added the proper amount of oil to bring the level up to the top line before a ride and when I returned home after a 100+ mile ride and checked the oil it was now over-filled! Is anybody else experiencing similar situations? Thanks again for the replies.
redbirds_imp
Road warrior
I have been using synthetic oil exclusively in my 2013, Shell Rotella 5W-40, not that it's important and have noticed no measurable drop at the inspection window. I change oil about every 4 months or 3000 miles, whichever comes first.
LongRanger_imp
Road warrior
Dave, I'm not sure about the CB1100, but on my K1200RS it will show oil halfway up the sight glass when cold (as recommended), and then empty after the bike has been ridden. It seems to take hours for the oil level to come back up, leaving more than one owner to panic and add oil, resulting in an overfilled crankcase. In 19 years of ownership, I've learned to ignore it and just keep current with my oil changes. If I ever see the oil pressure light come on, I'll worry.
Ulvetanna_imp
Road warrior
No oil consumption, running 10W40 until this week. Changed to 10W30 for the first time. Weather is a little cooler now.
You have be very careful about checking the oil. Warm the bike up as it states and let it settle for a few minutes. Checking it cold in the garage after a night of settling is inaccurate. I had to remove some oil once too after being caught out the same way.
This oil change, I think I finally got it just right. Exactly four quarts, with the filter, it's just below the upper line.
You have be very careful about checking the oil. Warm the bike up as it states and let it settle for a few minutes. Checking it cold in the garage after a night of settling is inaccurate. I had to remove some oil once too after being caught out the same way.
This oil change, I think I finally got it just right. Exactly four quarts, with the filter, it's just below the upper line.
Very important that you check the oil in the same spot every time. I would always check it in the spot where I change it. It will show different reads in other locations its that sensitive.
When you change the oil put in the recommended 4 qts which will bring it above the sight glass window ( no concern if its high 2 oz ) then check in the same spot.
If your using 1 qt per 3000 miles its really no concern, just means your rings in 1 or more cyl. did not seat completely. You should go to conventional oil next change, Synthetic will bleed through the rings more.
Honda would consider it a problem if you where burning a qt every 500 miles not 3000.
Break in or riding habits have no effect until high mileage.
When you change the oil put in the recommended 4 qts which will bring it above the sight glass window ( no concern if its high 2 oz ) then check in the same spot.
If your using 1 qt per 3000 miles its really no concern, just means your rings in 1 or more cyl. did not seat completely. You should go to conventional oil next change, Synthetic will bleed through the rings more.
Honda would consider it a problem if you where burning a qt every 500 miles not 3000.
Break in or riding habits have no effect until high mileage.
LongRanger_imp
Road warrior
I agree. That's why they have a fan adjacent to the radiator. It's why my water-cooled bikes will quickly overheat in traffic if the fan doesn't come on. The coolant is simply the mechanism to transfer the engine heat into the air. The air is indirectly cooling the engine. It's probably just semantics.Haystack_imp said:
