Oil Consumption?

[trader220]

As many here know I picked up a 1999 ST4 with 5700 on it 2 months ago. I have put about 1000 miles on it since then dodging the rain. I looked and the oil level indicator is showing below the “min” mark. How much oil consumption should I expect? I gather there is a very small leak since if I don’t use it for a couple of days I can smell and see some burn off coming from the lower fairing on the right side when I let the bike warm up. There are no drops under the bike when it sits for a bit.

I assume that accessing the area to add oil forces a removal of the lower fairing? Is it possible to remove just one panel to access the area to add oil?

All hepl is appreciated.

Thanks

[Johnny]

After running in the ST should burn no oil. 36K miles and counting

Apart from the normal areas check for leaks;


Oil breather at the back of the crankcase
Alternator cover and grommet on LH side.
Oil cooler hoses and oil cooler


Get a bendy or long nosed funnel, or even use some 1/2" hose to top up

[trader220]

regquires removal of lower fairing?

or is there something I am missing?

[StuST3]

Trader
I have a later model ST3 with almost 10K miles and don't loose any oil.

To add the oil on my bike is slightly restricted by the fairing and have added oil using a flexible oil filler.

Amazon

Amazon

Just a note that even with the low mileage the belts need to be done every two years. This is something you can do.

I recently did the belts and valves. Wasn't as hard as I thought. Stew

[trader220]

Thanks the belts were done recently. Just looks like it would be near impossible to get to the filler without removing the fairing, thought there might be something I over looked. I am sure there is a small leak, like I said no puddle or drip under bike but easily see a bit of burnoff when I start it from cold. No question its below the min line in the window after the oil is warmed up.

[what broke now]

As you recently did belts, did you also check valve clearances? when i finished my service, I had oil leaking slowly onto the rear ex header from the rear cover on the vert cylinder. Anything you removed that has a gasket or banjo bolt is worth checking.

As Johnny mentioned, it's easy to conjure up a funnel rig to fill without removing fairing pieces. eg: vinyl or soft copper tubing that will flex to fit the path, etc.

[trader220]

Reaching the filler cap is the issue on topping off the oil.

[what broke now]

Ah... My 2003 has a notch in the fairing that allows access and view of the filler cap, I made the dumb assumption that all years had that feature, sorry.

[Gearbox]

"No question its below the min line in the window after the oil is warmed up."

FYG You do need to wait at least 5 minutes for the level to settle.

I use a small funnel wedged into about 9 inches of old hose pipe to top-up but the book says remove the lower RH panel for access.

Most STs do not burn oil significantly to warrant topping-up between normal oil changes.

[va duc]

I have an aftermarket oil cap and have no problem removing it with the fairings on, I do not remove the fairings to change the oil or filter.