Motorcycle Repair: Oil Leaking from exhaust and intake., kawasaki vulcan nomad, suzuki intruder

Question
Hi,

We recently purchased a 2004 Suzuki Intruder Volusia 800cc and a 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1500cc. We got these bikes from ebay and took them for a short ride. While riding, both bikes began leaking oil all over the ground. We got back and relized that they were both filled with at least a quart too much oil. We drained the oil and refilled it to the correct amount. The bikes are still leaking oil all over but it only seems to do it when its being riden. At idle the bikes run fine, dont smoke, and dont leak. The kawasaki is leaking oil out of the crankcase ventialtion hole and into the airbox. The suzuki is doing the same but is also leaking oil out of 1 of the pipes. Any ideas as to what might be wrong and how much repairs should cost?

Thanks,

Devin

Answer
Hi Devin.

Did the previous owners give you a history for the machines?  Maintainence, accident, etc.?

If the bikes had ben laid down or dropped, then there is the possibility of previous damage that was not corrected.

As far as the oil coming from the exhaust on the Suzuki, you could have one or more bad valve seals.  The fact that the bikes vent oil into the airbox could indicate dirty or clogged air filters or some other related internal engine oil system component damaged or in some other respect failed.

Also, with the Kawasaki, you need to know that the crank case side covers need constant tightening.  Kawasaki's tend to be major maintainence pigs.

Start with that and see what you find.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON