Motorcycle Repair: 1984 Honda VF1000F, excessive oil consumption, combustion chambers

Question
My 1984 Honda VF1000F is using oil.  It has done 88000kms and runs well, but for some reason it is using oil,  it doesnt appear to be burning it, (that I can see) and it is not leaking it.  It can use as much as a litre in a 200 kilometre trip, and the harder I ride it the more it uses.  I have even had other people follow me looking for signs of oil smoke, with a negative result.  Can you tell me what is happening?  I use a synthetic based oil reccomended for motorcycles. I have had the bike for a year and as long as I keep the oil topped up it isnt a problem, the bike runs really well. Before I owned it, the bike was in storage for two years and from what I was told was only started once during that time.  

Answer
Hi Peter,

A litre per 200km is excessive oil consumption. Is there any evidence of a leak on the engine cases?

Perform cylinder compression and leak-down tests to determine the sealing properties of the combustion chambers (condition of engine). These tests will determine the source of defective/worn parts, if any.

Measure and monitor oil pressure.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively
Dayton, Ohio