After a few years of trouble free riding on my Griso and Norge, I guess I can't complain that a few problems have started to show up now. The Griso is waiting at this point for me to decide which way to proceed with the tappet upgrade, but in the meantime, I had a bit of a worry with the Norge (2013, 8400 miles).
Was riding to work a few weeks back and noticed an oil burning smell at a stop light. 'I hope that's not me' I thought, but it was there again at the next stop. And the next. 'Well, it's probably a valve cover gasket' I thought as it had that distinctive smell. So upon getting home, I checked it out, and grrr, no leak from the valve cover, but a 'ring' of an oil leak right around the base of the head. I was not happy at all, but I did a search here and found a bunch of similar problems that were not head related. First thing I checked was the spark plug well O ring, but again, no leak. Then I remembered someone had mentioned a banjo bolt behind the head. With my fingers crossed, I put a wrench on it and YAY, It was about a quarter turn loose! (left cylinder by the way)
I've since cleaned up the dripping oil, and it seems to be holding, so that was a big relief.
BTW, while reinstalling the fairing bits, I looked under the bike an saw a drip on the bottom of the oil filter. Turned out it was slightly loose too. I had bought the correct tool from Harpers, so out it came and I was able to snug it up. I've replaced many oil filters over the years, but they've always been hand tightened, and this one you can't get a hand around it. So using the tool for the first time, I probably didn't tighten it enough due to fear of over tightening.
Anyhow, I want to thank everyone for all the info you guys share here. It really helps to find out what to look for when you're not really sure where the problem is originating, and there's no dealer close by.
I'll keep you informed when I get going on the Griso. Hopefully in a few weeks.
