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[08SEUltra]

I could use some advice.  I'm planning two, 2000 mile trips on my 08 SE Ultra in the next 3 months.  If the engine starts leaking, as so many have, does it need to be serviced immediately, or can I just keep an eye on the oil level.  Thanks.

[Chief]

I could use some advice.  I'm planning two, 2000 mile trips on my 08 SE Ultra in the next 3 months.  If the engine starts leaking, as so many have, does it need to be serviced immediately, or can I just keep an eye on the oil level.  Thanks.

It all depends on how badly it starts leaking. Mine has been a cosmetic annoyance for about 6,000 miles now and I'm leaving on a 2,000 mile trip tomorrow morning, leaks and all. And the leaking isn't significant enough to concern myself about oil levels.

If it leaks bad enough that you need to add replacement oil, I'd be headed to a dealer. If it's just weeping out and getting on the casees like mine, I wouldn't sweat it.

We may have a better idea about what to do next week. We've been waiting to hear about a rumored fix for a month or so. It shouldn't be much longer until word is out.

Go have fun on your trip and don't sweat the leaks. Most owners of 110s have experienced them. Most, but not all.

[beerman]

"if" ?
When.....is more likely
but don't worry..ride the bike it's just cosmetic like they have said
Enjoy
-Beerman

[Gone Fishin']

It is not only the leaking, it is also the damage happening to the piston and the cylinder. In my opinion the gasket issue is happening after the bushes (?? I am not sure if this the right word ??) get damaged, and as a result you'll have damage to the piston. You could (and I did) ride it for another 1k or 2k miles, but the earlier you take it to the dealer, the earlier it can be taken care off to get you back on the road with this fine bike. And, btw, it seems that currently the pistons are on back order.

Ride safely,
Louis

[BIGDOG]

Take the trips . If your a member of HOG take your book with all the dealer phone numbers and if you get in a pinch you can call for assistance. Have a great ride and enjoy.

[pado]

Great thread !!!

[TNThumper]

Ride on....don't worry about it unless it happens..

VG

[sadunbar]

When my 110 started leaking I was over 1000 miles from home.  I finished the trip with no worries except for a bit of oil mess on my transmission cover dripping down from the rear head.  Bike ran fine and I never lost enough volume of oil to have to replenish it...   

[hard10]

I've gone through three sets now. I've never worried about it. I did check my oil about every third tank full of gas and it was never low due to the gaskets. Go on your trip and enjoy!
AJ

[RedDevil]

Ride it and worry about the leak if/when it happens.  Mine did nothing more then coat the top of one fin with a little oil.  The only reason I noticed that it was leaking was the fact that the gasket was a different color where it was leaking and I ran my little finger on the top of the fin and got some oil on it.  Don't worry too much about it.  I haven't heard of anyone having a catastrophic "blow-out" where you lose oil pressure.  Most have been slow leakers and don't really cause any problems other than the frustration to have to take the bike in to get it fixed.

   

[08SEUltra]

Thanks to all for the responses, which are much appreciated.  Happy to hear that the appearance of a leak is not a trip-ender.  Should be a great summer.

[Keith_H]

I have the same worry. The first time mine leaked it started as the usual drool at the bottom of the cylinder at 4K miles. I let it go and watched it as I was going to take it in at 5000 anyway. At the 5K miles point I was on a 400 mile day trip. I stopped and got gas about 60 miles from home, everything normal. Last leg was down the interstate at 80, temp was 90 or so. When I got home it let loose as I had oil all down the side of the bike, exhaust, bags and even on my leg. Second time I didn't wait past the drool, I took it right in. That was at 9K miles. Now I have 12K and Sturgis around the corner. Really, I’m hoping it will do it now to get it over with for another 4-5K miles.