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[PapaAgnis]

Once again guys thanks for the practical advice (I'll pass on blowing up the motor). Just to clarify things, and hopefully to put them into perspective, yes, I should have checked the oil. I should floss more and I know that I shouldn't break wind in bed. The miles were put on in a very short period of time, and not having noticed any oil consumption in the 1st 1000 miles, and not having any problems highlighted in the 1st service I was suckered into a false sense of security. This is a 2010 engine not something built in the 50s. If I'd been alerted to an oil problem by any of the usual symptoms I would have checked .
Tom - your point about involving a second dealer isn't really an issue here. It was only done because my recovery service will only transport the bike to the nearest dealer - also the dealership setup in Europe is different to that in the states, although seperate franchises they work a lot more closely together.
Jerry  - let me say that the response from my dealer has been excellent. My original post wasn't intended to blame anyone, I wanted to know if anyone else had experienced anything similar. The bike is being tested now to see if there is excessive oil loss. This may be the case although I say again - there is no smoking, no oil residue, no leak and the spark plugs are as clean as the day the bike left the factory. If the engine is consuming oil at the rate of a quart every 3 to 4 hundred miles then I don't think that the engine can be considered to be fit for its purpose!

[grc]

...............................
Jerry, between you and me, would you head out on a long distance trip with that engine in your bike?
................................
Tom P. 

Tom, I would do what Scott (sadunbar) recommended, while also adding a check of the cam plate since this is one of the few plain bearing surfaces.  The roller and ball bearings are probably fine, since they only run with an oil mist anyway.  If the dealership acknowledges responsibility and agrees to do the inspections to ensure there is no major damage, that would probably be the best case scenario.  If the dealership says no way they are at fault, and after 1400 miles I would guess that would be their answer, then if it were me I'd probably do the same inspections at my own expense.  Like I said, it's still a good idea to get all this on record with the dealership and with the MoCo.  You never know, you could catch someone on a day when they were feeling especially good and they might offer a better solution.

All of this still assumes that the original dealership didn't add the proper amount of oil.  I guess I'd like to see how much oil is consumed, if any, in the next 1400 miles.  Everyone could be jumping to conclusions here, and there may in fact be a different root cause that could be warrantable. 


Jerry

[HOGMIKE]

CVO Ultra 2010 - had it's first service at the dealers at 1000 miles. At 2400 miles it started a rattle - linked to the rpm - like an exhaust clamp or the horn cover was loose. Checked all over but couldn't find the source. Rode a bit more then noticed that the oil pressure was fluctuating, independent of revs. After I saw it drop to zero a couple of times I pulled over and checked the oil - dip stick dry!!
Got the bike taken to a different dealership and when they drained the tank there was 1 pint of oil remaining (18oz/550ml to be precise). So where had it gone? No leak, the bike has always been as dry as a bone. Could it have burnt the oil? It didn't burn any in the first 1000 miles and surely if you're burning that amount of oil there'd be signs. So if it didn't leak it and didn't burn it you have to ask how much was in there in the first place? Refilling the oil and replacing the filter has "cured" the rattle, but having spent more buying this bike than I've spent buying all the cars I've ever owned (30 years worth) I'm not in a good place right now

Hopefully, you're had a chance to practice your "deep breathing" exercises and can approach this issue methodically.
Over the years I have had to deal with manufactures with similar issues. I have found that if you keep notes, and document everything you can; you MAY or MAY NOT need it for the future.
Don't assume the dealer/factory is out to screw you, and approach them with a friendly, positive attitude and you will gain much more than using threats.
I DON'T condone being dishonest, illegal, immoral.
It's best to be very patient, and give the parties a chance to review your situation and make it right. Dealers do not want to lose customers, neither does the factory, they all want to stay in business and most are willing to do what's reasonable to keep a happy customer (you can't buy this kind of advertising!).
Go through your "chain of command" and most of all be patient.
This is just MHO, and has worked for ME.

[PapaAgnis]

Hogmike - as I mentioned in my previous post the dealership are being very supportive and helpful. They're as keen to get to the bottom of this as I am.

Jerry - All of this still assumes that the original dealership didn't add the proper amount of oil.  I guess I'd like to see how much oil is consumed, if any, in the next 1400 miles.  Everyone could be jumping to conclusions here, and there may in fact be a different root cause that could be warrantable. - I totally agree. I've been shown the dealer workshop and their methods for accounting for oil - it does seem unlikely that they made a mistake however sometimes things do go wrong. The approach at the moment is to see, over a carefully contolled few hundred miles, if there is oil usage. We'll take it from there.

[sadunbar]

As Jerry has implied....there are at least two likely potential causes of the loss of oil.  One possible route is the oil wasn't properly refilled at the 1000 mile service.  A second possible route is the bike consumed 3.5 to 4 quarts of oil in 1400 miles.  Either of these possibilities will put responsibility on either the dealership that did the 1000 mile service or the MOCO via your warranty.  Calm and cool with patience should get you a satisfactory response. 

But of more immediate attention is the current condition of your motor.  I would proceed with inspections mentioned earlier.  Once satisfied your motor is not damaged (or once any discovered damage is repaired), it would be prudent to follow up with close monitoring of future potential oil consumption...

[SIX38]

Hello PapaAngis,
 Don't be too hard on yourself about the "checking oil level" issue. You have a brand new bike, just had a 1000 mile service performed, no previous problems, you had every reason to think that all was well. 9 out of 10 others would have done the same thing.
 I am VERY happy to hear that the dealer is being responsive, supportive and working with you on this matter. Hopfully the inspections detailed by Sadunbar will be performed. We are all on your side with this and hope you go on and enjoy many miles ahead with your CVO Ultra Classic, in my opinion, a great motorcycle.
Good Luck
Tom P.

[Unbalanced]

Papa,

One thing to have the dealer look at it is with a bore scope check to be sure there are not heat marks in the cylinders from lack of oil and over heating the cylinders.  This can cause a lot of problems.  Another test you can do is a leak down test to see if you are within spec of the rings sealing properly.

Best of luck with it.