Decisions decisions....

[jbs80106]

Just rode my bike to work today. Stopped by local shop that works on older bikes to get an opinion/estimate on my oil leak. Not good news. Its leaking just at the corner where the finned cylinder head attaches to the lower motor housing (where oil is...).

Pics comming soon!!!!

Mechanic said that the oil is leaking out of where there is an oil passage, and to replace the gasket requires tearning down the top of the motor....estimate fo $500, or more depending on how cylinders/pistons/rings/etc. looked. Makes sense to me to fix everything else in there while the engine is apart.

However, $500-750 is about 1/3 of picking up a newer Bandit S 1200 (1999), or the 1/2 of the one for sale on here in Tx for $2500. Sat on the the Bandit. Very comfortable. I fit it better than my 650.....

SO I seem to be at that cross-roads between fixing my junk or getting something newer, keeping the 650G to tinker and fix myself.

I know several here have replaced gaskets and its not super hard, just time consuming.....

Any thoughts?
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[tkent02]

Or you could spend about eighty bucks on a few gaskets, and spend a few leisurely hours learning what else is going on inside your engine as you fix a few easy leaks...

I vote buy a new bike, sell that one to one of us.

[four_shot]

fix it unless you're just looking for an excuse to get another bike. my $.02.

[Dave8338]

Agree with the first posts...

[knotzilla]

I wouldn't pay $500 to get it fixed. Fix it yourself or buy the bandit, Ted

[RobC]

I wouldn't pay $500 to get it fixed. Fix it yourself or buy the bandit, Ted

Or fix it yourself AND buy the bandit

[jbs80106]

I like this option!

Or fix it yourself AND buy the bandit

Sounds like its nearly a complete rebuild, if I gotta take off the top 1/2 of the motor, might as well tackle annoying cam chain tensioner ooze, and what ever other tid-bits one encounters in the core of their motor...

Not saying I can't do it, probably not until after my master classes finish in May, and then I'm into riding season.

I love this bike, other than the fix or repair yearly aspects. Having something newer that breaks down less often would be nice. Besides, that engine on the Bandit looks like the same 'fix it myself' type of beast......

Maybe Obama or AIG will send me some $$$......

[rapidray]

Buy the Bandit to ride while you are getting money & parts together to fix the leaker. Then, you will either have 2 bikes to ride or 1 to ride & 1 to sell! Ray.

[robertbarr]

Or fix it yourself AND buy the bandit

THERE ya go.

With the Bandit to zip around on, you'll be in less of a hurry to go through the GS, so you can take your time & do it correctly.

[jimcor]

Just how bad is it leaking? Less face it oil is relatively cheap. Carry a rag and wipe it off at stops. Top off the slippery stuff when needed.

[heathen]

I rebuilt the top end of my 750. Replaced the cams mine were under speck. New rings and honed the cylinders. Total cost was $300 and a day of work.

[Roger P.]

Sounds like its nearly a complete rebuild, if I gotta take off the top 1/2 of the motor, might as well tackle annoying cam chain tensioner ooze, and what ever other tid-bits one encounters in the core of their motor...

Not saying I can't do it, probably not until after my master classes finish in May, and then I'm into riding season.

I love this bike, other than the fix or repair yearly aspects. Having something newer that breaks down less often would be nice. Besides, that engine on the Bandit looks like the same 'fix it myself' type of beast......

Maybe Obama or AIG will send me some $$$......

The fix is already in for those Bandits....

[Don-lo]

How bad is it leaking? Clean it and sell it like it is, just tell the buyer there is a minor oil leak. Hahaha, makes it more like a harley. It won't change the price much, buyers are usually willing to fix one thing.

[drhach]

How bad is it leaking? Clean it and sell it like it is, just tell the buyer there is a minor oil leak. Hahaha, makes it more like a harley. It won't change the price much, buyers are usually willing to fix one thing.

Bad advice to say the least.

[dpep]

I agree that we need to know how much it is leaking. I can understand someone who does not do a lot of engine work not wanting to start a project at the beginning of riding season, particularly if it is your only bike. If the oil leak isn't severe, buy a case at Wal Mart and ride till the fall. Topping off every few days isn't that much work. I have found myself on long trips with a "leaker" and just added oil at every other gas stop.

Also, Permatex has a couple of spray can products that might be able to stop or slow the leak that are at least worth a try. I was able to actually stop a base gasket leak (that sounds like what you have) on one of my 850s. It is still holding after a year (knock on wood) with a liberal dose of the Form A Seal. Be sure to follow the directions.

http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/adhesives_sealants/sealants.htm