[djhartm]

My bike has been burning oil since I got it. Just on yesterday's ride alone, at 384 miles, it lost ~2/3 quart. With 2464 (slightly optimistic as I put some miles on before installing my Speedo-Healer), it has now lost 3 quarts of synthetic 10w-30 & 10w-40). No leaks of any kind/ no oil in airbox/coolant. But the can tip is black & other riders commented on smelling burnt oil when I get on the gas & seeing smoke.

I called Honda & complained & they basically said some BS about 1 quart per thousand miles is within tolerance, but agreed that should not be happening. Bottom line, take it to the dealer.

I spoke to the head mechanic at Powersports where I bought it, and he agreed something is wrong. I will take the bike in this week.

I don't want my bike torn apart & fixed though if they find a problem (I'm betting a leakdown will reveal problems in one or more cylinders). Once the cases get opened, the bike will never be the same (speaking from experience). What are my options? Has anyone dealt with this before. Someone on one of the CBR forums got the dealer to take their bike back after he had a myriad of problems (they sold him another make).

As far as power, I've got it geared -1F +3R & the bike won't power wheelie in 2nd unless the tank is near empty (was trying to get a dyno pull before going into the shop). It basically feels slower than my 96 GSX-R750 racebike. I'm pretty bummed.

[ghbzorro]

My read is that the rings didn't seat properly. I assume you unfortunately followed the Honda-recommended break-in procedure. Therefore you need new rings and freshly honed cylinders. Take a look here for a possible explanation, and modified recommendations: Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

I would also follow those recommendations if they give you a new bike!

I have never had a new bike or one with a newly rebuilt engine, so I have not used the modified procedures. But, for what it's worth, i definitely WILL use them if I ever get a new bike.

I have also read stories that seem to suggest that some dealers have mistakenly filled the new bikes with synthetic oil, thus preventing proper break-in.

[djhartm]

Originally Posted by ghbzorro

My read is that the rings didn't seat properly. I assume you unfortunately followed the Honda-recommended break-in procedure. Therefore you need new rings and freshly honed cylinders. Take a look here for a possible explanation, and modified recommendations: Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

I would also follow those recommendations if they give you a new bike!

I have never had a new bike or one with a newly rebuilt engine, so I have not used the modified procedures. But, for what it's worth, i definitely WILL use them if I ever get a new bike.

I have also read stories that seem to suggest that some dealers have mistakenly filled the new bikes with synthetic oil, thus preventing proper break-in.

I rode it just as I would ride it normally; i.e. I did not follow any 'break-in' procedures per se.

The shop manual says 174psi is normal cylinder pressure, and less could be a blown head gasket (unlikely since there is no oil in the coolant), bad rings, or bad valve guides.

It will be interesting to see what the leakdown shows, but I am going to push hard for a new bike, or at the very least, a new engine.

As far as synthetic goes, many new vehicles come from the factory with it (i.e. my Corvette)...

[sb1000rr]

something seriously wrong if it wont power wheelie in 3rd and maybe 4th full of fuel with that gearing.......

[rjarrowman]

Originally Posted by sb1000rr

something seriously wrong if it wont power wheelie in 3rd and maybe 4th full of fuel with that gearing.......

Ahhhhhh............You should have a serious problem keeping the front down!

[Maholli]

My 08 burns oil as well, but not that much... Seems like alot of other people have had similar problems.. I did read where someone got a brand new bike because of it..

[rokitt51]

Originally Posted by rjarrowman

Ahhhhhh............You should have a serious problem keeping the front down!

[Hoody]

Hi, just reading you post and noticed you mentioned the thread I started about oil, I have received a new bike but I would think that every case is individual. My replacement is going in tomorrow for first service, so I do not have any info yet. Here is a link to the thread;

Fireblade 2008 - oil



.............. Hoody

[drooger]

We have bike night on wed. and met someone with a 081k and when he reved it in neutal it smoked like a fogger. He was an older gent and said he has not beat on it. He is quite upset. This probly doesnt help you but you are not the only one who has this problem im afraid. Good luck and keep us informed.

[Sime]

Do you have Lemon Law in your state? You need to start logging all the trips to the dealer and keep your receipts. You might be able to take Honda to abitration and get a replacement bike (or even your money back).

I sucessfully did this with my POS 2000 Corvette Coupe when I lived in Michigan. Due to an admitted faulty PCV system in the LS1, in 11 months, the car used 13 quarts of oil ---- amongst other issues such as inconsistent paint, poor panel gaps, broken stitching on the seat, a leaking hatch, cracked radio buttons and electrical issues. Not slagging off American product, but this particular 'vette was a real POS.

Through a good attorney who specialises in Lemon Law, I was able to get back my money and return the car....all at no cost to me (GM paid the attorney costs).

Good luck.

Cheers,
Sime

[Kratos]

I am getting ready to purchase an 08 CBR1000rr, but after reading all of the issues about them burning oil and smoking, some even after the break-in period, I'm not sure what to do. Anyone know what type of oil the factory puts in the engines before they ship to the dealer? What oil is recommended for the break-in period? I've read motoman's break-in method and it makes sense to me, but the oil consumption issue seems to be so random, it doesn't necessarily seem to be related to how the bike was broken in. This would be my 4th bike in 10 years, and I have never had a bike that used/burned oil. Any additional information would be helpfull.

[redrider67]

I have not had any issues with burning oil little over 5300 miles on the bike..And that it running it to red line in 2nd and 3rd gear for about 200 miles a weekend.

I break all my bikes in the same way for first 300 miles constantly running different gears and constantly changing RPM's have done 5 bikes this way and never had an issue with burning oil.

It does burn a little oil between changes but not as much as you...So I wuold say you have an issue.

Only major problem I had with my 2008 was the paint issue..After my low slide on the first of June I got all new plastics and they seem to hold up well and don't chip as easily.

[trainedkilla]

My 08 does not burn oil or smoke.

[Hoody]

My replacement bike has done about 1500 miles, it has used a little oil but nothing to worry about.

............. Hoody

[S. A. Kruz]

Originally Posted by Kratos

I am getting ready to purchase an 08 CBR1000rr, but after reading all of the issues about them burning oil and smoking, some even after the break-in period, I'm not sure what to do. Anyone know what type of oil the factory puts in the engines before they ship to the dealer? What oil is recommended for the break-in period? I've read motoman's break-in method and it makes sense to me, but the oil consumption issue seems to be so random, it doesn't necessarily seem to be related to how the bike was broken in. This would be my 4th bike in 10 years, and I have never had a bike that used/burned oil. Any additional information would be helpfull.

I'm sittin on the fence right next to ya buddy! I was hot to get one of these bikes but am not willing to risk it until Honda get's this oil consumption thing sorted out. It is not synthetic oil or break in procedure that's causing the problem, there's another underlying cause IMHO! I'll probably wait until the '09s come out and see if things are improved.

Kruz

[onlyrider]

08 1000RR oil burning problem is a global honda problem. In turkey most of the 2008 1000rrs are also burning oil. For that reason no one is buying fireblade here.

"...I called Honda & complained & they basically said some BS about 1 quart per thousand miles is within tolerance..."

I dont think so. I ve never heard that kind of tolerance! 08 1000rr is a big failure...

[pwrpapa]

Originally Posted by onlyrider

08 1000RR oil burning problem is a global honda problem. In turkey most of the 2008 1000rrs are also burning oil. For that reason no one is buying fireblade here.

I dont think so. I ve never heard that kind of tolerance! 08 1000rr is a big failure...

That's what GM told me when my new truck knocked and burned oil, it looks like Honda has learned from GM to pass the buck to the customer.
No new Honda for me until they change the way they are doing business.
If GM is gonna be their role model then it looks like a different brand maybe sitting in my garage come next spring.

Pop's

[S. A. Kruz]

Originally Posted by pwrpapa

No new Honda for me until they change the way they are doing business.


Pop's

I feel the same way Pop's, some are burning oil and some aren't but enough are that it makes it a bit of a crapshoot whether to buy one or not. Local dealers are already heavily discounting the '08s cause they cant' move any of 'em off the showroom floor. Honda, are you listening to all this??? That '08 ZX-10R is starting to look more and more attractive.

Kruz

[Zuhnu99]

Why so many Japanese brands eating oil in this days? Nissan have problems with 1.5 and 1.8 litre engines. Toyota have serious piston ring problem with 1.6 and 1.8 litre engines. Also new Toyota D4D Diesel engines have problems. Turbo-, head gasget-, cylinder head- and total engine distruction when oil and coolant are mixed together. That's why I use in this days VAG-product. Those are not super reliable, but those don't rust away in the front of your eyes.

My Fireblade is not oil hungry. I'm very glad from that.

[Hoody]

I wish the weather here in North Wales would 'STOP' F-ing raining, I might be able to find out if my replacement is using oil or not. I hate the rain, makes it far too slippy for my liking.

............ Hoody

[Stu748R]

I'm with you on this bloody rain.rain,rain,rain,rain,rain and yet more rain.

[S. A. Kruz]

Originally Posted by Hoody

I wish the weather here in North Wales would 'STOP' F-ing raining, I might be able to find out if my replacement is using oil or not. I hate the rain, makes it far too slippy for my liking.

............ Hoody

OK guys send us some of that rain and we'll ship you some of our sunshine. Been hitting up to 107 Degrees F here all week and no end in sight, bloody global warming. Only time you can ride here is early morning or late evening but even then it's still almost 90 F at midnight.

Kruz

[DukeCBR2008]

Originally Posted by Hoody

My replacement bike has done about 1500 miles, it has used a little oil but nothing to worry about.

............. Hoody

what is "a little oil"? I rode mine for 2000 miles and lost 0.5L, is that considered normal? never had any problem at all with my 07 Repsol...

[Slippy]

The dealer set my oil level at the 4k service and I took it back 500 miles later ... it had 'only' used 180mls which is far better than before which was nearer 500mls so fingers crossed it's settled down

[S. A. Kruz]

Originally Posted by DukeCBR2008

what is "a little oil"? I rode mine for 2000 miles and lost 0.5L, is that considered normal? never had any problem at all with my 07 Repsol...

I do 3000 mile oil changes on my bikes and between changes there is no measurable difference on the dipstick so I would say your consumption is high enough that I'd be camping out on my local dealer's doorstep wanting some answers. That's just not acceptable IMHO on a new bike, especially a Honda.
Like I've said before, Honda needs to be listening to these forums if they're not already. This is keeping me from buying an '08 right now, just not willing to chance it.


Kruz

[Slippy]

Originally Posted by S. A. Kruz

That's just not acceptable IMHO on a new bike, especially a Honda.

Personally I don't think 0.5L in 2000 miles is a problem, I have VAG cars that use that much.

I also ride a CRF 450 off road and that uses huge amounts, but for some reason people are happy to judge that as acceptable on an off road bike.

Some engines use oil and some don't, so long as you know then keep an eye on it but I certainly don't let it detract me from my enjoyment of what happens to be the best bike on the road.

I'm with Hoody on the rain BTW

[The Gerd]

Originally Posted by onlyrider

I dont think so. I ve never heard that kind of tolerance! 08 1000rr is a big failure...

Havent had my bike long enough to notice oil consumption, but mine doesnt smoke at all, and the exhaust tip is clean enought to eat off of.

Saying the bike is a failure is a little bit of an exageration, especially since most people who have no problems often dont feel the need to post about how flawlessly their bikes are running. So most of what you "hear" are the problems, and since people post their problems on a forum for help and or support more than they post a "hell yeah my bike is perfect in every way" post.

I am currently monitoring my oil and so far the first few hundred miles have been pretty rigorous.

So basing your assumptions about a bike on a few people in one or two forums having similar problems is kind of silly. To be honest, the fact that Honda has not issued a blanket statement about the oil consumption, and has only replaced a few bikes due to this occurance, leads me to believe that the oil burning is not nearly as widespread as we are all making it out to be.

Please people who are burning oil, dont take it the wrong way, I keep praying that my bike doesnt burn oil, and I hope that your problems are fixed by Honda or go away of their own accord. But at the same time, anyone who is thinking of buying the 08 Blade talk to the dealer and ensure that they only use semi-synth or organic oils for break in and break in the bike however you feel most comfortable.

In my eyes this bike is far from a failure, its not perfect but it is damn close to my ideal motorcycle. Hell I even like the colors, I must be daft