Posted by Keith Howey on January 17, 2002 at 23:24:37:
This is my first cycle. I bought it new in 2000. Took it in for maintenance around 3000 miles and 7500 miles for routine maintenance checkups and I was going to take it in at 11,000 miles. It has around 10,700 miles now and the engine has seized up. I know that this probably sounds really stupid but I didn't check the oil. I figuired that it was still relatively new and since I was having it serviced every 3 or 4000 miles the oil would be changed then and everything would be ok.
My question is this, my bike started to make a really loud noise so I pulled over and then it wouldn't start. The dealer says "there is something really really wrong with it and I suggest you get a whole new engine!" He says that when he drained it only about 1/2 pint of oil came out and it holds 2 pints. Is it possible that a new bike would burn 1 1/2 pints of oil in around 3000 miles? And should I accept his word and buy a new engine (even when he hasn't cracked it open) or go get a second opinion?
I appreciate any help or guidance you can offer me.