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[Continental Daz]

My brand new Conti gt has a oil leak 😔 It's weeping out where the kick start spindle goes into the engine... Anyone else had this problem??
And yes I know it's still under warranty

[Tim NZ]

Yes, and it is not uncommon to find that leak especially on higher mileage bikes. The kick-start is not really designed for continuous service and the supporting metal around the shaft is inadequate. In your case it most probably be due to seal damaged upon assembly?


Tip: DONT use the kick-start as the primary means of starting the bike. A damaged Kick start can become a rather expensive 'little' repair.

[Continental Daz]

Thanks, I think I'll get them to sort it for its first service. Also it looks like they've put 10/40 semi synthetic oil in it... The manual states use 15/50.....?????

[nigelphoto]

Only use 15w50 ester based semi-synth (as sold by our hosts). Its the manufacturer's specification and the hydraulic tappets need 15w50 to work at the correct pressure; original dealers (i.e. pre MotoGB importers) advise 15w50.

[hagis]

I have not had this problem with my CGT, mind you I have never used the kick start always the electric starter, its now done 3500 miles and the electric start has always been reliable, One of my winter mods will be to take the kick start lever off and store it under my bench, it will be replaced with a cover that is available.

[Haggis]

Nowt stranger than folk,
I am the very opposite, thinking of removing the electric starter along with sprag and associated electrics, just leaving the kick start, which I use every time.
This would also mean I could do away with that lorry battery that is fitted and use something more compact and bijoux.

[jefrs]

I really dunno about the kick start not being designed for normal use but it does strike me that too many folks put too much effort into starting a Bullet when all it takes is a lazy swing or five, it is not after all a DBD34. You appear to have a faulty oil seal, obviously a warranty job, probably misaligned at the factory. Sad but not insurmountable. However it it were me with a very brand new bike I'd be angling for a replacement machine as it obviously has a defective engine that is "not fit for intended purpose".



The place where this engine likes to leak is the little filter under the engine which requires a thicker O-ring, and there are three drainage points; crank, gearbox and the little filter cover, and the two drain plugs do like nice new thick copper washers.

[Deanobats]

About he 10w/40... my dealer puts that in. I assume its what they've got in big drums out the back. Apparently MotoGB soya its ok, though I'm not convinced myself. Once its out of warranty and I do the service myself, it will be back to 15w/50 as per the manufacturer's spec.

[Smudger]

Are you sure the leak isn't chain lube dripping down around d the kickstarter shaft? Mine does this but it's not oil it's chain grease.

[PeteF]

So the kick starter is no fit for purpose? Seems strange, they look OK to me.
Agree with you Jefrs, with the correct technique starting any bike shouldn't be difficult or hectic, especially one with a relatively low compression. I can start my 350 by hand and often do when it's up on the bench.