Thank you, thank you, thank you

[terryboyle]

:winnergold1:

To the many members who have advised us to have the rear drive fluid level checked.

I took my bike in for an oil change prior to a trip I am taking this Friday and made a point of asking the service manager to have the mechanic check the the fluid level. "Good call" he said, "it was low and it was dirty. It was drained and refilled with fresh fluid. "

I have only 9,000 KM (about 5,600 miles) on my 2014.

To those of you out there thinking it is something the dealer checks automatically it was not checked by the selling dealer at the time of delivery (June 2016) nor by the dealer who did the first oil change (April 2017).

[53driver]

Were the conditions of "Level Low & dirty" documented on the service receipt?
Hopefully so as the reason for changing the oil prematurely to the recommended interval.

That may be important downstream if you have final drive issues and your warranty is still in play...

Cheers,
Steve

[terryboyle]

But I have mine and the work order says "Check diff oil level".

No reason to replace the oil if there was nothing wrong, would have just been a top up. Dealer has a great rep.
Here's hoping no issues down the road.

Maybe I should spring for the extended warranty?

[53driver]

But I have mine and the work order says "Check diff oil level".

No reason to replace the oil if there was nothing wrong, would have just been a top up. Dealer has a great rep.
Here's hoping no issues down the road.

Maybe I should spring for the extended warranty?

I'm honestly at odds with Honda & Warranty in the same sentence with recent events regarding my CKP Sensor.
Look on eBay for a final drive - probably costs half of what the extended warranty costs.

Best of luck,
Steve

[willtill]

5600 miles on a low oil differential would personally be worrying the hell out of me... :shhh: ...regarding it's future longevity.

Differentials don't consume oil... unless there was a leak. Diff's get HOT and oil helps cool them down... black, dirty oil at 5600 miles may indicative of burnt oil from that heat. Just not enough lubrication to keep thermal temps normalized...

Feel your Diff after a long; hard run. They're hot.

I'd be looking for a new Diff (take off) on Ebay.... :shock:

[wjduke]

The original stuff in there is dark and dirty looking. I wouldn't be overly concerned with the color. I changed mine at 23k. Getting close to another oil change, second since 23k I may change it again. Yours is good now, no noises, just go.

[Dirtstiff's F6B]

Moly paste is added during assembly. It turns all differential oil dark to black.
Change it and put some miles on it..

[willtill]

..there's a reason why there is a full oil capacity for the differential. This was stated.

Words escape me :icon_rolleyes:

[Dirtstiff's F6B]

..there's a reason why there is a full oil capacity for the differential. This was stated.

Words escape me :icon_rolleyes:

If your usual negative, sarcastic comment about being full was directed at me, dont...

I would be glad to wager that I've had my hands on and in more MC and industrial, heavy equipment differentials than most.

Encourage the OP to change it and check it. Keep an ear - eye and touch on it and ride. Don't scare him buying trouble before any real ( doubtful ) damage is detected.
These rear ends are tuff.

If not directed at me, I apologize.

[willtill]

If your usual negative, sarcastic comment about being full was directed at me, dont...

I would be glad to wager that I've had my hands on and in more MC and industrial, heavy equipment differentials than most.

Encourage the OP to change it and check it. Keep an ear - eye and touch on it and ride. Don't scare him buying trouble before any real ( doubtful ) damage is detected.
These rear ends are tuff.

If not directed at me, I apologize.

If I had quoted you... it would have been personally directed at you. Which I did not.

O.P. knows what he needs to do. His decision.. based upon what has been replied to him.

I do not appreciate the slight you have levied against me btw...

[Steve 0080]

This has been debated many times...a lot of diffs are sent out low... when is the last time you personally know of one that failed? I only know of one...Keep riding...

[druggr]

On GL1800s the rear end fluid is a static read. If the rear wheel was spun just prior to checking it, it will read low. It take a few minutes for the fluid to drip from the gears.

Yes, checking its level is part of a PDI (pre-delivery inspection). The next check is not part of an oil change, but it is part of an 8,000 mile service. Some confuse services with oil and filter changes. Services are more expensive, take longer, and usually follow a manufactures maintenance suggestions.

For whatever reason there seems to be a myth about molly added at the factory. There's probably no truth to that myth. However, various products are used when setting up the final drive (adjusting the ring and pinion), and some might confuse that product with an additive. Since they are of no harm, such products are often not cleaned off, but end up getting mixed in once the 80w-90 oil is added. A good example of such stuff is the assembly lube found in the bottom of the rear brake master cylinder. It gels and collects in the bottom of the reservoir. Its very visible when doing a the first brake fluid change at 12k. Some is usually still found when doing a 3rd brake fluid change at 36k.

With Honda's brake recall, and after its been completed, assembly lube is now collecting in the reservoir all over again.

[crossbowme]

Well, after reading this thread, I changed the rear end oil. Same results as everyone. Glad I did, I'm leaving on a 1500 mile trip.