Hi guys, I new to the forum and new to the Sportys. I picked up a new to me 2000 xl1200 with only 8750 miles on it. I am going through the good and the bads right now is not to many until she finally got out for a run. When i first started the bike i found out the previous owner kept the oil topped off while it sat but didnt think about the oil draining down into the sump over time so i got alot of extra quarts of oil out of the first oil change.
I would start the bike and let it idle for a minute and stop and drain the a quart or so of oil and repeat till the oil leveled out. Other than the usual things you need to due to a garage toy (clean carb,gas tank,change fluids) i have one issue. I think my head gasket is blown on the rear jug. At first i thought it was the rocker covers so i went to the dealership and got a new set and put them on. Well after a good cleaning it seems that the head gasket itself is leaking at the base of the head. Should i go back OEM on the head gaskets or is there an upgrade for this model that will offer better service life? I am guessing between the sitting up and the over filling of the oil the stock head gasket just couldnt take it.
I would start the bike and let it idle for a minute and stop and drain the a quart or so of oil and repeat till the oil leveled out. Other than the usual things you need to due to a garage toy (clean carb,gas tank,change fluids) i have one issue. I think my head gasket is blown on the rear jug. At first i thought it was the rocker covers so i went to the dealership and got a new set and put them on. Well after a good cleaning it seems that the head gasket itself is leaking at the base of the head. Should i go back OEM on the head gaskets or is there an upgrade for this model that will offer better service life? I am guessing between the sitting up and the over filling of the oil the stock head gasket just couldnt take it.