My son recently bought a 2001 883, and he has been experiencing oil dripping out of the breather tube that runs from the primary up to behind the oil bag. We have changed the oil & filled to proper level, but still pushes out after about 20 miles of riding. Need some help here.

 

On my 1991, I get a tiny bit splashed on the swingarm, just behind the bushing. It's been doing it since I bought her new in November 1990. I've never really torn into it to find the source because it's so minor.

I think it's from the primary/transmission breather as well, because it's only when I ride that it happens. Might just be one of the bike's characteristics. If it's not happening when it sits, you may want to just leave it alone.

Good luck.

John

 

Check this to my friend turned me
SERVICE BULLETIN Harley Davidson July 28, 2000

http://www.techbill.net/Harley/docs/M1103.pdf

 

The tube is intended to sit high. Where does he have it located ... possibly too low?

 

This. If it is routed low (especially if it is lower than the inlet to the case) it will be very easy for the oil to drip/spray out. It should be routed up around the back of the oil tank. The older models actually vented into the tank. Just zip tie it up with no big bends/kinks in the line and you should be good.

 

What Scuba said. Mine was actually flopping around with removal of the rear fender. As you can see in this pic, I ran it to the side and installed a breather filter.