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went to look at an '07 883. I may have found a potential problem?

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Old Apr 1, 2012 | 02:42 PM
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Default went to look at an '07 883. I may have found a potential problem?

I went to look at an '07 Sporty 883 with 1300 miles. I opened up the oil tank and the oil was foamy and milky looking. Is this a problem? Could it be water or possibly a gasket issue? Any help would be appreciated. Should I avoid the bike all together? Or should I go for it? Thanks
 
Old Apr 1, 2012 | 02:49 PM
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I would stay away if you are seeing something like that. It's not worth the risk.
 
Old Apr 1, 2012 | 02:52 PM
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I would say your lucky for checking it....Look for another one.
 
Old Apr 1, 2012 | 03:00 PM
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Milky looking oil and foam is a clear indication of water!
 
Old Apr 1, 2012 | 03:16 PM
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If it were a water cooled motor, I'd say it has a bad head gasket or a warped head. However sporties are air cooled, so in this instance it could just have gotten condensation inside it. Actually it is a fairly common issue or should I say a non-issue. Some bikes get more condensation than others, it depends on how long they sit without being ridden and wherre they are stored. The oil needs to be changed before someone rides the bike

As for the foamy????
Depends on what you are calling foamy. Is it dishwater foamy? is it shampooing your hair foamy? or was there just some bubbles in the oil? If it were just some bubbles, it is normal.
 
Old Apr 1, 2012 | 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by lh4x4
Milky looking oil and foam is a clear indication of water!
Would a simple oil change clear that? What's the potential for corrosion? Is it possible it's a gasket? thanks.
 
Old Apr 1, 2012 | 03:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Thundermug
If it were a water cooled motor, I'd say it has a bad head gasket or a warped head. However sporties are air cooled, so in this instance it could just have gotten condensation inside it. Actually it is a fairly common issue or should I say a non-issue. Some bikes get more condensation than others, it depends on how long they sit without being ridden and wherre they are stored. The oil needs to be changed before someone rides the bike

As for the foamy????
Depends on what you are calling foamy. Is it dishwater foamy? is it shampooing your hair foamy? or was there just some bubbles in the oil? If it were just some bubbles, it is normal.
This was foamy like half foam half oil consistency.
 
Old Apr 1, 2012 | 03:25 PM
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My bet is that it hasn't had an oil change in a few years and it has condensation in the oil. The oil in my 1200 will look foamy but not milky if I've been running it hard before I check it. I wouldn't worry about it and just change the oil.
 
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Old Apr 1, 2012 | 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by baka1969
Would a simple oil change clear that? What's the potential for corrosion? Is it possible it's a gasket? thanks.
Like Thundermug said, it's not a water cooled motor, so there is nowhere in the motor for water to come from due to a gasket or damage.

Water from outside? I'm no expert, but it seems pretty unlikely - if it was in that bad of shape, I'd think it would be a lot older than 2007 and it would have spent a few years outdoors, uncovered.

If it was a good deal, I'd just buy it and change the oil.
 
Old Apr 1, 2012 | 03:35 PM
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Five year old bike with 1300 miles.....It's possible they have NEVER changed the oil. I wouldn't worry about it but use it as a reason to get them to lower the price.
 



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