Screamin Eagle CVO Models All CVO Bikes 1999 thru present.

Oil Odor

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 2, 2015 | 07:28 PM
  #1  
H8HRBT's Avatar
H8HRBT
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: U.S.
Default Oil Odor

I've got a 2011 CVO Ultra Glide. it's in excellent condition, runs great, and doesn't leak or burn oil (believe it or not). however, after riding an hour or so, a strong oil smell comes from the engine. I check the oil often and it's still full and clear. the oil and tranny caps are on tight. any ideas?? thanks
 
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2015 | 08:06 PM
  #2  
Afdharley's Avatar
Afdharley
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 803
Likes: 3
From: In the wind.....
Default

Most likely coming from the trans vent.
 
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2015 | 08:09 PM
  #3  
H8HRBT's Avatar
H8HRBT
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: U.S.
Default

ok. so, that's normal??
 
Reply
Old Sep 2, 2015 | 11:58 PM
  #4  
OldEnuf2NoBtr's Avatar
OldEnuf2NoBtr
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,155
Likes: 1,903
From: Doghouse... mostly
Default

It's an internal combustion engine. It has oil in it. It has gasoline in it. It has odors that might be associated with the first two. JFC
 
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2015 | 06:29 AM
  #5  
H8HRBT's Avatar
H8HRBT
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: U.S.
Default

ok, ok, ok....I get it. However, this is my first HD so I'm unfamiliar with 'normal' sounds and smells. All I know is that my Suzuki C50 didn't emit odors and it's also a internal combustion engine. More importantly, my veteran HD fellow riders also think the odor is too strong. just wanting to be sure nothing is wrong. thanks man.
 
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2015 | 07:38 AM
  #6  
Afdharley's Avatar
Afdharley
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 803
Likes: 3
From: In the wind.....
Default

Do you know what kind of oil is in the trans? If last owner out gear oil in it, it will smell stronger when it gets hot.

If you can't find any obvious leaks and nothing is dripping on the ground when it's parked then it's probably not a big deal.
 
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2015 | 07:47 AM
  #7  
H8HRBT's Avatar
H8HRBT
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: U.S.
Default

Screaming Eagle Synthetic lube, as per HD specs. maybe is the 'norm' for a 110 since it gets so FRICKIN hot....
 
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2015 | 12:21 PM
  #8  
Afdharley's Avatar
Afdharley
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 803
Likes: 3
From: In the wind.....
Default

Yep, they do get hot. I'd say it's probably normal but since the bike is new to you I'd also keep an eye on things for a while.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 3, 2015 | 12:24 PM
  #9  
H8HRBT's Avatar
H8HRBT
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: U.S.
Default

certainly will. thank bud
 
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2015 | 04:06 PM
  #10  
Spindrifter's Avatar
Spindrifter
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 432
Likes: 43
From: Portland, Oregon
Default

I noticed this too. It was stronger in the new CVO than my 05 RKC. I however switched to Redline Shockproof in the tranny last oil change and now I don't notice it. Trans vent I my guess too...
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:51 AM.

story-0
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-3
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-4
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-8
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

Slideshow: A clear-eyed look at what actually worked for Harley this year, and what quietly undermined its progress.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-29 17:10:48


VIEW MORE