Hi Folks, I'm new to this forum so here's a brief intro.55 been into bikes since 16,have had all sorts but now into Harleys.Already have a V-rod but recently bought a 2000 sportster 1200 custom with only 1,582 miles on it.In immaculste condition but each time I've used it I see oil on rear swinging arm, wheel and tyre.Went on long run today and lots of oil in fact dangerously lots of oil.It's possible I did overfill it but level is now not up to full dipstick mark(about half-way)from low mark.There's also a breather tube nearby what seems to be the leak source,I think it comes from the primary chaincase, but the inside of this tube seems dry.Any ideas anyone.I could sure do with a pointer.Otherwise bike drives really nice and I want to use it for my everyday drive.Thanks.Dave

 

Have you pulled the air cleaner to see if the oil is coming from the engine breather? That's the usual source. Try keeping the oil between the marks instead of near the full mark.

And since this is a Evo-type Sporty, someone chime in with what kinda breather setup it has.

 

I've read that some of the older Sporties actually like to find their ideal oil level. Some are nearer the bottom than the top. Try not to fill all the way up and see if the situation improves.

 

I brought the breather hose you are referring to up behind the battery and ty-rapped it to the frame under the seat. I understand it was a problem because it was too low and somewhere on the internet (I'll try to find the site for you) there was this article about it. I did this soon after I bought the bike (new) and have never had the problem re-occur. I will take some photos if you need to see how I did it, just let me know and I'll post them here too late now but certainly can take some tomorrow for you. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Overfilling oil does cause it to puke up all over the place (from the cap area - especially if you have the oil temp. dipstick accessory - to the breather bolt area and seemingly everywhere in-between). The best level I've found is between the low mark and the 1/4 full level - any more than that and I ALWAYS get oil in places I don't want...

 

Thanks guys for your help and tips.I've re-routed the primary chaincase breather and checked the oil level there,seems OK.Took air filter off and it was a bit oily,so cleaned it, and took some oil out of the tank.So far so good but need to do a long ride to prove that it's now sorted.Thanks again.

 

Glad you got it fixed. Enjoy the ride bro and welcome to the forum.