Is it normal to smell a little gear oil occasionally when at idle, like at a stop sign or red light?

 

Its more prevalent if the bike is running dino oil. You really dont smell it if your running synthetic.

 

I should ask however, is it gear oil or really hot motor oil your smelling and do you see any signs of a leak?

 

Are you sure it's coming from your bike? I smell antifreeze when I stop sometimes

 

I have had a similar smell myself. It has happened several different times even when there are no cars around. I did put Spectra in my Tranny when I changed my clutch cable. It's not bad and does not stay around long. And no leaks that I can find. No marks on the garage floor.

 

Here's what's happening.......


You are smelling the gear lube after it heats up a little bit, and the smell is coming from the transmission vent tube.

Some lubes have an odor, and when they warm up, it gets worse.

 

Redline is good stuff buy it does have a "sweet stank".

 

That is quite possibly a stator burning up.

 

Thanks for all the replies. It's definately gear oil... there's no mistaking that smell. There are no leaks. I changed the gear oil about 750 miles ago. Put in Amsoil 75w-140.

 

Thanks, shooter.