oil leak

[TXFireman07b]

I know this is such a rare occurrence for the grand lady but I noticed an oil leak on the left side of my bike. I have a 2000 interstate and noticed an oil burning smell while riding when I went to the BBB rally in Arkansas but couldnt tell where it was coming from. I got under her and found the oil to be coming from the general area of there the shifter goes into the engine, Is this a normal problem and how difficult is it to fix? I am not great at repairs but I wasnt sure if it was something I could fix or would it be better suited for the shop?
Thanks in advance.
Steve

[RP#62]

Easy fix.  Daniel has a how to on his site:
http://lifeisaroad.com/valkshiftseal.html
-RP

[TXFireman07b]

Thank you. Thats why I love this site and the fact that I chose the Dragon as my bike of choice. So many helpful and knowledgeable people. Plus one of the best bikes ever built.

[Tropic traveler]

Seems the SS seal leaks by age & not by miles!
Replaced the seal on my '97 in '07 with 70,000+ miles. Kim's '98 in '08 with less than 20,000 miles & the '99 in '10 with 46,000 miles. Go figure.
Great link RP. The only thing I would add is I made a "special Valk tool" just for seal removal. I sharpened an old loooong screwdriver to a nasty sharp point to pry the seal out. Works like a dream & makes an evil self defense weapon too!

[sandy]

Not to dispell the miles vs time theory but: I have 117K on my '98 tourer. I ride it 4-5 days per week and it has the original seal. A couple of times a year I wipe a bit of oil moisture off the area. Could wet riding create corrosion which cuts the seal? Here in AZ moisture is rare.

[roboto65]

The thing that gets any of our toys is neglect and nonuse "If it sits it quits" heheheh