Burnging oil

[themetalman03886]

I just finished my ride to Rolling Thunder this year, while I was up there I checked my oil (changed it about 2500 miles ago) I was low, ended up adding about .6 quarts to get her full. Yes I did check it right, bike upright and did not screw in the stick. When I start her up she smokes for a little bit but then it dies down, my brother says when I get on it she puffs out a little bit of smoke too, more from the right side than the left. I am not too worried about using a little bit of oil I am mainly just curious on what is causing her to use oil... My guess is valve stem seals but I am not sure. I have 57000 on her, she runs great and doesn't give me any real problems (speedo cable broke on me while in DC) but I guess I just want some input on what the other forum members think.

[Hoser]

Don't know, never heard of that before.  Oil leak maybe?  Broken ring?  Check compression on the right side.  Hoser 

[F6BANGER]

First, look for leaks. If you dont find any, do a wet/dry compression test. If your compression goes up your rings are prolly leaking. If it doesnt go up, its prolly your valve stem seals.

[themetalman03886]

I have looked for leaks, doesn't leak a drop, I will do a compression test tomorrow, almost a 1000 miles on her this weekend, my butt is tired.

[Patrick]

I'll be surprised if a compression test shows anything. Some of these engines do get loose in the valve guides, not a big deal if it blows a little smoke on hard acceleration or initial start-up.

[themetalman03886]

Honestly I will be surprised too, she runs way too strong to be loosing compression, the right side smoking more than the left side also makes me think valve stem seals as it could have sat for a while and the seals dried up.

[Ricky-D]

A look at the spark plugs may reveal that there is a problem.

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[Gryphon Rider]

First, look for leaks. If you dont find any, do a wet/dry compression test. If your compression goes up your rings are prolly leaking. If it doesnt go up, its prolly your valve stem seals.

I've never done a compression test, let alone a wet compression test, but is it possible to do a wet compression test on a non-vertical cylinder?