Stained Frame

[kitfoxkid]

Hi folks, I've only owned my 1006 XB12S for 3 weeks (last bike was a thunderace) and absolutely love it. I've noticed some staining, kind of like oil streaks, on my frame and swinging arm...... two questions - 1) any idea's what's causing it and 2) how can I clean it off it looks awful.

Great forum, great tips supporting a great bike.

 

[Thaloc]

Not sure whats causing it. You could try kerosene or some other cleaning agent.

 

[TooFst]

Show a pic? Ive had all kinds of stuff all over my bike and nothing has ever left a stain.

 

[onelogue]

I hAve stains and it's from bettery acid leaking from a cheap battery from ebay

 

[kitfoxkid]

thanks guys. the stains definitely look oily, I'll add a photo tomorrow.

 

[gbalias]

possibel rear rocker cover leak, and the fan is blowing the vapor all over the rear.

 

[onelogue]

Oh it could be the top rocker cover... the seal could be broken. It requires you rotate the motor to replace the gasket That oil will ruin your fan so fix it asap.

BTW: PICTURES PICTURES!!!

 

[kitfoxkid]

The Staining :-(

 

[kitfoxkid]

I need to take a look under the airbox cover, not sure if someone has done a half hearted job of the breather mod - looks like one of the breather pipes is just disconnected and bent in a 'U' to face towards the fan! Thanks for all your comments.

 

[TooFst]

Brake fluid is very corrosive(1st pic) all that on the frame???????

 

[kitfoxkid]

I've checked all around the brake system and there's no leak.... but you've got me worried so I think its off to the dealer this week!

 

[onelogue]

Damn I wonder what that is [confused]
Looks like it's happening when you are riding and the fan could be blowing it everywhere. Looks like the same kinda stains I have from battery leakage...

 

[kitfoxkid]

Yep, I've checked the battery and no signs of a leak there. I agree that they seem to be worse after a ride and I also suspect the fan of blowing crank breather air around the shop. I hate it, its making my bike look like a shed

 

[josdscot]

Any update? I am having the same problem and would like to know how you removed the stain...

 

[fahren]

looks as if multiple sources. messy brake fluid change dripped onto swingarm, maybe. and very possible from what you are saying that breather blow-by is splooging on your bike.
Simple Green is a good cleaner. I use it diluted to spray on wheels to remove brake dust (but then again, looking at your pic's, you have some of the cleanest rims I've ever seen!). Could spot-test it on your stains. Seeing your clean wheels, I can see that this must be a major source of irritation for you.
Nothing ever shows up after a ride (no fluids of any kind on these areas)? What do you use to clean your bike normally?

 

[kitfoxkid]

I don't think its brake fluid. When bought the bike it had a few stains on the frame only. After a few rides, the stains got worse and appeared on the swinging arm as well :-( I can't find any leaks anywhere, I've not done any brake fluid changes or oil changes. It has to be 'oil misted breather air' I'm going to do the mod tomorrow! I normally use Turtle wax shampoo to clean the bike - works great on the paint and wheels............. just not the damned stains!!!! You're right, its so frustrating - I love that strangers walk up to talk about my bike and hate that it looks so bad at the moment.

 

[strmvt]

looks like someone got spray happy with some engine cleaner. I have similar streaks on my frame and guards

 

[kitfoxkid]

Ok, I did the breather mod this afternoon and when I got the airbox off I found oil around the grommet where the crankcase breather goes into the head. Here's a couple of photo's

Any one think that this might be the cause of my frame staining?

 

[polkiejoe]

Yep! That would be it... Getting blown into the fan and misted around the bike.[up]

 

[polkiejoe]

To get the frame back to "normal" after you fix the breather gasket. Get some polish and go over the entire frame and swing arm. This should get the finish back to a consistant look.