RC-51 Oil Pressure light and oil question???

[STO]

I just bought a 04 RC-51 thats been sitting in the showroom since Feb. I've got about 200 miles on it and the oil pressure light is flickering and or staying on at idle speed. The manual says it may occasionally come on at idle speed. My question is: does your 51 do this?


This kind of freaks me out because a low oil light to me means damage to the motor. The oil level is fine and the oil itself looks good. Someone please shed some light on this for me. Is this just a qork of the bike or does the oil pump need to be replaced?

Also, after break in, what oil do you use? I've talked to people that say they run Mobile 1 synthetic. I've used it in my Buell motor with great results, but since the 51 uses the same oil for motor and tranny, will this cause any problems for the clutch?

[jim schmidt]

I don't own one, but it's not normal. Oil should be checked with the bike upright, not on the sidestand (I had to mention it.) It may just be the sender. But I'd definitely take it in for warranty service.

[G-Man]

Yikes, another oil thread. Be afraid, be very, very afraid.

To answer your first question, the oil pressure light should not come on at idle. Neither of my RC51's has ever done it and it is not "normal". IF your dealer tells you otherwise, find another dealer.

Second, stick with a non-synthetic oil like Honda GN4 till the bike is fully broken in. After that, feel free to use full or semi-synthetic as long as it does not contain moly. I use Honda HP4 without moly in the race bike.

[21 natas]

Never had an oil light issue w/mine, I've always used motul on my bikes and have not had any issues.

[The Governor]

It is not normal. Make sure you're checking the oil with the bike level. And yes, regular (dino) oil until the bike is fully broken in. Also, DO NOT let the bike run hot during the break-in period.

Gov