Final Drive leak

[2003GL1800]

Gentleman, recently I noticed a considerable amount of oil all over my rear tire. By the smell I determined it was final drive oil. (Hypoid SAE 80) I cleaned the area, checked the fluid level which was full according the the Honda service manual. I'm unable to determine where the leak is. Any suggestions would be of great help before I take it in to a Honda dealer. Thanks Tom

[Steve F]

I would recommend looking around in the GL1800 classifieds for a "Trike take-off" rear end with no or low miles before you take it to the dealer for any work on it. The take-off's can be had for under $100 (usually) and shipped for cheap. If you have the stealer do it, it will more than likely be $300+ Don't bother having them rebuild it either, as there have been horror stories about the long delays and them not getting the repair done correctly....it's just not worth it.
Steve F

[wingman12]

It sounds like the final drive was over full and came out the overflow vent. If it is currently at the correct level, take it for another ride after the clean up and see if any more oil has showed up on your rim or tire. What the oil recently changed in your final drive??

[WingAdmin]

It sounds like the final drive was over full and came out the overflow vent. If it is currently at the correct level, take it for another ride after the clean up and see if any more oil has showed up on your rim or tire. What the oil recently changed in your final drive??

This can happen if the bike is on the side stand when it is filled. It should be on the center stand, on a level surface.