The oil consumption thing doesn't affect engine performance, as confirmed by various owners, dynos and race teams. You need to check the oil as per Honda's user manual, with the bike on a flat surface (not on side stand or paddock stand). Warm bike up properly, leave to stand for a few mins, don't screw dipstick in. You can do it yourself by sitting on the bike and reaching down, make sure the bike stays straight though.
Thought so.... reading throu these posts it sounds like some people are not checking the levels properly ? bike maintenance is part of owning a motorcycle, Just get on with it. Its part of the fun !!!
I check my oil almost every time I use it! Check it once the Honda way (warm it up then let it stand for about 5 mins, level the bike and check level) Once I am sure it's at the right level I put it on my bike stand and see how it site on the dipstick when on the stand, then it's a quick easy check every time before I ride.
Side issue but my Daytona 675, isnt ridden hard but she burns oil too. So far in 5k its drank 1.4l so its going at the rate of 300ml per 1000 miles
not used a drop in over 1300 miles on my blade. OK I had the 600 miles service but not used any in the past 700+ miles
My 08 blade took 0.5l of oil after a 1500 mile trip over to the Isle of Man. 500 of these miles were motorway and the rest were used blasting round the Isle. I did not think that was a high usage of oil but i will be keeping a close eye on it after reading about the amount of oil some use.
As far as I m aware the 08 and maybe 09 bikes have 2 piston rings and the potential to burn a bit of oil but produce a little more power as they have less friction in the piston. The 2010 bikes onward have a 3 ring piston that Honda installed to reduce the oil consumption problem (if you think it is a problem that is) The 1 litre in a 1000 miles is the upper acceptable limit Honda have set and although many feel it is too high, the actual truth is, it is far from excessive and Honda are not stupid enough to ruin there reputation by exposing themselves to a high volume of warrantry claims through bad advice. Personally if I have to spend £9 on a litre of oil every 1000 miles I m really not bothered its £9 not £90 at the end of the day. Some bikes use more oil than others as some riders ride them harder than others. I got the bike last winter and as the roads were greasy and slippy I short shifted every where and only used low engine rpm so no surprises the engine used ZERO oil. Now its summer and I m giving it big handfuls everywhere and using it on track days and reving it out in every gear it uses a little oil but so what is my IMO I have a mega quick awesome motorcycle that maybe needs an extra £9 spending on it every now and then it really is not a problem and nothing to worry about. My advice if peopel care to take it is check your oil regaularly as you would do tyre pressures it only takes a minute or too and enjoy your motorcycle, if you have to spend £9 occasionally spend it and quit worrying
