I joined to see if anyone out there might have a suggestion on what might be going on with my bike. I have a 2005 Yamaha V-Star 1100 with about 8500 miles on it. I just had some new tires put on it last week and when I went to pick it up at the dealer, I tried starting it without the choke because it was pretty warm out. It wouldn't start so I tried choking it and when I did I heard a pop like a backfire, but the sound seemed to come from up front instead of from the exhaust. I didn't pay much attention to it and it started right after that, and I rode home with no problems. However, when I got home I noticed that there was some oil splattered on the right side battery cover. I couldn't see any leak on the engine so I wiped off the oil to see if it would happen any more. I rode it again today, and there was some additional oil splattered in the same place, but not as much as the first time. Again I cannot see where it might have come from, as there is no oil on the engine. Does anyone have any ideas on what might have happened to cause this oil leak? Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks, Steve Hupe  

Steve, Do you have an aftermarket air cleaner on your bike, such as a BAK? If so, the oil is simply seeping out of the air cleaner and is normal. Nothing to worry about,just wipe it off when it becomes noticeable. I have a Roadstar and noticed the same thing when I had the upgrades done. Hope this helps.

Bob