Final Drive Leaking

Got around to looking at the bike in storage and noticed something that had started just before I put her away. The final drive was leaking then and it was enough to drip on the tire and wheel. It was fine all summer and through the fall, starting to leak when the weather turned cold - below +2C or +35F. It is not leaking today but then again, she is stationary.

Is this likely temperature related and will be fine in the spring? Could it something else like a seal or nut? What is the best cleaning agent for 80W90 on tires - soap and water?

If I head out in April or May for a trip, this seems to me to be the one part that could side track a mini vacation for an extended period. All suggestions appreciated.

 

If it's coming out the Breather at the top ... its Seasonal issue with the Gear Oil not being warmed-up enough to clear out of the way of the Breather Element before more Gear Oil is sent up that way to force it out and make it seep out the top.

The Final Drive Unit is so chilled and the Oil so thick there's little room for what normally wouldn't collect just below that Breather to fill-up and eventually find its way out.

 

OK, Rick - that was my feeling as well. So, should I switch to a lighter lubricant for cooler weather or just put it away when we hit freezing?

BTW - do you recommend a cleaner or will soap do the trick?

 

I think you should stay with the recommended lubricant.
I have put-up my bike because right now its Snowmobile Season.
Ice and snow everywhere.

As for Cleaning it up.
I use Disc BrakeKleen. Others shoot-on Carb Cleaner.
The Disc BrakeKleen won't harm anything and the Oil gets dissolved and gets that area cleaned-up.
You'll have to do some extra work if it got on the Rim and slung around.
Get it off the tire.
It makes for a hazardous situation if the tire is greasy.

 

I see your from Nova Scotia? Ya, put the bike away for awhile! LOL
Make sure you haven't over-filled the rear differential also.