Hey guys, I am fairly a new rider. To make a long story short a couple hours ago I was involved in a lowside accident.

Managed to ride my bike back to my brothers place, my bike has some serious cosmetic damage. But there is one thing that concerns me, I am noticing a slow leak. It looks like the leak is coming out from the area that was scraped. (see arrow). But then again, there is a possibility that the liquid is crawling down onto the pointed area that gives out that impression.
The substance is very oily. It doesn't seem to be gas because of the scent and its texture. I did dip a long stick into the fuel tank to compare both liquids and I am probably %75 sure that it is not gas. Any idea what it is and how I can fix this? Cost-wise aswell.

I am asking because I am not sure if this I can ride my bike to the shop or betteroff lift it there. Thanks in advance!

excuse the black and white photo. phone was set this way without me realizing it.
http://imgur.com/Mr9d9.jpg

Well to be honest im not sure what could leak gas down there? looks like the casing. If your really concerned my best suggestion is hit your local autoparts store gets some engine oil dye and a uv light. Wash the area very good with soap and water and check and see if its oil or gas.

Sorry about your lowside hope you were wearing gear.

The substance is very oily. It doesn't seem to be gas because of the scent and its texture. I did dip a long stick into the fuel tank to compare both liquids and I am probably %75 sure that it is not gas. Any idea what it is and how I can fix this? Cost-wise aswell.

You really can't tell the difference between oil, coolant and gasoline? It would seem that the area of the leak is the generator which also houses the oil pressure switch so likely oil.

Is the liquid dark and slippery? Oil
Is it green and slippery? Coolant
Is it clear with a strong odor and evaporates quickly? Gasoline

Surely smell should tell you what it is if you can't tell visually.

You really can't tell the difference between oil, coolant and gasoline? Black and white photo really does nothing to identify the dark fluid. It would seem that the area of the leak is the generator which also houses the oil pressure switch so likely oil. Is the liquid dark and slippery? Surely smell should tell you what it is if you can't tell visually.

Thanks for the info! Im pretty sure its oil and not gasoline. It has a faint smell, like I mentioned almost sure its not gasoline because of this. Also the texture is very oily so that alone should be a dead give away i suppose.

I couldnt tell if its the liquid thats dark or if its because of the ground thats making it seem dark. I would say the fluid has a tint of yellow so its not completely clear.

so yes to slippery. is it dark? its definitely not clear I can say that much.



ps. Is it safe to ride the bike to the shop 5 miles away?

Because of where it is leaking and not knowing how bad it leaks, I wouldn't risk it to be honest. Whether it is oil or coolant, it will be extremely slippery and given the location, it will leak in front of your rear tire coating it and will likely cause another accident making matters worse.

^^^ agreeded dont ride it just pay for the tow or even more so save your self the hasle of having to bend over for some shop and order another casing and fix it yourself.

You ground through your side cover, replace it and change the oil, don't ride it until you do.

Inside there is the stator, we call that Generator cover and what's leaking is engine oil. You can easily replace that instead of paying towing fee plus mechanic labor cost and that is cost wise. Also install crash sliders coz that will break again even on a minor fall.

yeah i should've gotten sliders. i had always planned to but i just kept pushing it to the side.


Where do you guys buy parts? should I order from Suzuki directly?
anyways, im not much of a garage head. is this something I can do? anywhere I can get a DIY on this? I appreciate the help you guys/girls.

You from Jersey?

It IS oil, no other fluid comes behind that cover.

DO NOT ride the bike until it has been fixed, the space behind it cleaned and the oil changed. You are likely to have gotten debris in there, gravel, bits of the cover, etc. - if you take the chance of running the engine anyway you risk destroying the whole engine.

And honestly, given your questions, I would NOT recommend you try to do it yourself.

You from Jersey?

Im from the bay area. San francisco region