Hi guys. Longtime lurker on this site. I've got '09 KLX250S with 3300 miles. I noticed tonight while the bike was idling that I had a tiny bit of oil on the side engine head, coming from the head gasket. I know enough to realize this isn't good...but is it of major concern? Do I shut the bike down now until it is repaired or can I continue riding while keeping an eye on the problem.
thanks

 

if you mean the valve cover gasket you are OK, if it is the gasket between the head and cylinder i would not take a chance as you MAY blow it out and have coolant get into the oil.

 

thanks Gary. it is definitely the cylinder head gasket. On the right side of the head, there are 2 semi circles in the gasket. That is the source of my drip.

 

That’s the valve cover gasket you’re describing NOT the cylinder head.

You’ll be fine to run it and to fix it just take the valve cover off and reapply some silicone sealant to semi circles the gasket.

 

That is the valve cover gasket. They all leak there, some sooner than others. Don't worry about it until it is time to check the vale clearances, then fix it while you're in there.

 

that is the best news I've had today. Thanks for correcting me.

 

I had the same. However my advice would be to get a new gasket on order and replace (2 minute job once you have the tank off). Mine leaked because it had shrunk and hardened. I tried the gasket glue for an emergency patch job, but it was a bugger and I ended up with the stuff everywhere and still a leak.

 

I just let mine ooze. It tells me I have enough oil in my sump, and that the pump is working.

I'll fix it one day when I check the valve clearances....it's an off-road desert bike, I rarely even rinse it off!