2020 390 Coolant Leaking at base of Cylinder <10 hrs ridden

[Brad604]

Hi Guys,

Just wondering if anyone has experienced anything like this... 2020 390 Race edition with approx 7-10 hrs (not sure because speedo / hour meter packed it in and reset around the 4 hour mark). When doing an oil change yesterday I noticed 2 drops of coolant at the base of the cylinder where it meets the crankcase. Wiped it dry and noticed it wet again by the time the oil change was completed. Coolant level in the rad is not down significantly but then again there are less than 250 KM's on the bike yet as I've only had it about 6 weeks and had it out for 3 short trail rides.

I've contacted the dealer to get it in to have them take a look but they aren't saying what is likely going to be required to correct this. I'm guessing they'll need to check the torque on the bolts and possibly tear down the top and and replace the gasket? Not sure how happy i'd be about having to have a brand new engine torn down. I assume it should be safe to say this would be warranty issue?

[Brad604]

Thought I would post an update on this issue... Dealer tried torquing down the head bolts a bit further but the leak was still happening. They've submitted photos to Beta for a warranty claim and will be tearing down the top end and replacing the gaskets. Has anyone else experienced similar issues on their 390?

[Gernika]

Yes, I have the same type of leak in the same place on my 2020 390rr-s with about 15h.

I also have oil leaks between the clutch case and the engine case and clutch cover. This is in addition to the dash issues and the reserve light.

Cannot post pictures but I can share with you what is going with the dealership, PM if interested.

[NickM]

I have a coolant leak in precisely the same spot. I will be contacting the dealer today to begin a warranty claim. I will update when I hear back.

[Brad604]

Update to this issue.... Was told back in August that the dealer would make a warranty claim and order in the top end gasket set to resolve this. Now after 7 weeks and a few follow up emails in which I was told they're waiting on the parts to ship but no ETA due to COVID related supply chain delays, I have just been informed that the Beta Rep says these leaks are NORMAL for a Beta and not a cause for concern. They say Gasket replacement would not do anything to resolve this. If the gasket isn't the problem then should I assume it is the mating surfaces between the case and the cylinder and between the cylinder and the head? Perhaps these are warped or not machined flat?

I'm the first to admit that I'm not an expert on Motorcycle engines but it seems reasonable to expect that Brand New Motor with less than 10 hours should not be leaking coolant from 2 different Gaskets. I am also concerned of how this would affect the resale value... if I was looking at buying this bike used I would not even consider purchasing it with leaking head gaskets.

Anyone else have experience with this? Should I just accept that it is going to leak?

[Darkside]

yeah. that doesn't sound right. at 10 hrs have you done your first oil change yet? check for coolant in the oil. if not, then ride it another 10 hrs. and see if it persists

[Brad604]

I've done 2 oil changes now... first one after break in period was I think at 2 or 3 hours.. Second one was another 5 hours later...I'm a bit of freak about oil changes... cheapest preventative maintenance you can do in my opinion. No sign of coolant in the oil. I suspect whatever may leak at the head gasket would probably exit through the exhaust. The lower gasket doesn't seem to leak as much.

I dug up a video clip showing small bubbles of coolant being pushed out when the motor was running. Sent that to the dealer this afternoon and less than 30 minutes later got an email back saying Beta has accepted the claim and parts were being shipped. Got to give them credit for being responsive.

[Darkside]

I dug up a video clip showing small bubbles of coolant being pushed out when the motor was running. Sent that to the dealer this afternoon and less than 30 minutes later got an email back saying Beta has accepted the claim and parts were being shipped. Got to give them credit for being responsive.

That def sounds like a head gasket. since it's new, I would keep on the warranty path. otherwise short of replacing the head O rings, you could try to retorque your head