Where is the oil coming from?

[paracommando]

I now have 750 miles in my new R12GS>=. Its going in for itsfirst service next week. I noticed some oil on the engine bash plate when I parked the bike on Sunday. Unfortunately I had a plane to catch and no time to wipe down the engine and try to find the source of the leak. Any suggestions on where to look? Is this common on new GS's?
:bikes

[soffiler]

I now have 750 miles in my new R12GS>=. Its going in for itsfirst service next week. I noticed some oil on the engine bash plate when I parked the bike on Sunday. Unfortunately I had a plane to catch and no time to wipe down the engine and try to find the source of the leak. Any suggestions on where to look? Is this common on new GS's?
:bikes

With so few miles, I would sincerely hope it is nothing more than a sloppy fill, or a slightly loose drain plug or oil filter, that resulted in some oil collecting on the skid plate.

At roughly 10K miles, my '05GS developed a leak in the transmission input shaft seal, which resulted in some GEAR oil collecting on the skid plate. Gear oil has a distinct smell. I would not expect this sort of trouble to occur at 750 miles.

[PGlaves]

Unlike the legendary bikes from Britain and the US of the '60s and '70s, today's BMWs are not supposed to leak oil. Theoretically your dealer's tech should spot and correct it - this is what they are supposed to do at the 1st service.

But just in case you get the guy in a hurry - make sure this oil is noted on the service write-up when you take the bike in. Lot's of polite hand wringing and dismay about the leak, at the service counter, is in order.

[paracommando]

Thanks for your replies guys. There will be lots of polite hand-wringing when I take it in for service next Tuesday. I abhor leaks. I have this cool garage with a polished floor, halogen track lights, custom cabinets, etc. no place for leaks.
It would be off topic, but I have this cool story about shopping for a 1970's Bentley and was told they all had Controlled Seapage in order to force the owner to always add fresh oil..... I did not buy from that guy.

:bikes

[JimVonBaden1]

My guess, based purely on your description, is the rear trans seal. Not a hard fix, but unfortunately it is pretty common.

Jim :brow