Oh dear that does sound as if it's something which needs sorting NOW!

I think most single cylinder thumpers burn a bit of oil but not as much as you describe here. As you know I'm no mechanic but I would imagine it's probably worn/cracked piston rings or excessive engine wear? Not necessarily terminal but something which needs to be sorted out before riding again.

I presume the bike has probably had a hard life / high mileage? On the face of it a little concerning BUT I have known the old venerable XT engine to go on and on and on. I have heard of one old XT600 (1986) engine which has done 200,000 and is still going strong. Not many engines can claim similar longevity.

I wonder if there are forum members near you in South Africa who may be able to point you in the right direction? Have you tried making contact with any through this or another bike/travel forum?

I appreciate it's sometimes very difficult for you chaps in South Africa (and throughout the African continent) to source spares etc and that sometimes instead you need to implement and adapt with whats at hand. I have seen locals in West Africa (Gambia, Ghana and Sierra Leone mainly) sucessfully bodging car engines that are nearly 50 years old. Amazing!

We take it for granted we can always find the right spare parts (often at considerable cost it must be said). I take my hat off to you and all others in the third world who are managing to remain mobile in such a difficult & demanding environment....

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Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).