Smoke coming from engine

[BoomChuck]

I have not started my GS500 for probably over 6 months and today I went to start it up and there was some smoke coming from the engine around where the exhaust connects to it (so up front, below the gas tank)... I've have no experience with this kind of thing... is this from sitting so long or is this some other common problem... or is my bike screwed?

Any help you all can provide would be greatly appreciated!!!

[ajgs500]

Are your exhaust headers on tight?  Check that first.... start simple.

[JamesG]

Even simplier. Did you wash the bike first?  That should be a step in de-wintering/taking out of storage.

The dust, spiderwebs and ofther stuff that settles on the bike, also settles on the exhaust headers and the top of the engine. When you run the bike the first time, the heat from the engine causes that stuff to burn and smoke.

Dust off the bike and the exhaust header (after it cools!) and then run it up again. If it still smokes then look for an exhaust or oil leak somewhere.

[D-Day]

Even simplier. Did you wash the bike first?  That should be a step in de-wintering/taking out of storage.

The dust, spiderwebs and ofther stuff that settles on the bike, also settles on the exhaust headers and the top of the engine. When you run the bike the first time, the heat from the engine causes that stuff to burn and smoke.

Dust off the bike and the exhaust header (after it cools!) and then run it up again. If it still smokes then look for an exhaust or oil leak somewhere.

Yeah, lilke James says.  It could have leaked a little oil from the tach seal, or the valve cover, onto the pipes. 

[banner]

check for leaking carbs. i tipped my bike over for a few seconds and afterwards smoke was pouring out of the engine cracks and exhaust header. Had to change the oil to fix the problem.

[Egaeus]

I'm going to agree with the consensus.  I pinched my valve cover seal, and it leaked oil all over the headers.  If it's leaking out the front, that's where it's going to land, right on the hottest part of the exhaust. 

[KYGS500E]

yet again... I'll agree... oil/dust/etc... dont panic... also... possibly come condensation in the pipe.... nothing really to seat though