Hey guys. I had a friend come yesterday to check out the bike. He sat on it, and noticed that the idle was high. So he moved the idle screw around and put it between 1 and 2k idle. Then he started revving it REALLY high. I noticed it would smoke every time he revved it rough like that. After he left I inspected the bike and was wondering where the hell that smoke was coming from, because it never did that with me. So I turned it on and revved it to about 6k and no smoke. My question is. If it was burning oil, would it start smoking as soon as I turn it on? Or would it only burn the gas after a certain amount of power sent to the engine?

What color was the smoke?
Black is gas, blue is oil, and white is condensation.

It was white, and when I first saw it I was freaked out.Like I said. It never smoked when I turned it on. Should I be alright if its condensation? Also, the smoke kinda smelled like gas a bit.

Depending on the time of year, mostly cooler temps, you will see white condensation smoke at startup. Completely normal.
A slight smell of gas is common at first startup since the bike has not got up to temp to burn the fuel properly.

Thank you very much I kinda figured he pushed the bike to much after only being on for 10 seconds.( I figured that out by reading you alls posts    ) He also mentioned an "exhaust leak" by the bottom of the exhaust. Would this cause any problems?

that "exhaust leak" is the drain hole for when water gets into the can.  You don't want water pooling up in there!    Sounds like you're fine.

dig up.  glad i read this because my gs has been smoking alot on startup lately but it has been cool out.  Any other reason for a white cloud at warm up?  I get a good bit at warm up just lately..

Quote from: that_guy on January 31, 2006, 11:59:28 PMdig up. glad i read this because my gs has been smoking alot on startup lately but it has been cool out. Any other reason for a white cloud at warm up? I get a good bit at warm up just lately..

You should see mine when I start it after it's been parked at work...

I literally looks like I lit it on fire...  THICK steam burning off of every inch of it...  Then when I stop at a light I get another fat cloud pouring past me from behind.

If it really is just condensation, then there's nothing to worry about.  If you're parking it where it can get wet, then you'll have a whole lot more...

you guys really don't pay to much attention will driving last winter. other vechiles do this aslo. looks at other cars in the morning. you can tell how keeps thier in the garage or in the street.

I'm surprised as to how many times this topic comes up.  I'm not being a search nazi or anything, but like kimo said, ALL vehicles do this during the colder weather.  Oh, wait...  I'm in MA where it feels like winter will never end here.  CA & FL must not have this much COLD weather.

Quote from: annguyen1981 on February 03, 2006, 01:13:16 AM
I'm surprised as to how many times this topic comes up.  I'm not being a search nazi or anything, but like kimo said, ALL vehicles do this during the colder weather.  Oh, wait...  I'm in MA where it feels like winter will never end here.  CA & FL must not have this much COLD weather.

or texas... they all suck!!!

Quote from: ajgs500 on February 03, 2006, 01:18:07 AM

Quote from: annguyen1981 on February 03, 2006, 01:13:16 AM
I'm surprised as to how many times this topic comes up.  I'm not being a search nazi or anything, but like kimo said, ALL vehicles do this during the colder weather.  Oh, wait...  I'm in MA where it feels like winter will never end here.  CA & FL must not have this much COLD weather.

or texas... they all suck!!!

You god damn right. It's gonna hit 78 on Sunday here.

Alpha- u suck!!!!!!

haters...lol

I already got used to ride in 45F in northern california  2 t-shirts + sweater + jacket with 2 linings and double sockss do the trick.

You really wear that many layers to ride in 45° weather?  If it's not raining, I just go out in jeans and my riding jacket...

I guess 45° is pretty warm around here.   

I' so glad this forum exists 


We had a cold snap last night (winters coming to Australia  ) and when I went to start my bike today a big cloud of white smoke came out of the exhaust.


I tell you, being a brand new GS500F with 2500kms on he clock I nearly had a heart attack.


I started it with choke, and slightly opened the throttle. Sprung to life instantly and sounded normal, just a few big puffs of white smoke.

Then all was well.

I warmed it up, rode it for a few k's, then reved it out down the highway to see if everything sounded ok. Everything seemed sweet.

I tell you I'm glad to know it was just most likely condensation combined with the rich mixtures caused by running with the choke.



I'm going to remember this table.

If the smoke is...

White = Condensation
Blue = Fuel
Black = Oil


Did I mention this forum is