smoke from exhaust

[Guest]

Just brought the bike. When I first looked at it no smoke and when test rode all OK. When I started it up yesterday afternoon white smoke from the exhaust. Could it be :?:
1. Valve stem seals or, (this may sound silly ) its getting used to the surrounds ie been very humid here and my garage is a very big old bus garage slightly damp quite alot of condensation.

Any advice would be gratefully received

Thanks

[roscoepc]

The 1200 will smoke sometimes on start up even if she's parked on the centerstand. Mine does occasionaly. Check your fluid level's, anti-freeze and oil, to make sure they are not dropping any and you should be ok. However if you notice a drop in either or notice a "sweet" smell when it's smoking, (anti-freeze), you might have a bad head gasket.

Smarter people than me will be along shortly!!

Good luck with her!!

[Guest]

White smoke is water/condensation/anti-freeze.........fluids.
Blue smoke is oil.
Black smoke is excess fuel.
If it's white, it's not valve stem seals.
If it's blue, it's not carbs.
If it's black, it's not a blown headgasket.

[B.Bolding]

I bought my 1200 in July 1988 and it has done the smoke thing ever since on occasion for no rhyme or reason. Seems to do it more often on the side stand. It has the distinctive smell of oil smoke. Kind of embarrassing :ymblushing: but don't seem to have an adverse effect on oil level or operation of the bike.