White Smoke in the mornings

[goathands]

I've been fogging up the neighbors in the morning when I start up my 83' R65. It clears up after a minute or two of running. Then, doesn't return until the next day. The smoke  only comes out of the right muffler, and although the bike is getting me around ok, the engine seems to be a little louder than usual. I checked the manual and the fluids and they seem normal. I plan on taking it in for maintenance next week. But, I'd would like a better understanding of what might be happening with the motorcycle, before I go in. Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks,
James

[Bob_Roller]

Do you leave the bike on the side stand overnight ?

Can you detect an odor from the smoke, does it smell like burned oil, or does it have a fuel smell to it ?

White smoke would be most likely  the tell tale sign of oil present in the combustion chamber when you start it up.

The valve guides on this boxer engine do not have valve guide seals, so if they are worn, this could be a possibility.

Crankcase ventilation vents into the carb inlets, possibly a problem with the reed valve on top of the engine next to the starter, but it usually effects both carbs.

[goathands]

Right, I leave the bike on the side stand overnight, most of the time, Actually the smoke comes out on the left side not the right.

I do smell oil burning some times. A slight sweet carmel oder is evident in morning and sometimes when I'm parking.

Are there other signs I can check for? If the vale guides are worn, would this cause a loss in engine performance?

[Bob_Roller]

If you park the bike on the sidestand overnight, this is pretty much 'normal' for an airhead bike, it's the nature of the beast.

So I really don't think your valve guides are an issue, with the way you park the bike.

If your engine is a bit louder, it could be your valve clearance adjustment needs some looking at.

Also, make sure you turn off the fuel tap when you park it for the night on the sidestand, as you could have an overflowing carb someday if you don't.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

If you park the bike on the sidestand overnight, this is pretty much 'normal' for an airhead bike, it's the nature of the beast.

Which is why most owners try to use the centerstand as much as possible.

The only time mine is on the sidestand overnight is at a campsite.

[goathands]

Thanks, centerstand from now on.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

And now you have entered into the realm of [size=14]Centerstand Maintenance!!![/size]

[drewboid]

Just adding to the voices saying that it is typical when left on the side stand. both my R65 and R75/6 do it. Embarrasing but usual. (the R60/2 has a sidecar so it stays upright!)  ;-)

[montmil]

And now you have entered into the realm of [size=14]Centerstand Maintenance!!![/size]

YES! Let's talk about this. My R65 is winning the battle of hoisting the scooter onto the centerstand. Both wheels appear to remain in ground contact after muscling up the beast so I'm wondering just how worn out is the stand?  Opinions and experiences will be appreciated.

[drewboid]

Worn or did the PO fit a ride-off type stand?
Wear could show up at the bottom of the feet, at the stops at the top, or due to a bending in the middle.
I have the ride-off stand and both tires sit lightly on the ground.

[montmil]

Worn or did the PO fit a ride-off type stand? Wear could show up at the bottom of the feet, at the stops at the top, or due to a bending in the middle. I have the ride-off stand and both tires sit lightly on the ground.

Good thoughts. I just dunno what I gots. Aftermarket or worn down. Perhaps a bit of weld could build up the worn contact points on the frame and/or stand.

Gotta check this out or join a gym. Exercise for me is doing twelve-ounce curls until I fall asleep. [smiley=1drink.gif]

[Ed Miller]

Gotta check this out or join a gym. Exercise for me is doing twelve-ounce curls until I fall asleep. [smiley=1drink.gif]

I don't worry about temporary white smoke when the bike is cold; it could even be some moisture condensing until the pipes warm up.  Water is a product of combustion.

You could move up to the pounders, then when you've mastered that, the 24 oz. cans.  I'm so strong now that I can hoist those steins like you see in the German scenes of movies, though I nearly injured my elbow starting out.  It's definitely worthwhile.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Occasional Boxerworks contributor/former R65 owner/regular Gathering of the Clans attendee Jean:

[not-so-fast-ed]

Now that's a "thirst quencher"!!