smoking

[fwhite]

Just got my new '03 Black Speed Triple a couple of weeks ago and I love it!! Can't believe I've been missing out on this kind of riding for so long.

Anyway, was just wondering if it is normal for the bike to smoke a little for the first couple of minutes after starting it up? It smokes kind of like a bike does when it's cold out...except it's not cold. After the bike warms up it doesn’t smoke at all (except in performance...ha ha).

Thanks,

Frank

It's sounds like condensation in the pipe.ie:steam ,once it heats up then no more"smoke" yes?...

[fwhite]

Thanks, hopefully it is just steam....would hate to think that I have a leaky seal and it's burning off oil. The dealer told me it might be due to the thick coating of grease they coat everything (including the inside of the engine) with prior to shipment, but since the bike is still smoking when I first start it up and I'm at 260 miles I don't think this could be the case.

Also, this morning upon arriving to work I noticed a little coolant dripping from around the radiator cap. The bike was warm (showing 105 C on the gauge). This is the first time this has happened. This can't be normal...can it? Is it normal for the bike to heat up like this? It was a cool morning here in Chicago and my commute is only a few miles (but the last mile or so is mostly stop lights). This is the first street bike I've owned that is liquid cooled so I'm a bit clueless.

Thanks

[DiscoStu]

I share you commute issues, as the last mile or so of my trip home in the afternoon is almost always stop and go. In those times the bike escalates up to about 103-104, but the fan kicks in and it goes down pretty quickly from there. I've not had any coolant leeks after running at those temperatures, so I'd try taking the cap off and making its screwed on straight (when the bike's cool). And when you have the cap off make sure all of the gaskets etc look like they're in sound condition.

I'm pretty sure a lot of folks have had the same experience at low speeds. Especially in rush hour traffic in the dead of summer. I suppose if one was concerned they could pick up a 8-blade fan from Muzzy's. I think the stock one is 6 blade. I'm sure it pulls in more air. But that's of course only when the fan kicks in. :-D

[ This message was edited by: Wanderlust on 2004-06-03 19:44 ]

[beers2u]

Are you guys running in celsius by choice? Just curious.

The bike heating up like that in traffic is normal and if your reservoir weeps a little just take some fluid out.

Oops, just read you said coolant is dripping from the radiator, that shouldn't happen...ignore my advice! (But the reservoir will weep if you overfill it and the bike gets hot).

[ This message was edited by: beers2u on 2004-06-03 22:08 ]

[DiscoStu]

Are you guys running in celsius by choice? Just curious.

Yeah, didn't see much of a need to change it. As long as I'm aware of when the fan kicks in and when it would be overheating I figure it doesn't matter if its celsius or fahrenheit.

Plus I like doing math in my head (double it & add 30) :razz:

[fwhite]

Are you guys running in celsius by choice?

Yeah, I'm running in celsius....wasn't even aware that I could change it....guess I should read MOM a little closer.

I was able to tighten up the radiator cap a bit and that cut down the amount that is leaking but it is still dripping a little after I ride a while. The dealer said that it was a defective radiator cap and they are ordering me a new one. I guess I'll just have to take it easy this weekend and not venture to far from home just in case.

Also, the dealer told me last night that it is normal for the bike to smoke a little when you first start it up and that it will stop after the break in.

Thanks for the info on the Muzzy's fan, I might look into this since I'm fortunate enough to live in a city with such great traffic :wink: I'm sure my fan will be getting quite the workout this summer.

My mistake. The stock plastic fan must be 4-5 blade (I'll have to look at mine) and the Muzzy's is metal and 6 blade.

Here's the link...
Muzzy Fan