Smoke on startup

[DaveS]

I thought I'd mention this as it's been bugging me.

2003 BMW R1150GS

Occasionally when I start the GS up in the morning I get a puff of blue smoke out of the exhaust.
It's intermittent and only happens when the bike has been on the side stand.
The bike isn't using any more oil than normal so it was all very odd.

After some research it seems that this is "normal" behaviour and is oil leaking past the rings on the left hand cylinder when the bike is on it's side stand and presumably when the rings are specifically aligned for it to happen. Hence why it doesn't happen all the time. I found quite a lot of reference to it on various forums.

[Sohoeasy]

Same reason the offside rear bearing always goes first.On the sidestand, rain water runs down the spindle into/onto the bearing ! Although oil passing the rings doesn't end in troubles, it's always nice to know you've got no worries when smoke shows up ? ................Rule no.1 - No harm in using the centre stand all the time ?.............. (I wonder how I got this hernia )

[Annette]

I get that too, but I was under the impression it only happens when you leave it on the sidestand.

Seems to be quite normal and nothing to worry about. But I do mostly leave my bike on the centre stand these days.

[Chad]

this is one of the flat twins strange flat twin quirks dave and nothing to worry about mate though it can bug you when it happens on and off like that

how many miles has she done now ? remember these things dont even start to make real power till about 50k

[Lord Vader]

remember these things dont even start to make real power till about 50k

no need to add anything here

[DaveS]

this is one of the flat twins strange flat twin quirks dave and nothing to worry about mate though it can bug you when it happens on and off like that

how many miles has she done now ? remember these things dont even start to make real power till about 50k

I've done about 31K now.

[DaveS]

I get that too, but I was under the impression it only happens when you leave it on the sidestand.

Indeed which is why I said....

It's intermittent and only happens when the bike has been on the side stand.

[Chad]

I've done about 31K now.

barely run in mate these are one of the few engines that get better as they get used more..my 1150 used to do exactly the same after being sat on the side stand like you i was concerned about it

[Rubberchicken]

This is also why you do not put old K bikes on the side stand.

Ahh that old 2 stroke feeling.

[j]

Simple fix Dont park the bike on the side stand