Is something wrong ?

[nasher123]

my Vara 125 has done nearly 28000 miles, 2002 model

its started to smoke now, and more when the throttle is pulled round. it has been burning oil lately, alot. and engine is beginning to sound a bit rattely. any suggestions what could be wrong ?

could the air filter, cause it to smoke ??

thanks

[africajim]

I think you're grasping at straws hoping it's just an air filter! Sorry mate, sounds more like piston rings to me, either a broken ring or wear, either way must be passing oil and will need serious attention, sorry mate

[Dee Duble Yuh]

Jim is right. A blocked air filter won't cause oil to burn.

[nasher123]

it has done 28000 miles tho.

maybe the liittle rattle, could be tappets need adjusting ??

and i havent topped the oil up since ive had it, and have done some miles since ive had it.

could shorter journeys cause it to start smoking ?

[AlanH]

and i havent topped the oil up since ive had it, and have done some miles since ive had it

...but have you checked the oil level?

Give it an oil change and check the valve clearances then see how it goes from there.

[africajim]

Hi mate, the rattling is possibly valve related, adjusting may help but if it's using oil it's possible there's been starvation and it's run the cams
Honda's used to be prone for this but not for many yrs, although I'm not sure of the 125 engine. Any engine with oil/pressure issues could easily generate a top end problem.
The oil use and smoke is due to oil burning in the combustion chamber while running, it can only get in through the piston rings, valve stem seals or a holed piston! My advice is a top end rebuild. If you're any good with mechanics a Haynes manual will give you all the info you need to rebuild it yourself.
Sorry to be so pessimistic but these things have a habit of being bad news! Smoke = BAD!

[nasher123]

good news ! It misteriously stopped smoking this morning which i thought was rather random.

oil, was on the low sidem but still above the minimum, so i gave it a treat

new oil and filter change this morning.

seems to be quieter now, ill give it a run and give you the update :P

[africajim]

Excellent news mate, possibly been overfilled when you topped up? Sometimes they burn off excess.
I'm pretty sure the valves will be simple to adjust as they're adjustable tappets not shims. Take a quick look see.

Happy days mate!