Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi, could anyone suggest what could be the problem with my suzuki bandit 1200 99. it's fine when i start it up and for short journeys you would not notice a problem, but after running for about 30 minutes plus when the engine is really hot whenever i stop at lights white smoke starts to come out of the front of the bike under the engine. i can't work out what the problem is, it's my first bike with this much power. the engine looks oily could it be down to an oil leak? normally i try to service and look after the bike myself but if i need to take it to a professional i'm trying to have some idea what's causing it. has anybody else had this happen?

if anyone can help or has any suggestions thanks

If there is no trash/kitten/small child wedged around the header, the smoke almost has to be oil.
Your bike pumps a lot of oil through the engine to help cool it, so a leak can make quite a mess. Check the obvious gaskets for leakage. Cylinder head cover, the 2 oil lines running to the rear of the cyl. head, side covers, etc. Also make sure it isn't smoke venting from the transmission vent line, as that is probably routed under the engine.

Clean the engine as good as you can, then run it as normal for awhile, Any oil leaks will be easier to spot on a clean engine.

BuzZz wrote:If there is no trash/kitten/small child wedged around the header, the smoke almost has to be oil.
Your bike pumps a lot of oil through the engine to help cool it, so a leak can make quite a mess. Check the obvious gaskets for leakage. Cylinder head cover, the 2 oil lines running to the rear of the cyl. head, side covers, etc. Also make sure it isn't smoke venting from the transmission vent line, as that is probably routed under the engine.

Clean the engine as good as you can, then run it as normal for awhile, Any oil leaks will be easier to spot on a clean engine.

Thanks, I didn't see any small kittens on first inspection so I will go through the other suggestions. Thanks for your help

IT'S THE COOLANT! THE COOLANT IS LEAKING!
Ok so it's probably not the coolant, I'd definitely check the gaskets like Buzzz said. Try checking right above the headers since it's acting like that.