I have a 2004 blue ttr with 10000 miles on the clock I only use it for green lanes
Just recently it has started smoking on start up actually usually a few seconds after it has started which continues for a minute or so then clears it doesn't appear to use any oil when running.
It used to do this occasionally now it does it every time and it is worse when it has been left on its side stand
I use motul 10w 40 semi synthetic which i change every 600 miles.
I believe this is the valve seals but am wondering if it is damaging the bike to use it when its like this? The bike runs fine otherwise, starts easily hot or cold, apart from conking out at the top of Gatesgarth pass the other week due to water in the electrics! I managed to roll down and get it going at the bottom though!
I would be grateful for any advice i have looked at the various threads etc on top end rebuilds but I am very nervous of attempting this myself even though that is one of the reasons why i bought the bike!
valve stem seals are your problem you can carry on using it while it gets worse but you must keep an eye on engine oil through sight glass when it starts smoking bad & using a lot of oil its time for the cylinder head off
I agree with John it's most likely valve stem seals. If it was piston rings I would expect a more constant cloud rather than just at startup! It's not a major drama, but long term it is likely to foul the plug and cause coke buildup on the piston crown and in the exhaust tract of the head.
Changing the seals is fairly straightforward if you follow the instructions:
The most fiddly bit is removing the collets that hold the valves to the springs, and needs either Brian's superthumb or a valve spring compressor that fits(!) or an automatic collet removal tool (I think Steve has one in the shop) but I've never tried one of those to know how easy they are to use for someone new to engine surgery.
Bad is when your mates would rather navigate all day than sit behind you!
I am on a budget i will give it some thought. I would like to attempt it but would find it quite stressful! Taking the carb off was a major achievement for me! Specially when it worked when i put it back on!
I appreciate the help form both of you. I have looked at the threads too and they are really good but it might be a bit beyond me
Im pretty tight with the cash ,until it needs the oil topped up regularly between oil changes id leave it as is .Its usually only a small amount of oil and doesn't do much other than cause a bit of annoying smoke .
if its only on start up its prob only the exhaust stem seals at this point ,the inlet seals tend to cause smoke when opening the throttle after a long down hill (high inlet vacuum) .
at his point im guessing you dont have anything to worry about .
off the track a bit
something i do when i park the bike is bring it up onto compression that way the all the valves are closed and closes off the cylinder to the outside air , prob best suited to bike that are parked for long periods of time