Blus smoke and oil spots?

[Totoro]

In the May copy of 'Ride' magazine there is an article about buying used bikes. It says that puffs of blue/gray smoke mean engine wear and oil splatters from the exhaust mean serious wear.

My bike - 2001 1150GS - has both smoke and oil spots

I wasn't too worried about the smoke as I understand this is normal especially if it's left on the sidestand. Also the bike seems to use a 'normal' amount of oil.

Can anyone explain about the oil splatters?

 

[Cookson]

What do you mean by oil spatter, are you sure it's not just condensation spitting out the exhaust.

 

[Totoro]

Where my bike is parked there is a white wall about 2 foot behind the exhaust. It is covered with small black spots from when I start up every day.

It could be condensation I guess as the bike is parked outside under a cover.

How do I tell?

 

[Cookson]

I would say it's black spots of carbon/condensation, you will get that from all exhaust's, car's & bikes.

Don't worry.

 

[flooky]

mine does it too, its just a bit of oil smoke and exhaust goo!

 

[Totoro]

Cheers for your advice guys.

I'll treat it as normal.

Shame that the wall is mine and the missus will be wanting it repainted. May paint it black.