Nighthawk 750, white smoke, water from exhaust?

Question

I'm prepping my 750 for the winter and noticed that last couple times I started it, white smoke was pouring from the exhaust and I noticed some water dripping from the pipes. Not a lot, but enough for a steady drip. Once it warms up, nothing drips and the smoke only comes when I rev the engine hard. I don't notice any loss of power and it idles just fine, but could anyone tell me what this is?

FYI, it is garage kept, but it's still COLD in the garage.... Like 40 degrees.

Bob A · Accepted Answer

It's called condensation and normal in cooler weather.

pinkerman · Answer

Nighthawk 750 Exhaust

guardrailjim · Answer

The water dripping from the pipes could be condensation accumulating in the pipes.
When you start the engine the condensation heats up and drips out of the drain holes in the pipes.
The white smoke could be the same thing - take your bike for a ride to get 
the pipes hot.
If the smoke has stopped, then there is nothing wrong with your bike.

Master Chief · Answer

I cant recall if thats a water cooled bike or not.

If its not, the its almost certainly condensation in the exhaust and no problem.
Check the exhaust for leaks or gaps or cracks where humidity/water enter. If there are none, no prob.

If it is, thats a problem, wait till its cool check coolant level, if its low check plugs for signs of water in the cylinder, and compression check. You may be looking at a blown head gasket.

Firecracker . · Answer

White = water.
It's condensation.
Exhaust usually has a little vapor in it. 
It's usually not noticed in the summer. In winter, it gets a chance to condense back to water.

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Nighthawk 750, white smoke, water from exhaust?

5 Answers