As a New Harley owner I have a question for the more experienced. Just took delivery of a new Roadster. I now only have 90 miles on it because of the lovely weather in Chicago. When I started it today it blew some blue smoke out of the forward cylinder for 5 seconds. Won't blow smoke if started warm only if it sits overnight. Is this normal for a new bike? I am hoping it just needs to break in. Please share your experience. Thanks.

 

I would take it to the dealer right away and explain what is happening. Better to squash a small bug now, especially with factory warranty, than to have a small issue turn into a much larger problem.

 

blue smoke is indication of burning oil.
black means your running too rich (too much fuel).

Go see Dealer. I would not phone this one in.

 

I would think this is normal at cold start up. I know both my previous 2012 48 and my current 2016 Roadster do this upon start up after sitting over night. It is such a light smoke that it is only visible if I get behind the bike facing a light source. It does it for about 5 seconds then stops. The 48 did the same but a bit longer than 5 seconds. My brother-in-law's Dyna does the same thing as well.

I'm willing to bet everyone's bike on the forum does this as well and they just haven't been in the correct position to see it. If I am standing with my back to the sun or other light source while I start it I can't see the light smoke.

Even had it happen when I test rode a bike. When I started it up to warm up I made sure I was facing the morning sun and standing behind the bike and it did the same exact thing.

Your bike is probably fine, unless it is spitting out clouds of smoke like the batmobile, but for peace of mind you can take it in anyway just so you know for sure.

 

Yes it's light smoke for only 3 to 5 seconds then no more. No smoke on pulls or coast down or any other time. I called the dealer. They said not to worry about it and that it takes 500-1000 miles to break these engines in and get the rings completely sealed up.

 

yeah dont worry...thats what happens with a new bike thats been sitting along time. It will go away after a bit.

 

Would be my guess - if it happens at mile 5000 or something - then take it in under warranty.

 

Take it in for it's 1k service when the time comes (only takes a couple of days to ride that!) and remind them of this.

 

Just a quick follow up in case anyone else has the same experience. After 175 miles it stopped smoking and is getting sweeter by the mile. As the dealer told me it just needed to break in and get the rings fully seated. Great bike and motor. Super pleased with it.

 

Good deal! Thanks for posting this. .4 of a mile on mine, waiting impatiently for spring to really arrive.