Burning smell anyone?

ricochet08 · August 7th, 2010, 10:03 AM

Hey all

I tried to do some research before I bothered anyone, but so far had no luck.

I'm experiencing a smell similar to that of burnt popcorn...like REALLY burnt popcorn. No signs of leaks (thus far) and no weird noises from the engine.

Made a video a while ago, it's still uploading, but i'll come back and post the link when it's done.

Heading outside now to check over my bike again and see if I can spot anything in the meantime.

Anyone ever had a situation like this?

EDIT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6NNas6kQ8E

Brian250R · August 7th, 2010, 10:18 AM

Someone put corn kernels in your muffler?
Seriously though...did you recently change any fluids and possible spill some on your head pipes? Radiator cap loose?

ricochet08 · August 7th, 2010, 10:24 AM

lol! nah, no kernals in the muffler

Only recent fluid change was the oil, I check daily for oil leaks, but i'll check the radiator and it's fluids and see whats up.

sofo · August 7th, 2010, 11:19 AM

Check your fuses, maybe one blew?

kkim · August 7th, 2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricochet08

Only recent fluid change was the oil, I check daily for oil leaks, but i'll check the radiator and it's fluids and see whats up.

That's the answer, then. When you changed the oil, you must have spilled/dripped some onto the header below and some of it collected in/on it.

Brian250R · August 7th, 2010, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sofo

Check your fuses, maybe one blew?

How would a blown fuse cause a burning popcorn smell?

ricochet08 · August 7th, 2010, 12:18 PM

Doubt it kkim, that was days ago, and I check for leaks daily before I ride out. This morning was the first time I smelled it. Not saying that it isn't possible, I just highly doubt it. But to be sure, I checked again while I had the fairings off.

adri99an · August 7th, 2010, 12:20 PM

I usually get that smell after 2 bean and cheese burritos....

Seriously....I'd take the fairings off and ride it nekkid....park it and see what it might be since you are not seeing any leaks....might be something way tooo small to see...take the fairings off

Brian250R · August 7th, 2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adri99an

Seriously....I'd take the fairings off and ride it nekkid....park it and see what it might be since you are not seeing any leaks....might be something way tooo small to see...take the fairings off

+1

Could be something other than fluid touching the header or engine too....like wires, hoses or something you scooped up off the road. Corn cobs, small animals, etc....

KURT · August 7th, 2010, 12:44 PM

I get a similarly foul smell, rising up from my headers, from time to time. (Smells the worst, just over the guages.) The only thing that I can think of, is chain lube, coming in contact with your exhaust?

Brian250R · August 7th, 2010, 12:50 PM

You going green and using one of those new corn based chain lubes?

Brian250R · August 7th, 2010, 01:03 PM

I thought you'd be able to tell me why. That's why I asked.

sofo · August 7th, 2010, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian250R

How would a blown fuse cause a burning popcorn smell?

sigh... forget I said anything.

Brian250R · August 7th, 2010, 01:07 PM

Said what? You deleted your post.

sofo · August 7th, 2010, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian250R

Said what? You deleted your post.

Exactly.... moving on.

ricochet08 · August 7th, 2010, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adri99an

I usually get that smell after 2 bean and cheese burritos....

Seriously....I'd take the fairings off and ride it nekkid....

1. that makes me want some taco bell soooooo bad

2. riding naked sounds fun (and exotic). I can just imagine people asking what i'm doing to the bike and responding "riding her nekkid"

00NissanNinja · August 7th, 2010, 01:54 PM

Well its not coolant, coolant would have a syrup like smell to it (though it definitely doesn't smell as good as syrup). I'm thinking something burned on your exhaust that may have been kicked up from the road, or oil burned off the exhaust like kkim said (even though you said you changed the oil awhile ago things could leak a bit and burn off once the engine is running). Something may have come lose on the inside of your fairings as well.

bdavison · August 7th, 2010, 07:49 PM

If you just washed your bike.....and water went down the exhaust.....sometimes it smells like burnt popcorn.

I usually smell it after I wash it, or after it rains.

adri99an · August 8th, 2010, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricochet08

1. that makes me want some taco bell soooooo bad

2. riding naked sounds fun (and exotic). I can just imagine people asking what i'm doing to the bike and responding "riding her nekkid"

Did you just say you were going to taco bell nekkid on your bike? Exotic you are my friend!

LazinCajun · August 8th, 2010, 10:17 PM

http://www.wesh.com/r/20927354/detail.html

ricochet08 · August 8th, 2010, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adri99an

Did you just say you were going to taco bell nekkid on your bike? Exotic you are my friend!

yep yep

5-layer burritos digested

Quote:

Originally Posted by LazinCajun

http://www.wesh.com/r/20927354/detail.html

lol! dang bruh, that guy was super wasted.

Burning smell gone by the way...as kkim and others suggested above, it was more than likely something on the headers. Whatever it was...it made me not want popcorn

drumm3r9 · August 9th, 2010, 05:29 PM

I remember once....when I first got the bike I didn't have a garage to keep it in. So i bought a cover for it. One day I didn't let the bike cool down enough and I put the cover on. The exhaust was so hot that some of the cover melted on to the exhaust and It was there til it melted away. Gave me a smell very similar to the one your experiencing. It took about 2 weeks for it to go away....hahaha noob mistake

monster250 · August 9th, 2010, 05:57 PM

ive had this smell coming off my bike also about 2 times n it happend right after turning it on, maby i didnt let it warm up...idk thats what i thought

23john93 · November 19th, 2013, 01:11 PM

i have the same problem my bike smell like burning something like oil and i changed the coolant no that long ago but the smell was after the coolant change

csmith12 · November 19th, 2013, 01:37 PM

Welcome 23john93!

Spill anything during the coolant change? Hot coolant has a distinctive smell, some describe it as a sweet smell.

Any leaks? An old newspaper is perfect for detecting leaks. Just put some under your bike or in the lower.

23john93 · November 19th, 2013, 01:56 PM

Yeah i spill a lil when i did it but cleant it right when i got done with a paper twoal

csmith12 · November 19th, 2013, 02:08 PM

Check the routing of your case vent hose and in the airbox. If the vent hose drains on something hot then you will get the smell. And, the airbox should have a drain hole that is clear from debris and check out where it drains. lol Wipe it out if there is any fluids in there.

23john93 · November 19th, 2013, 03:17 PM

Ok thanks for helping. Im gonna ccheck all that and if it still smell funny i will let u know

headshrink · November 21st, 2013, 05:58 PM

Occasionally I'll get a dead leaf stuck between my pipe and fairing and they like to burn when they heat up enough, but they smell like dead leaves. Don't know if that helps at all....

rojoracing53 · November 21st, 2013, 08:45 PM

With all my modding I've had several very small leaks from the coolant hose clamps that where bad enough to smell quite strong when I came to a stop but never enough to spot any leaks until I removed the gas tank. Oil smells a bit putrid but coolant has a much more sweet smell to it. The burning oil smell will change based on what oil your running and how fresh it is, but once you know the smell of coolant you'll never forget it.

August 7th, 2010, 10:03 AM	#1
ricochet08 ninjette.org guru Name: Ross Location: St. Louis Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 ninja ex500, 2010 Ninja 250r, 2004 zzr600, 2003 CBR600rr, 2013 Ninja 300...in that order :D Posts: 266	Burning smell anyone? Hey all I tried to do some research before I bothered anyone, but so far had no luck. I'm experiencing a smell similar to that of burnt popcorn...like REALLY burnt popcorn. No signs of leaks (thus far) and no weird noises from the engine. Made a video a while ago, it's still uploading, but i'll come back and post the link when it's done. Heading outside now to check over my bike again and see if I can spot anything in the meantime. Anyone ever had a situation like this? EDIT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6NNas6kQ8E

August 7th, 2010, 01:54 PM	#17
00NissanNinja I hate driving... Name: S Location: SW Ohio Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.	Well its not coolant, coolant would have a syrup like smell to it (though it definitely doesn't smell as good as syrup). I'm thinking something burned on your exhaust that may have been kicked up from the road, or oil burned off the exhaust like kkim said (even though you said you changed the oil awhile ago things could leak a bit and burn off once the engine is running). Something may have come lose on the inside of your fairings as well. __________________________________________________ 09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast

November 19th, 2013, 01:37 PM	#25
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Welcome 23john93! Spill anything during the coolant change? Hot coolant has a distinctive smell, some describe it as a sweet smell. Any leaks? An old newspaper is perfect for detecting leaks. Just put some under your bike or in the lower. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 19th, 2013, 02:08 PM	#27
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Check the routing of your case vent hose and in the airbox. If the vent hose drains on something hot then you will get the smell. And, the airbox should have a drain hole that is clear from debris and check out where it drains. lol Wipe it out if there is any fluids in there. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 21st, 2013, 05:58 PM	#29
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	Occasionally I'll get a dead leaf stuck between my pipe and fairing and they like to burn when they heat up enough, but they smell like dead leaves. Don't know if that helps at all.... __________________________________________________ Honda Interceptor VFR800 DLX (2014, 8th gen) Honda CBR500r (2014) - FOR SALE Kawi Ninja 250r (2008) - Restored and passed-down within family, only to be abandoned

August 7th, 2010, 10:18 AM	#2
Brian250R ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: East Coast Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 250R Posts: 77	Someone put corn kernels in your muffler? Seriously though...did you recently change any fluids and possible spill some on your head pipes? Radiator cap loose?

August 7th, 2010, 10:24 AM	#3
ricochet08 ninjette.org guru Name: Ross Location: St. Louis Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 ninja ex500, 2010 Ninja 250r, 2004 zzr600, 2003 CBR600rr, 2013 Ninja 300...in that order :D Posts: 266	lol! nah, no kernals in the muffler Only recent fluid change was the oil, I check daily for oil leaks, but i'll check the radiator and it's fluids and see whats up.

August 7th, 2010, 11:19 AM	#4
sofo ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: Vancouver, BC Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 410	Check your fuses, maybe one blew?

August 7th, 2010, 12:18 PM	#7
ricochet08 ninjette.org guru Name: Ross Location: St. Louis Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 ninja ex500, 2010 Ninja 250r, 2004 zzr600, 2003 CBR600rr, 2013 Ninja 300...in that order :D Posts: 266	Doubt it kkim, that was days ago, and I check for leaks daily before I ride out. This morning was the first time I smelled it. Not saying that it isn't possible, I just highly doubt it. But to be sure, I checked again while I had the fairings off.

August 7th, 2010, 12:20 PM	#8
adri99an ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Donger Location: So CAL Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): "Is that a Ninjer 1000?" Posts: A lot.	I usually get that smell after 2 bean and cheese burritos.... Seriously....I'd take the fairings off and ride it nekkid....park it and see what it might be since you are not seeing any leaks....might be something way tooo small to see...take the fairings off

August 7th, 2010, 12:44 PM	#10
KURT Resident Old Guy Name: Kurt Location: Goodyear, Az Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): sold Posts: 264	I get a similarly foul smell, rising up from my headers, from time to time. (Smells the worst, just over the guages.) The only thing that I can think of, is chain lube, coming in contact with your exhaust?

August 7th, 2010, 12:50 PM	#11
Brian250R ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: East Coast Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 250R Posts: 77	You going green and using one of those new corn based chain lubes?

August 7th, 2010, 01:03 PM	#12
Brian250R ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: East Coast Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 250R Posts: 77	I thought you'd be able to tell me why. That's why I asked.

August 7th, 2010, 01:07 PM	#14
Brian250R ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: East Coast Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 250R Posts: 77	Said what? You deleted your post.

August 7th, 2010, 07:49 PM	#18
bdavison Wartown, USA Name: Bryan Location: Warner Robins, GA Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.	If you just washed your bike.....and water went down the exhaust.....sometimes it smells like burnt popcorn. I usually smell it after I wash it, or after it rains.

August 8th, 2010, 10:17 PM	#20
LazinCajun ninjette.org guru Name: Anon Location: Atlanta, GA Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488	http://www.wesh.com/r/20927354/detail.html

August 9th, 2010, 05:29 PM	#22
drumm3r9 ninjette.org member Name: Kyle Location: Silver City Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 79	I remember once....when I first got the bike I didn't have a garage to keep it in. So i bought a cover for it. One day I didn't let the bike cool down enough and I put the cover on. The exhaust was so hot that some of the cover melted on to the exhaust and It was there til it melted away. Gave me a smell very similar to the one your experiencing. It took about 2 weeks for it to go away....hahaha noob mistake

August 9th, 2010, 05:57 PM	#23
monster250 ninjette.org member Name: e Location: los angeles Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 08 monster edition ninja 250r Posts: 19	ive had this smell coming off my bike also about 2 times n it happend right after turning it on, maby i didnt let it warm up...idk thats what i thought

November 19th, 2013, 01:11 PM	#24
23john93 ninjette.org member Name: destructor Location: pittsburg ks Join Date: Oct 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ninja250r Posts: 11	i have the same problem my bike smell like burning something like oil and i changed the coolant no that long ago but the smell was after the coolant change

November 19th, 2013, 01:56 PM	#26
23john93 ninjette.org member Name: destructor Location: pittsburg ks Join Date: Oct 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ninja250r Posts: 11	Yeah i spill a lil when i did it but cleant it right when i got done with a paper twoal

November 19th, 2013, 03:17 PM	#28
23john93 ninjette.org member Name: destructor Location: pittsburg ks Join Date: Oct 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ninja250r Posts: 11	Ok thanks for helping. Im gonna ccheck all that and if it still smell funny i will let u know

November 21st, 2013, 08:45 PM	#30
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	With all my modding I've had several very small leaks from the coolant hose clamps that where bad enough to smell quite strong when I came to a stop but never enough to spot any leaks until I removed the gas tank. Oil smells a bit putrid but coolant has a much more sweet smell to it. The burning oil smell will change based on what oil your running and how fresh it is, but once you know the smell of coolant you'll never forget it.

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