Exhaust smell when riding

[Dale Matsubara]

I finally gave my 1983 CB1000 a complete Vetter make over. Fairing, side bags and trunk. The issue I'm having is the extreme exhaust smell when riding at any speed. It's so bad I get a headache after a short time. I can actually feel wind pushing on my back at any speed over 30 mph. Has anyone else experienced this or have any solutions?

 

[Kynan C.]

I have not, however you may check for holes on the underside of your exhaust pipes. Do some sniffing while it's running. It could also be leaking where the pipes meet the head. There are copper rings in there that can be damaged.

 

[Larry Fine]

I have noticed the exhaust odor a bit myself, but even more, that my back gets the most cold air when riding in the cold. You're not imagining this.

The aerodynamics of the fairing and lowers, perhaps combined with the trunk and saddlebags, definitely creates a low-pressure zone around the rider.

I don't have vents in my windshield, so I can't suggest whether opening them might reduce the low pressure, but would obviously reduce the air pocket.

 

[brianinpa]

Are you running with Lowers too?

I had a problem similar to yours and it was caused by a bad exhaust system. The lowers were allowing the air to just circulate behind the fairing until I put a pair of Baker Wings on the fairing that allowed me to change the airflow at the engine level. I didn't have the windscreen vents at that time, and I am not sure if those would have helped or not. Once I changed the exhaust system, my problem went away.

 

[Dale Matsubara]

My exhaust is good and sealed. I've tried it with the vents open and side bags off with no change. I do not have lowers. I may try to extend the exhaust when the weather breaks up here in NH. I have a taller than original windshield also. Thank you for all the replies and I'm open to any other input. Thanks again!

 

[Dave Ireland]

I've not had the exhaust smell, but my screen (as modified by the PO) is several inches shorter than standard. It will be interesting to see if any fumes get sucked back up when I extend the screen.
The push in the back was very evident the first few times I rode the RT fairing, but after that I didn't even notice it, as I got used to it. No exhaust fumes on that, but the standard pipes were reasonably long.

 

[XS11JAMMERIII]

OK, the low pressure created by the fairing is bringing the exhaust gasses to your attention. This is telling you - you are running RICH at mid and higher throttle settings. Time to look for restrictions in air to the carbs, like clogged air filter -'s. Could be improper jetting or a leaky or stuck float valve or even high float adjustment.
Get busy.

 

[steppenwolf]

I get it also,guess I got used to it,don't notice it anymore. Stock exhaust with or with out lowers..too bad ya can't get high on the stuff.

 

[Kynan C.]

I never did get any on my 79 XS11. I didn't have lowers.

 

[steppenwolf]

You don't wan't to Avet..it a bit disturbing but I thought it was from my bike burning oil.I will ride this year after I charge the battery and yank carbs off to clean.Got a small class b rv to do some traveling in,perfect for the single guy..a babe magnet.

 

[Kynan C.]

You don't wan't to Avet..it a bit disturbing but I thought it was from my bike burning oil.I will ride this year after I charge the battery and yank carbs off to clean.Got a small class b rv to do some traveling in,perfect for the single guy..a babe magnet.

Pick me up! Vetter tour!

 

[steppenwolf]

Well my first trip,my newbie learning is gonna be the Sky Line Drive to the Blue Ridge Pky.Haven't been there since about '88 with the wife on our bikes.Then maybe a trip out west,have two bike friends( xs11 owners) in Sacramento and Simi Valley I haven't seen in about 5 years and two in Phoenix.I could throw you in the mix and possibly an actor friend in LA.

Yuppers you would be right in the mix.See what happens.
Might be getting a dog so that will change things a little.
See all down the road somewhere some time.

Bill

 

[Kynan C.]

I am right in-between LA and Sacramento off i5.

 

[steppenwolf]

May not be this year,I don't know after my BRP trip where the heck I am going.Got a few things here to figure out before a long trip.I don't even know how to get water in the hot water tank yet..I am a rv newbie for sure

 

[Larry Fine]

I don't even know how to get water in the hot water tank yet.

Make sure you don't energize the water heater until it's filled.

 

[steppenwolf]

Larry..I plan on taking it easy,I am retired so I wanna see how this dang works before I screw it up.I would like to hit a mc event or two to take some pictures.Maybe Sturgis from FL who will be there on his bike.
Tried to post a pic or two and ....can't do it.

 

[husky385]

.I don't even know how to get water in the hot water tank yet..I am a rv newbie for sure

Easiest is to hook a garden hose to the fresh water inlet turn the hose on and open the hot water faucet until all the air has purged.
Kevin

 

[Kynan C.]

Larry..I plan on taking it easy,I am retired so I wanna see how this dang works before I screw it up.I would like to hit a mc event or two to take some pictures.Maybe Sturgis from FL who will be there on his bike.
Tried to post a pic or two and ....can't do it.

Are you having issues steppen posting pics?

 

[steppenwolf]

The water thingie will just take me one time reading the book,right now it is winterized.Starting to warm up so I will be putzing with it shortly.Going down to KY for the day to sit next to a camp fire,grill out lunch and watch trains

Picture problem is on my end,photobucket is sooooo slow and then doesn't finish.Let me try again.

Theyy seem to have fixed the problem

Missing this mornings ride will get back to late for another local meet but the warm weather is just starting.

 

[Kynan C.]

The water thingie will just take me one time reading the book,right now it is winterized.Starting to warm up so I will be putzing with it shortly.Going down to KY for the day to sit next to a camp fire,grill out lunch and watch trains

Picture problem is on my end,photobucket is sooooo slow and then doesn't finish.Let me try again.

Theyy seem to have fixed the problem

Missing this mornings ride will get back to late for another local meet but the warm weather is just starting.

Glad its fixed!