Two questions

[previousrz350]

2004 R1150R ABS 15k miles
1) Just began blowing blue smoke on startup - valve guides already?

2) Loud screetching noise for about a second. Just left house. Was in second gear. So brief I don't have a clue where it came from. Scared the bejeez out of me. Ever heard that?

[gregor]

Not got much to go on there. But if the sump over full and the bike was sitting on the side stand before starting then some oil may burn off. Not hear of worn valve guides on this forum.
Screech may have been the alternator belt slipping under a charging load- adjust or replace.

Above are just my two guesses.

[towerworker]

Puffing blue smoke occasionally on startup is not unusual. Mine does it sometimes depending on sitting angle when parked (nonlevel ground). As already mentioned there only two things I can think of that will screech, 1--a dirty starter can and will screech upon startup, 2--the alternator belt under the right set of circumstances.

BMW recommends belt replacement at 36,000 miles. Age will take a belt out faster than miles. I would guess you at least need to replace it. Not at all a difficult job. New belt is about $30. (just bought one)

On the smoke thing--I feel pretty certain you have nothing to worry about. Let us know how it goes.

Wayne

[riceburner]

If the alt belt hasn't been changed yet then it'll be the older type which is reliable than the one which was released in approx '06/'07.

The other alternative for squeaking noises (screeching) is clutch slave cylinder bearing.

[previousrz350]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I totally forgot about the belt . I bought a new one but have yet to install it. Clutch slave cylinder bearing? Didn't know anything spun on the slave cylinder

[peels]

shoutout Helpful thread here. I figured it wasnt a terrible deal... My 02 puffed some smoke this morning. But it was on the side stand, which is what I assumed caused it.

It was just a slight embarrassment, that my wife and mother in law were watching me leave, as she is headed home this week. And POOF. smoke everywhere. ran fine, so I wasnt worried, more just curious. Oh, her and her new husband...Harley faithful. <facepalm>

I assume the smoke took care of some bugs as well. Nice bonus.

cheers.