When diagnosing engine problems, specialists first look at the colour of the smoke. The smoke, with its different colours, may reflect various technical issues.

Commonly observed colours of the smoke are as follows:

• Blue smoke: It indicates that there is burning of the engine oil within the combustion chamber due to worn-out piston rings, valve seals or cylinder. In many cases, bike engine repair becomes necessary after a detailed inspection.

• Black Smoke: It is a clear indication that the engine is receiving excess fuel, causing richness.

• White smoke: If a liquid-cooled bike is spewing white smoke continuously after the engine is warm, it may indicate that coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber.

However, a cold start will usually produce a faint white vapour, which is normal and may be condensation.

Several mechanical problems can cause engine smoke

Different engine components are designed to ensure proper combustion and lubrication. Gradually, all these components wear out, and engine oil or fuel leaks into places where it should not. It can result in smoking.