Gunpowder Smell?

[FazrDan]

Ok I know this sounds crazy but.. sometimes, when I'm riding, I get a whiff of something that smells just like gunpowder. I think it is when I shift gears. I don't sense it every time I shift gears and its not every ride but once in a great while it smells just exactly like when you shoot a gun. Oil is not low and I'm not experiencing any mechanical problems at all.

Anyone ever experience the same?

 

[SweaterDude]

thats pretty weird dude. i know exactly the smell you're talking about, but that you would smell it on the bike is strange.

Suggestion: after a ride that you notice the smell. inspect your bike when you stop. just sniff around and see if you can try to pinpoint it.

 

[Humperdinkel]

You sure you're not riding past a shooting range at the time !!! :BLAA: :justkidding:.... I have never had that smell before but you will more than likely find that it is leaves or road grime being burnt by your exhaust :thumbup:

 

[edgeofnj]

You sure you're not riding past a shooting range at the time !!! :BLAA: :justkidding:.... I have never had that smell before but you will more than likely find that it is leaves or road grime being burnt by your exhaust :thumbup:

agree with the road grime. could also be some kind of grease/lube breaking down. i'd give it a thorough wash and maybe an oil change while you're at it.

 

[foxbass]

Shot clays myself and know the smell.

Best guess is the area behind the sprocket cover - that always builds up a good glob of grime/chain lube around the output shaft and the back of the block plus the cover itself - and possibly the top of the level part of the exhaust before the cat which traps the usual detritus of tar and leaves.

I gave mine a thorough clean behind the cover and all is now fine. The smell I would reckon is dependant upon which brand of chain lube you use.

Could also be that you pass several gun ranges on your rides!!