After several years of begging and pleading my wife finally gave in and I bought my first bike. Of course it is an 2000 LS650. I love it, but do not know much about mechanics. I seem to be back firing as I down shift. Is this because I am still learning to ride or something else. My exhaust pipe has turned purplish blue as it comes out of the engine. Is this normal? Last question is in regards to an oil leak. It is on the cooling fins at a seal. Is this something I can do on my own? Any recomendations?
Thanks,

The popping (aka afterfire) could be from a couple of reasons, loose header bolts, (torque 10 - 15 ftlbs) or lean carb.  Since its during downshift, I think it's loose header bolts.  If it pows on shut off, it's lean pilot adjustment.  both reasons can turn the header blue.  What you most likely have is the dreaded cap plug leak.  But there are several places it can leak, most common is the cap plug.  If you're totally unmechanical and most likely to take to a mechanic for the major stuff... this is one for him as you need to take off the head cover to fix it.  At 600 miles the first maitenance is to be done and every 4k after.  If the leak is minor (usually is) it can wait till then.  these are the key words you need to look for.  Happy searching, eye ball the tech section also.  Good reading in there.  Lots of ideas and info.  

Savage_Rob wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:06:


You mean that cannon fire I hear every so often is cannon fire?

If you just cant bring yourself to venture into the repair on the oil leak, try to find a mechanic who will let you watch. Make sure you explain you arent wanting to watch to make sure he does it right, but to give you a chance to see what it looks like inside. Give you a chance to learn how to work onit. Some shop[s arent too cool about it. Some are. Once you see how easy this stuff is, you will most likely buy tools & a manual & come here for a bit of advice & moral support & start saving $$$ & having fun working on it yourself.