Hi there!
I have THE SAME problem
1997, 9k miles, 3rd owner, surely bike was abused/overheated in the past.
- 1st of all, my oil gets dirty (jet black) quite fast after an oil change
- Mine consumes about 1 quart every 300 miles or so
- it consumes more than that at constant highway speeds
- My mild, black puff of smoke manifests itself WHILE DECELERATING
- it too smokes a bit when breaking w/ engine.
- I also have not fixed the plug cap leak. Leaks a bit, just a bit.
All of this quite common and many savages.
Pretty sure it's our valve seals (you'll need 4 of them @ about
$2 USD/ea.) I'll change mine soon and document the process,
will post pics soon
...ADVICE ANYONE?
Keep in touch w/ur findings.
Richard P.