I've learned a lot working on my bike in ways of tracing electrical issues...but is there an easy way to track down an exhaust leak? My bike (96 VFR) has always been a bit gassy smelling, but in the past few weeks it's reached new levels. I changed oil a few weeks back, but I know the difference between oil burning off and exhaust. Are there meters to use? Tell tale signs of where it would come from? When I first bought this bike (2008), the shop I took it to told me that the exhaust didn't have a true fit to the back of the engine, which I always attributed to the exhaust smell. So maybe this fit has gotten worse? If so, anyone know where I'd look for that? It looks like the exhaust runs to the front of the engine, and the connection seems fine.
Raw gas smell seldom comes from exhaust, but the filler cap has rubber seals that can deterioriate. Also, some fuel aroma is normal cuz, unless you have a Cali-spec bike, carb float bowls are vented to atmosphere. To find leaks in exhaust pipes, hold your gloved hand over the outlet hole and listen and feel for puffs and pops while the engine is running.
