Motorcycle Repair: Smoking at star up, valve guides, clatter


Question
I have a 81 Goldwing. At start up it smokes out of both exhaust for at least 5 minutes. Also when I start 2 pull away on it I get  fairly loud clatter from the engine area. The clatter appears to stop after i ride for a few miles,and the smoke clears up. Can you tell me what my problem might be?

Answer
I'm afraid that's not enough information to go on.  The smoking can be caused by parking the bike on the side stand.  With GL's you should make a habit of parking them on the centerstand.  The oil could also be worn rings or valve guides.  Does the clatter change with load or speed?  Can you change the noise by pulling in the clutch?

I'll need a little more information to help diagnose the noise.

Regards
Rich