Motorcycle Repair: VT600 misfiring, honda vt600, piston ring

Question
Hi Chris,
I have a 2004 honda VT600 that I am recently having trouble with.  I have kept it put away all winter and just tried to restart it this weekend.  The bike starts fine, but is running rough.  The lower pipe is running much more quietly than the upper and has gas-smalling light white smoke that is exhausting when the piston fires.  I removed all spark plugs and cleaned them.  I noticed that the plugs that came from the front of the engine had much more carbon buildup on them.  When I restarted the bike...same problem.  I am sure that there is a relationship between the plugs and the smoke, just not sure exactly what it may be.  Thanks for your help :)

Answer
Hi Chris.

The white smoke is indicative of oil burning, not a rich mixture.

The problem with the running is probably due to that and a dirty fuel system.

Clean the carbs, replace the fuel line and reseal the tank.  See what happens.  If the white smoke continues, then you have a piston ring or 2 that needs replaceing.

Start with those and see what happens and let me know.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON