Burning Smell

[BIG--T]

I can start my Interstate when it's cold and in a few minutes there is a burning smell, like burning rubber/wire and will not go away! When I come in after a days ride I can still smell it and it's coming from the engine. I thought possibly valves too tight but figure if it was burnt I'd know it by now. I checked the brakes and are fine.

Any help will be much appreciated, it's driving me nuts!! Lol 

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Something rubbing the tire possibly. Follow your nose and hunt it down after a ride.

[Firefighter]

This something new? Happen for a while? Usually something on the exhaust causes smells. If it is a wire burning , I think you would have a fire or something fail soon. Have you watched up close under the bike? Maybe something in the exhaust? Let us know.  Firefighter

[Gryphon Rider]

If you have any unfused electrical accessories, you may have shorted a wire.

[Jess from VA]

I believe there is a rubber pad of some sort under the front fender.  If it comes partially loose, it may be rubbing the tire, and would stink after enough heat and friction.

Next time you get off, stick your nose up there. 

WAG

You would think an electrical issue would self destruct, blow fuse, malfunction something, or stop running at some point.

I'd put a small fire extinguisher in my saddlebag until resolved.

[Bugslayer]

Check your starter relay under the right side cover.  Mine was melted when I checked it.

[BIG--T]

Thanks y'all for the suggestions. Jess your idea would be a thought except I don't even have to move it, soon as I crank it within minutes there that smell!!   This is the craziest thing I ever had happen. First time I smelled it a couple weeks ago I thought it might be my brakes dragging or melted my boot on the exhaust. Nothing is shorted that I know of and everything works. I will check the relay but never no problem starting.

Crazy question, but could it possibly be the valve seats getting hot and close to a burnt valve? Too tight? I've never checked the valves and have 17k? I don't know but this is driving me bonkers!! 

[Red Diamond]

Don't worry about the valves, no rubber smell from there, besides with only 17K miles they probably have never been adjusted nor would they even need adjusting. Look for an electrical wire over heating, especially if you have added any accessories lately, make sure everything is properly fused and relayed if necessary.

[BIG--T]

Don't worry about the valves, no rubber smell from there, besides with only 17K miles they probably have never been adjusted nor would they even need adjusting. Look for an electrical wire over heating, especially if you have added any accessories lately, make sure everything is properly fused and relayed if necessary.

Thanks RD, that's alot off my mind! I haven't added any accessories lately. Maybe I oughta take a lotta pictures in case she goes up in smoke!! 

[pago cruiser]

Had something similar awhile ago.  Back when I was using wet batteries, the vent hose had come loose and was resting on the exhaust.  That melted plastic stench is indeed persistent.  If it's not the battery, check the other rubber hoses.   

[Jess from VA]

Probably time to pull the seat and side covers on a cold bike.  Start it up and start smelling around before the smell becomes overwhelming.  I'm sure the wife will be glad to help.  

Starter relay and harness plugs seem like likely suspects.

read:  http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php?topic=46025.0