Topic: I don't smoke, why does my bike?

[splittie]

Hey guys,
I am really new here, and have a question about my recently purchased '73 500f... When I take it for a spin around the block, I get smoke coming out the left side pipe (It has 4 into 2 pipes).
Am I going to have to replace engine seals/gaskets? Or could there be another cause?
Thanks for any input.

[fergie]

do a compression test that should tell you if your motor needs to be rebuilt. new pistons,rings,rebore, bearings and gaskets.