steam out of hose?

[OLY-XSer]

I noticed that I have steam coming out of the hose that is connected to the top of the transmission and went to the stock air box. I put pods on and the hose is just tucked behind the side cover for now. Whats up with that? I never noticed this before. Do I have water in the oil? I keep the bike in the garage, and dont ride in rain. But I did wash the bike once, and got the ignition wet and had to let the bike sit for a day or two, but ran fine afterwards.

[DAVINCI]

You sure it's steam? It's supposed to be a mix of exhaust blow-by and oily vapor. Could just appear to be steam. I'm not suggesting that you inhale it to find out what it is, though.

[OLY-XSer]

It did smell like exhaust, the hose is pointing down behind the side cover. When I shook it a few drops of something came out. You don't think this is a big deal? I just changed the oil 150 miles ago.

[DGXSER]

That is the crankcase vent line. It lets the pressure out from the what gases bypass the rings while the engine is running. It will have some moisture in it especially wehn your first start the bike up until it reaches good operating temp which can take 10 miles or so on these big engines.

It should not be to noticable except perhaps the smell of exhaust fumes once the bike reaches operating temp. The only issue it could indicate is any ring issues. A compression check would verify if you have any real concerns, which I do not think you do.

[bikerphil]

Small amount of blow by is normal, excessive amount indicates the rings are worn. I wouldn't worry about it too much unless it's blowing oil everywhere, JMO.

[skids]

Water/steam is a combustion product. This is one of the reasons that you should change the oil periodically. Long rides get the oil nice and hot to help get ride of water in the crankcase. If your compression is low, you will get more of the gases out of the breather tube.