Modern Vespa

Hi all, newly registered but follower of the site.

Hope to get some insights here on my new journey owning a 2009 MP3 500.
I own 5 Vespas, and got hold of an MP3 500 and find it fascinating.
Needed work but I got it running and cant wait to get it solid and good to go.

Here is my problem - which i hope can be resolved without major engine work:

Oil/white smoke coming from where the exhaust pipe meets/joins the muffler. Not coming from outside the leo muffler thats attached, just at the joining area.

Happens after a short ride but its significant and happens each time.

What ive done so far:
Changed oil, and filter.
- correct amount and was doing the smoke before anyway.
Brand new battery, fully charged and works great
Bled Brakes and they are working great now.

Just cant figure out why the smoke at that joint area where the Leo meets the pipe.

Any ideas? and thanks for letting me be part of the forum.

Does the coolant level drop over time?

Sounds like some oil inside the exhaust, probably haven't ridden it too far yet. What did the old plug look like?

Did you use anti sieze on the manifold - Leo join? That'll smoke for a short time.

Otherwise my first thought was coolant leaking. Maybe from a clamp above and dripping on to the exhaust or less pleasant thought leaking from the heads gasket and trickling down the inside of the exhaust (this happen with my gts).

What smell does the smoke have? Coolant is slightly sweet usually

Thanks.

It smells like oil. Not sweet coolant. And white smoke. Dont see anything dripping on it. And only seems to come up after a short ride

Oil present at exhaust pipe connection and that oil burns to make smoke, residual from spill, or leak.
No smoke out of actual tail pipe. Everything else checks out okay.
That's what I read.

short rides are the WORST for engines. need to ensure you do at least 10 miles to fully get the engine to good temp and the cat on the exhaust to good temp.

So not after a longer ride? And a slip-on exhaust?

condensation in muffler?

Certainly my first thought.

Thanks for the replies!
Longer ride and images after seems like a good thing to add to the post (duh).
im going to give it a longer ride. and post up pics of what I am trying to solve.

This MP3 thing is freaking cool.
I want to get it solid working, and get myself in sync with it so i can ride it all over the place in TX.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Pics coming soon.

maybe, but this smells a lot like burning oil and not water.

yes its a slip on exhaust (leovince) and where they attach is where the smoke is coming from

And not after a longer ride?

Plus, any condensation in there will be pretty filthy and foul before getting all steamed up - so I'd expect it to smell. This isn't quite the same as the condensation that steams off from the exhaust outlet on occasion.

Or could be described as "someone is using a vape nearby"