Burning rubber smell

[Torquepen 81]

I'd just done about 15 miles on my NCS & was waiting in traffic when I noticed this burning rubber smell. I didn't immediately associate it with the bike but looked down, all the same. Nothing untoward that I could see. A mile on & I'm in more traffic & I smell it again. I thought the engine might be overheating as the rad fan wasn't on. I'm wondering is the fan has blown a fuse?

Anyone got any ideas? I got home ok with no noticeable affect on engine. Coolant level ok.

[ScaredyCat 1,659]

Have you recently fitted a radiator guard? 

 

I get that smell from the little sticky pads that go on the radiator. Also smokes a little if it has been raining. Dead bugs cooking on the radiator.. 

 

My bike smells when it's been raining ... though, it could be me

Edited October 19, 2013 by ScaredyCat

[Guest engasal]

I get it on any bike I ride once they get wet and nasty

[Guest scaley]

Was it raining/wet? I've noticed my nc emits an occasional odd wiff in traffic in the wet. Ive put this down to contaminates from the road being cooked by hot engine/exhaust parts.

[Guest Steve700x]

I'd agree with Gareth. I've certainly had that smell coming up from the bike in traffic in the wet, but I don't believe it's anything to worry about.... My Deauville did the same actually. Steve

[Puglim 61]

Yes I have noticed the same thing on my new S. It was a bad day (rain) but I put it down to new paint (possibly the rad?) and materials being hot for the first time. A bit like a new electrical heater used for the first time. I have still only done 350 miles so I will keep a careful note of any future similar occurrences. BTW I did not have a rad guard installed at the time, although I have now !

[Torquepen 81]

Thanks for replies chaps. Yes, it was chucking it down! I've fitted the radiator guard with the little rubber patches but did that about 1000 miles back so discounted them burning up. But who knows? The bike has covered around 4000 including some much longer trips.

I'd like to have seen the fan going though, if only to satisfy myself it's working

[Guest grewf]

Its cooked mud on the catalyst/front section of the exhaust. I get it after a trip down a muddy lane (a lot of those in Yorkshire)