a pop then smoke

As the title says,
I'm trying to figure out what has happend to my bike...
I went to start it yesterday and as I hit the starter button I herd a pop then saw silicone smoke comming from UNDER the front of the tank.

I've no idea what has caused this or what it was, however now when you hit the starter button the engine cranks but something draws all the voltage away from the starter almost cutting all the power out on the bike.

I've not taken the plugs out yet but suspect that to be faulty or a wire has broken in the wiring loom behind the radiator has this is what shorted causing the aformentioned smoke.
No fuses have blown and all the electrics still work.
The ignition coils both appear fine and show no signs of bulging or smell funny at all.

Help guys and gals, I know you can.

[tigersaw]

I'd get the tank off and have a look

whats silicone smoke like?

[mikerj]

Originally Posted by arenalife

whats silicone smoke like?

Was wondering that myself!

light blue in color and smells funny.
I got the tank up but cant see anything that looks like it's burned out or dead. might have to get the airbox out the way over the weekend and take a closer look.

probably be unburnt fuel from the carbs going bang

[squirrel_hunter]

I once had smoke come up from under the tank.

The fuel line burst and poured petrol all over the hot engine and exhaust. To this day I'm amazed the bike didn't go up in flames.

Would either of those cause problems starting though?
The starter will turn but NOT fast enough to start the bike then you get the symptoms of the battery being dead beyond having enough juice to start the bike.
I'm thinking a cable has perished that that poped causing an instant earth to be made.

sort your lack of battery power first and see if its starts, when was the last carb service?

Battery voltage is 11.8 accross the terminals.
Should be plenty to start the bike.