Persistent white smoke could be coolant burning, which could be bad. If it is coolant there will be a noticably "sweet" smell. Also, check your oil and coolant to make sure they both look like they should. Coolant in the oil will look like a white/yellow milkshake.

Then again, a bit of light white smoke on a cold start could just as easily be nothing. Just make sure you check your fluids before you go to start it again.

 

White smoke can be a symptom of over fueling from the ecu. Normally happens if the temperature ecu sensor fails and the ecu thinks the engine is still cold and pumps more fuel in error. I had this problem on a fuel injected car and changing the sensor (not the one that operates the temperature gauge on the bike!) solved the problem. Hope it is as simple a job as changing the sensor!

 

well i went riding this afternoon and the smoke ended up going away after a few miles. i guess it was just a minor issue. im just glad i got my bike in working shape again! now to clean it out and give it a paint job...