so since i have had the bike while sitting at stop lights i noticed smoke coming up in fromt of my face. I have always assumed that this was a bevel gear leak (bad mistake) and just constantly checked my oil level making sure it didnt get too low while waiting to take the time to replace the gasket. Well i ordered the parts that i needed today. While doing research and reading threads on bevel gear leaks and fixes i came across a few threads on different kinds of leaks in this area. So i though i better look into it and make sure the bevel gear gasket is my actual problem. Well it turns out the cause of the smoke was the water pump leaking coolant onto the pipes. I have always had a slow oil leak under the bike in the same area that i assumed was related but since i figured the smoke was caused by the coolant i knew they were separate problems. After getting the shift linkage, slave cyl, and water pump cover out of the way so i can get a good look at it i came across a pretty big mess. I was hoping you guys might be able to help me identify the problem areas where the leak might actually be coming from. PICS BELOW! (dont know about you guys but if i click the pics they go to full size)

Here is an overview shot of the area. you can see lots of oil accumulation on the shift linkage


This is an underneath shot and as you can see on the left is a drop of oil getting ready to drop off the bottom of the rubber piece around the sensor (not sure which sensor it is. Also you can see some fluid accumulation on the kickstand hinge

Check the topic "Hard to find oil leak" under this group of topics and you'll get all of the info you need to fix the situation.  My leak was probably caused by too much oil at filling time.  It can be fixed but will take some time and clean up.  Use red loctite around the new oil seal as everyone says it'll leak if you don't.  Good luck!  Mike in TX