tsigwing Posted December 9, 2009 #1 Posted December 9, 2009 So it was 25 degrees when I left the house this morning. Dang it was cold. Bike started no problems in the garage, but got me to thinking when I leave work, how cold is too cold to get it started? I have had a couple of times where it started ok, but idled very low for a few minutes (at full choke).
Bubber Posted December 9, 2009 #2 Posted December 9, 2009 So it was 25 degrees when I left the house this morning. Dang it was cold. Bike started no problems in the garage, but got me to thinking when I leave work, how cold is too cold to get it started? I have had a couple of times where it started ok, but idled very low for a few minutes (at full choke). Go start it every couple of hours and warm it up.
LilBeaver Posted December 9, 2009 #3 Posted December 9, 2009 Where are you in Texas? It was 15 degrees at my house and my bike ran with no problem. I started it in the (non-heated) garage (I actually had to choke it this morning), backed out, turned off the choke and took off. Total running time with choke in was probably 30 seconds to 1 minute. I do not use a battery tender or anything like that either. I did not notice a significant difference in idle speed or anything with or without choke. Ran like it usually does. I suppose a few things to ask yourself are: How old is that battery? What condition is the charging system in? When was the last time you ran a fuel system cleaner through the bike? etc. I'll stop here because I realize that I am not answering your question. **Hope you get started and take off fine at the end of your work day!
RandyR Posted December 9, 2009 #4 Posted December 9, 2009 Go start it every couple of hours and warm it up. That might drain the battery to the point it can't be started.
Rocket Posted December 9, 2009 #5 Posted December 9, 2009 So it was 25 degrees when I left the house this morning. Dang it was cold. Bike started no problems in the garage, but got me to thinking when I leave work, how cold is too cold to get it started? I have had a couple of times where it started ok, but idled very low for a few minutes (at full choke). 25*F is nothing, try starting & riding at -15*C (without any ice or snow on the roads). If the scoot is in good tune & you have a good battery, there should be no problems starting it. But at these lower temps, keep an eye on the oil, as condensation can build up in there, if coolant temps drop off while riding. :snow:
Sheradan Posted December 9, 2009 #6 Posted December 9, 2009 The wife and I rode the bike to the office this morning. It was about 30 when we left home. With the riding suits it's not a problem. Just my face sheild fogging up a little.
Yammer Dan Posted December 9, 2009 #7 Posted December 9, 2009 From my bed to my office its hard to get the bike warmed up now. It must be at least 10 ft.
V7Goose Posted December 9, 2009 #8 Posted December 9, 2009 I've never had any trouble starting my RSV all year long. Fires right up, even down as low as 14F (probably the coldest I have had it in North Texas). Five years old, 80,000 miles, and still with the original battery. And it shouldn't idle slow on full choke at all - something not quite right there. I'd blame that on the car tire. Goose Oh, I also never had a problem starting any of the Guzzis in Omaha, even at -20F, but I doubt if it does much good to compare an ancient air cooled twin to a merely old water cooled four!
tsigwing Posted December 9, 2009 Author #9 Posted December 9, 2009 I've never had any trouble starting my RSV all year long. Fires right up, even down as low as 14F (probably the coldest I have had it in North Texas). Five years old, 80,000 miles, and still with the original battery. And it shouldn't idle slow on full choke at all - something not quite right there. I'd blame that on the car tire. Goose Oh, I also never had a problem starting any of the Guzzis in Omaha, even at -20F, but I doubt if it does much good to compare an ancient air cooled twin to a merely old water cooled four! Maybe I should blame the guy who adjusted my floats...
GlennTuc Posted December 10, 2009 #10 Posted December 10, 2009 Mine stayed out in the parking lot overnight last winter when the temp got down to 9 deg F (the coldest night of the winter), and it fired right up. I rode all winter and no problems starting. Glenn
Ozlander Posted December 10, 2009 #11 Posted December 10, 2009 You're going to have to find another excuse not to ride when it'd cold.
tsigwing Posted December 10, 2009 Author #12 Posted December 10, 2009 You're going to have to find another excuse not to ride when it'd cold. oh I'm riding, just curious. Haven't had a problem with it not starting, but immediately after starting, at full choke it will idle down for a few seconds then idle up.
RandyR Posted December 10, 2009 #13 Posted December 10, 2009 oh I'm riding, just curious. Haven't had a problem with it not starting, but immediately after starting, at full choke it will idle down for a few seconds then idle up. I wonder if thats the carb heaters warming up?
LilBeaver Posted December 10, 2009 #14 Posted December 10, 2009 I wonder if thats the carb heaters warming up? That is what prompted me to think about the condition of his batter/charging system...
V7Goose Posted December 10, 2009 #15 Posted December 10, 2009 I wonder if thats the carb heaters warming up? The carb heaters do not come on unless the bike is in gear. Goose
Condor Posted December 10, 2009 #16 Posted December 10, 2009 From my bed to my office its hard to get the bike warmed up now. It must be at least 10 ft. Converted bedroom huh??? My office used to be a spare bedroom until it became un-spare and I had to move out to the dog house...... I miss those short morning walks....
Chaharly Posted December 10, 2009 #17 Posted December 10, 2009 Are they electric? Could you not just turn your key on, put the bike in gear, wait five minutes and have some nice, heated carbs?
Yammer Dan Posted December 11, 2009 #18 Posted December 11, 2009 Converted bedroom huh??? My office used to be a spare bedroom until it became un-spare and I had to move out to the dog house...... I miss those short morning walks.... I think she is going to move me when I get "Ugly's" new Digs done. Better plan on putting the heat in NOW!!
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