big bike warm up

[Snarley Bill]

well, just started my 1300 v-star and ran it on fast idle for 25 minutes, only 3 more to go, since i don't believe in winterizing, i try to run them all at least once a week. we had a light snow, and there is still ice patches on the road. may be able to ride the other 3 later in the day. just a tip, if you do start them up, run them till the crankcase feels good and warm. this will get rid of all the condensation in the engine and mufflers, and coat the innards with oil. winterizing is the worst thing you can do for the internals of the engine and transmission. i have had bike motors apart that sat a few weeks in extreme temperature changes and the cylinders and gears had a light haze of rust due to condensation. if you don't run the motor at least keep it in a heated area. i keep my zx-14 in my shop all winter, and still run it every few weeks. i also keep battery tenders on all of them. if the battery is allowed to go dead and sit it will sulfate and ruin it. best thing you can do is dress warm and ride them at least 25 miles every week all winter if the streets are clear. make sure the crankcase gets good and warm, or you will do more harm than good.

[BoomerCPO]

That's what I do for my bike as well. I don't mind keeping the gas tank full of gas and SeaFoam either. Even tho it's not the same as riding I still enjoy sitting on the scoot and rolling the throttle,working the clutch/brake levers....and listening to that V-4.

 

 

Boomer......who thinks Mudder Nature is more than a tad bit sadistic heah in Noo England.

[OutlawRider]

Looks like it is going to be a clear day. I'll wait for the frost go away and take it out for a ride and then come back and take Mary to lunch on it. She hates it when it leaves with out her. I keep stap-al in it and the tank full and a tender hooked up in my garage . But I to like to start it once in awhile. I did not know about the fine rust isssue. Thank you for that info. I will get it out as often as I can, it is better for the brakes to be used once in awhile,too.

 

 

 

 

:banana:

[ibents]

well, just started my 1300 v-star and ran it on fast idle for 25 minutes, only 3 more to go, since i don't believe in winterizing, i try to run them all at least once a week. we had a light snow, and there is still ice patches on the road. may be able to ride the other 3 later in the day. just a tip, if you do start them up, run them till the crankcase feels good and warm. this will get rid of all the condensation in the engine and mufflers, and coat the innards with oil. winterizing is the worst thing you can do for the internals of the engine and transmission. i have had bike motors apart that sat a few weeks in extreme temperature changes and the cylinders and gears had a light haze of rust due to condensation. if you don't run the motor at least keep it in a heated area. i keep my zx-14 in my shop all winter, and still run it every few weeks. i also keep battery tenders on all of them. if the battery is allowed to go dead and sit it will sulfate and ruin it. best thing you can do is dress warm and ride them at least 25 miles every week all winter if the streets are clear. make sure the crankcase gets good and warm, or you will do more harm than good.

 

 

I do the same, run her till she get's hot...20/25 Mins...Full tank with stablizer in it and Battery tender plugged in, done the same the last couple of years with no problems. Only other thing is she's up on a jack, wont go out if there is salt on the road.

 

Ian

[straycatt]

I bought a new '83 650 Nighthawk in 1984.

I started it every week or so thru the first three winters, letting it run for roughly 20 minutes or until everything felt hot.

By the third year the mufflers were completely rusted out.

 

I replaced the mufflers, stopped running the bike thru the winter, and the exhaust still looked new when I sold the bike in 2004.

 

 

My feeling is that if you can't ride it long enough to heat it up really well, then don't run it at all.

[Snarley Bill]

I bought a new '83 650 Nighthawk in 1984.

I started it every week or so thru the first three winters, letting it run for roughly 20 minutes or until everything felt hot.

By the third year the mufflers were completely rusted out.

 

I replaced the mufflers, stopped running the bike thru the winter, and the exhaust still looked new when I sold the bike in 2004.

 

 

My feeling is that if you can't ride it long enough to heat it up really well, then don't run it at all.

good point. you definately have to get the mufflers hot. they will be full of water if you don't. all mine have converters accept for my nomad, so the mufflers get plenty hot. i usually run them at a fast idle, about 1200 to 1500 rpm. regular idle speed is not fast enough. i have vista throttle locks so i can set the idle where i want it.