I ride my 02 Fatboy to work everyday which is only 3 miles away from where I live. I heard this isn't a good thing because the engine does not warm up enough
and this could cause some damage. Is this true or just a myth? It is fuel injected so I only let it warm up for 2 to 5 minutes and It only has 5,000 miles on it. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

 

Don't know about the injected, but my 04 owners manual gives specific instructions to follow about using the enrichner and allowing the bike to warm up. Warns that not allowing bike to warm up properly could cause damage, so I follow it. I ususlly go ahead and start the bike first off, so while I'm putting my gear on. it's warming up. Just let your bike warm up while you are getting ready. I would think as long as you are not just jumping on the bike and running hard for that 3 miles to work, you should be okay.
On second thought, just take the long way to work.

Ernest

 

It's more to do with the oil. If you can't get the oil up to 180 for at least 1/2-3/4 hour you will create lots of moisture in the oil. Moisture will cause corrosion inside the engine in the form of acids. It needs a good long run every now and then to evaporate the moisture, or change the oil more frequently. You don't need 212 degrees to do this but obviously it will be quicker the hotter the oil gets.
Ron

 

The logical solution would be to sell your house and move an hour travel distance from work or change your oil twice as often as recommended, whichever is more convenient
Tom.

 

or ride more after work