You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join HDForums.com community today!
How Long Do You Idle In Traffic?
For hours everyday in my work truck.
On the bike? NEVER! Lane splitting baby! One of the very few good things about Kalifornia.
If I come to a stop for any reason other than a traffic light (one lane traffic due to road work, etc.), I shut it down.
I had an EVO for a lot of years and the first time I did stop and go was crawling into Loudon at New Hampshire Speedway. It started pinging and the low oil pressure light was flickering at idle. I ended up parking it along side the road for 45 minutes for it to cool down. No damage was done but I learned my lesson.
Since then, it's been habit to shut it down rather than sit and idle. I was afraid it would be tough on the starter but I had the '89 until '06 with the original starter. I figure a starter is cheaper than a fried engine but like I said, the EVO starter hung in there (sounded better engaging at 18 years old than the '07 did new!).
Oh, and with stop and go on a highway jam, I let the cars creep four or five car lengths before I move up and don't get hastled much. Easier on the clutch, too.
Never had a problem idleing as long as there was some movemment. I've rode in stop and go 100 plus temps and never had a problem. It should handle regular traffic without a problem. Just don't sit there and rack the pipes.
Keep in mind, they test bikes in Arizona.
__________________
http://www.chromekitsch.com/
2008 Road King Classic, Pewter Pearl, Rinehart True Duals, SERT, SE Air Filter
Traded in my 2005 Nightrain, Vivid Black, V&H Big Radius, K&N Air Filter 45,000 miles
I don't usually get in any of those kind of traffic situations in the area I live, but on the rare occasion, that I do, as long as it is not uphill, I just shut the bike off and walk it forward with my feet if it is stop and go traffic with the goes only being 10 feet or so at a time.
Dennis
I also don't get into this situation much, where I live, but I guess it's like sayin' that I'll never ride in the rain! It happens sometimes! Just wondered what everybody did about it. Thanks for all the replies. I'd do what I did again, if it happened for more than 10 or 15 minutes.
That is the main reason I added an oil cooler and fan. I am able to sit in traffic for long periods without excessive heat to the engine. Even the heat from the fan isn't all that bad, it does get warm though. I will either exit or hit the side and go on.
