I'm new to my Evo and someone told me I should make sure it is warmed up (as in rockers warm to the touch) before I ride or the base and head gaskets would leak.

Is he pulling my leg?

My manual says idle with the choke out for 15-30 seconds then ride 5 minutes with a full choke, reduce to half choke for 2 minutes (cold weather, a little less when warm out).

I'm pretty sure I have a stock, untouched engine with a little over 50k miles. No leaks.

 

Most EVO's are very cold natured. God knows mine is.

I run the choke for about 30 seconds then I use the throttle lock to keep the rpms up so I can warm up the engine and not worry about fouling the plugs.

 

what temperatures are we talking? We are pretty cold in Boston in March, salt off roads and minor sand remaining, so I think this is when the itch gets the better of a cool head and we head out on the bikes for short trips. I start it with the enrichener **** 80% open then gradually close her in 3 minutes then take off. But yes I have been told not to open the throttle way the f#ck open for at least until the rockers are warm to the touch. Been hearing this since I came to this forum anyhow.

 

My bud says to not ride it at all until the rockers are warm to the touch or risk leaking gaskets.

The manual says to ride it with the choke on for five minutes, then half choke for two more minutes when it is less than 50 degrees. This is what I do with my 2002 Sportster, choke out, start it and ride. Ease the choke in as it warms up.

So who's right, my pal or the manual?

I'm in central Indiana and I will ride as long as there is no snow, temps over 36-40 degrees.I usually get to ride several days each month of the winter. Probably a little warmer than Boston in general.

 

I use the choke &/or throttle lock until it will idle.

 

I have never warmed a bike up in half a million miles of riding! Start it, let it run long enough to adjust the choke so it is not running away with itself, then set off. I've ridden year round and in well below freezing temperatures and the quickest way to warm it up is by riding. Quite obviously the first few miles should be at a steady pace and giving the engine an easy time, but these things are not day old babies!

 

Just ride easy on the throttle for the first few miles to let the engine warm up, and you will be fine. Heavy throttle on a cold Evo engine will cause leaky base gaskets and blown head gaskets.

 

Good advice all. Thank you.

 

well I found out the hard way$$$$$$$$$$$$$ now I warm er up then take it slow to before twisting on her.

 

Evo gaskets will leak whether you warm it up or not if they are the original paper ones. If you have James or similar metal gaskets you don't need to worry.

My neighbour had a 96 Dyna with original gaskets and he warmed it up every morning yet it started to leak and I had to do the job for him.

My 98 Wide Glide with James gaskets never got warmed up and it didn't leak.

There is a lot of horseshit spoken about warming up Evos....don't thrash it from cold is all you really need to follow.