Minimum Ride Time / Start
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 206
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From: Colorado
Minimum Ride Time / Start
I saw some info somewhere else about someone storing their bike for the winter. He stated he would start and run it once a month while stored. Comments followed.. "Never start the bike unless you are riding for at least x minutes or x miles". My office is only 7.35 minutes from my house. I like to go home for lunch and I often grab the Evo or the M8 for my return to work. Sometimes I take the long way back to the office and sometimes I take the long way home. Sometimes it a straight shot round trip. I'm not going to stop what I'm doing but I would like to hear more opinions on minimum run time or distance per start. I'm in sunny CO and ride year round unless there is too much snow, ice, or sand on the roads.
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Nov 22, 2023, 05:06 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
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From: Las Vegas
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,010
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From: NC
I saw some info somewhere else about someone storing their bike for the winter. He stated he would start and run it once a month while stored. Comments followed.. "Never start the bike unless you are riding for at least x minutes or x miles". My office is only 7.35 minutes from my house. I like to go home for lunch and I often grab the Evo or the M8 for my return to work. Sometimes I take the long way back to the office and sometimes I take the long way home. Sometimes it a straight shot round trip. I'm not going to stop what I'm doing but I would like to hear more opinions on minimum run time or distance per start. I'm in sunny CO and ride year round unless there is too much snow, ice, or sand on the roads.
The issue with short trips is the condensation build up. A 20 mile ride will get the bike to temp and burn off that condensation.
Short trips are not good for any gas vehicle.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 787
Likes: 603
From: Alberta
I sure wouldn’t worry about it. I’ve always been told warm up the V-Twin a couple minutes before riding. While you’re strapping your gear on. Then your seven minute ride. If that ain’t hot what is. In any event you’re taking a short trip with your bike or your car, six of one.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,322
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From: Pennsylvania
I had read a similar article somewhere on here a few years ago. I believe the rule of thumb was you need to ride it somewhere for about 30 minutes. While I have ridden for just a few miles for one reason or another - usually away from home on a weekend trip with friends, I do not make it a habit. I do believe the condensation issue was a possibility.
All things being equal, and if money and space were no objects, if I wanted to do quick trips home for lunch or whatever, I would purchase a "disposable" bike like a much less expensive metric. I know that sounds crazy, but a smaller Honda Shadow that costs just a few thousand dollars rather than a big ole Harley. I am sure I light up a few people on here with that statement.
All things being equal, and if money and space were no objects, if I wanted to do quick trips home for lunch or whatever, I would purchase a "disposable" bike like a much less expensive metric. I know that sounds crazy, but a smaller Honda Shadow that costs just a few thousand dollars rather than a big ole Harley. I am sure I light up a few people on here with that statement.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Canada
If the exhaust is hot enough to remove your finger prints, it'll dry up any condensation in the system.
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