Engine warm-up time
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Senior Rider
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 251
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver Canada
Engine warm-up time
I'd like to dredge some accumulated wisdom from longer-timers than me.
When I bought my Softail last year, (used) I was told that I should always warm it up for 2-5 minutes unless I had just left it to run a short errand. Once the heads were warm, I got into gear and rode.
I just got a slightly used Glide Classic - it only has 6100 mi on it. The book is really non-specific, but it seems to state to run it for less than 30 seconds and go.
I never "get on it" for at least 5 mi since everything else needs to warm up too, but what's the consensus for warm-up times here. I live slightly north of the 49th.
When I bought my Softail last year, (used) I was told that I should always warm it up for 2-5 minutes unless I had just left it to run a short errand. Once the heads were warm, I got into gear and rode.
I just got a slightly used Glide Classic - it only has 6100 mi on it. The book is really non-specific, but it seems to state to run it for less than 30 seconds and go.
I never "get on it" for at least 5 mi since everything else needs to warm up too, but what's the consensus for warm-up times here. I live slightly north of the 49th.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 4
From: El Cajon Ca.
If it's the first ride of the day I would let it warm up a few minutes. Don't get on it unless it's good and warm. I live two blocks from the freeway so I let mine warm up a little more. Since I am going to nail it getting on the freeway.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 8
From: Vancouver Island British Colombia Canada
On the Evo engines, Mine is an 80 ci or 1340 evo, when cold the barrels actually float. not so much that you can see them move but they do. what this will do very quickly is mash your bottom barrel gaskets which will cause them to leak. When you fire up cold, you let it idle or run at a moderate rpm until it's warm. This allows for the barrels to expand & tighten up before you put a big load on the engine.
If your in a hurry, Roll it gently down the road until you feel that it's coming up on operating temp, Than you can twist the throttle!
If your in a hurry, Roll it gently down the road until you feel that it's coming up on operating temp, Than you can twist the throttle!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
My method is to fire up the bikes then finish putting on my coat, gloves and whatever. I then get on it and get settled--- then I lift her off of the jiffy stand and pull in the clutch while putting her in first gear. I take it easy for a few miles before I even think about flogging the mule.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,836
Likes: 1
From: 2000 Softail FXST
My method is to fire up the bikes then finish putting on my coat, gloves and whatever. I then get on it and get settled--- then I lift her off of the jiffy stand and pull in the clutch while putting her in first gear. I take it easy for a few miles before I even think about flogging the mule.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
I have a 2008 tc96, and i let it sit and idle till i can actually hear the idle slow down a little, Its not very distinct [no tack] but i can tell she,s warmed up by the idle note.And certainly i take it easy for a few miles till she warms up good and the other fluids come up to temp [tranny, primary ].I run 15wt 40 Delvac during the winter months, and then switch over to mobil 20-50wt v-twin in the spring time.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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I start mine up, put it in gear and ease off for the mile or so. It's worked good for the first 77k miles....If you need a tell-tale sign of when she is warm, put your hand on the rocker boxes. When they get warm, she is up to temp.
