Cold weather and power problems
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 2
From: Walnut Creek, CA
Cold weather and power problems
So we got some pretty cold weather up in NorCal recently.. I keep the bike in a carport (no garage unfortunately) and I noticed that the bike runs a little harder. It seems that It runs on higher rpms now and maybe the mpg is lower too. Is it possible that it has to do with the cool weather? Also while I'm at it I may as well ask about a good cover for low temps. I have a standard rain cover, but it's really thin. Any ideas for something a bit warmer for the baby ? 
:P
Thanks boys!
:P Thanks boys!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
Cold weather affects your bike very little unless you are talking about temps well below freezing, then about the only affect it has is starting if your battery is getting weak and/or you are using oil too thick for the temp...As far as a cover goes, it doesn't matter what you put on it as far as "keeping it warm" goes. It's a bike, not a pony...LOL.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Your bike will take longer to move through the warm up steps when cold. These are pre-programmed temperatures set in the ECM map (program) that adjust air-fuel ratio for your fuel injection to deliver optimal fuel to your engine based on readings/feedback from your engine temperature sensor. If you had a tachometer you would notice the bike runs up to 1400 rpm when dead cold and steps down to 1000 as it warms up.
I usually allow my bike to idle for 5 minutes when below 55F to warm up so it steps down to 1000 rpm and runs best. It will still take 15-20 minutes to fully warm up.
As for a cover, your rain cover should be fine.
I usually allow my bike to idle for 5 minutes when below 55F to warm up so it steps down to 1000 rpm and runs best. It will still take 15-20 minutes to fully warm up.
As for a cover, your rain cover should be fine.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 2
From: Walnut Creek, CA
Thanks guys for the advise and info. I really appreciate it!
Also... I treat it like a pony so it can take me wherever and whenever :-D Plus I'm a girl so ya know.. we try ;-)
I do not have a tach
Also... I treat it like a pony so it can take me wherever and whenever :-D Plus I'm a girl so ya know.. we try ;-)
I do not have a tach
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Bike Cover
If you put a plugged in light under the cover it will help cut down on condensation and rust. A small wattage bulb should suffice (not fluorescent).
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 798
Likes: 4
From: southern MO
i had to adjust my carb today..yeah my CARBED DINOSAUR.. i love it...anyway it was running WAY rich today it was high 30's temp when i left for work..popped and spuddered the whole way died a few times too.. leaned out the carb and WALLAH! so yea they do run diff in colder weather...and for a cover something that can breath...or think about putting some kind of walls on the carport and put a heating light out on it..just a thought..ooh yea bet you didnt have tha bolt i needed huh lol
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,980
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From: Florida
A cover only keeps something that makes its own heat warm, like a body. I always laugh at those people here in Florida who cover their plants during an occasional cold snap--plants don't make their own heat, so it does no good!
Also, I would definitely NOT put a lightbulb under the cover--unless your fire insurance is paid up!
Also, I would definitely NOT put a lightbulb under the cover--unless your fire insurance is paid up!
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