How long until riding off?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
This isn't rocket science and everyone can do what they want. I have developed a routine that works for me throughout the years. On my Harley's. I light them off. Wait for the Evo to maintain idle with the throttle screw snug to hold at least 1200 rpm. I then finish putting on gloves. Do a final walk around and sit down on the seat. Lift her off the kickstand. Lift the stand into place. Pull in the clutch while releasing off the throttle screw and letting her Evo slide into her lope. The Twin cam does her adjustments since she is fuel injected. On both motorcycles after transmission slows down, I ease her into gear with a firm thump. If it is carbed I either use the choke or enrichenier. Fuel injected takes care of itself on warm up idling. I light them off and take them to at least 1200 rpm if they don't do it automatically. I hold them there for at least a minute. That oils the cams and gets the rockers oiled. Flat cam lobs beyond normal wear come from low oil pressure starts over time. I then wait at least another minute and sometimes several for the engines to finish warming. I then proceed to lightly load them up and get started on what they do best. Which is power up something I use or ride in or on. After these engines are at operating temp and all the dissimilar metals have got to there normal expansions. I load them up to whatever I want. This applies to my aircraft engines, Evo's, Twin Cam's, V-8 gas engine's and diesel's. A wiser man then myself once told me she doesn't sing worth a darn till her throats warmed up good then she is an angel to be heard. We were looking at a pan head when she was almost new. Your engines, do what you want. At work it is different and we rely on block heaters to keep the oils warm. It is light off and go which I really hate to do but it is necessary.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 159
Likes: 1
From: Northern Manitoba, Canada
If you have forged pistons in your engine, you should let it warm up well before putting any load on it. Forged pistons expand a lot more and more slowly than a cast piston ( cold clearance is a lot higher than cast pistons), and scuffing the piston or cyl or damaging the rings happens a lot with insufficient warming. That is where the term "cold sieze" comes from.
I always let mine idle at 1200 - 1300 rpm until the cylinder fins are reasonably warm to the touch.
I always let mine idle at 1200 - 1300 rpm until the cylinder fins are reasonably warm to the touch.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 75
From: CA
My Owners Manual ('12 Fatboy) says:
I usually start mine before I put on the gloves. By the time my gloves are on and I'm settled and ready to go it's been about 20 seconds.
The engine should be allowed to run slowly for 15-30 seconds. This will allow the engine to warm up and let oil reach all surfaces needing lubrication. Failure to comply can result in engine damage.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
I coast downhill, till the tires get warm, then fire her up !!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
