Quick question
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,132
Likes: 228
From: Garland, TX
this is the best advice you can get. this IS the worst thing you could do to your engine. leave it alone until the weather gets better and then ride it until it gets good and hot.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 328
Likes: 2
From: IBEW Local 94
Why are you starting it every week?
I hope when you start it you're riding it for at least 30 minutes or so. One of the worst things you can do to your bike is start it and shut it down without riding it or bringing it up to full operating temperature when it's in storage.
I hope when you start it you're riding it for at least 30 minutes or so. One of the worst things you can do to your bike is start it and shut it down without riding it or bringing it up to full operating temperature when it's in storage.
Sounds like you're burning fuel rather than oil. Your plugs are probably black as well. Part of the issue with not getting the engine up to operating temp is that your plugs aren't getting hot enough to clean off any residue build up, which will only contribute to more unburnt fuel each time you start it up.
Pull the plugs and clean the tips with a wire brush or some fine sandpaper, particularly if you really want to start the bike up periodically, and as advised, give it the time to get it hot.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 40
From: Christoval
It takes my bike a good 20 -30 miles before it reaches a good operating temperature when it's cold out. Just going out and starting it once a week is a bad idea and bleeping the throttle when cold ain't no good either. Ride it or leave it alone !
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Utah
I ride it when it's not snowing. I bought it in December of 2012 and rode the **** out of it all year long. But the whole purpose of me going out and starting it weekly is to run it up to operating temp and keep everything flowing. I rev it up to try and blow it out a little bit if I can't ride it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,581
Likes: 669
From: Rolla
I ride it when it's not snowing. I bought it in December of 2012 and rode the **** out of it all year long. But the whole purpose of me going out and starting it weekly is to run it up to operating temp and keep everything flowing. I rev it up to try and blow it out a little bit if I can't ride it.
You are not going to get everything up to normal operating temps by just running it in the garage every week.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
Your bike do what you want. I don't believe that starting that engine and getting it hot without riding it is ever good. Either winterize it or ride it. Apparently you don't have the habit of checking your oil before riding it or at least looking under it where it is parked for fluid leaks. I check my oil every time before I ride and my tires besides doing a complete walk around and I ride all year around. Some weeks I ride daily sometimes depending on work/weather once every two weeks at the most as a rule. Your smoke doesn't sound like a top end problem yet.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 6
From: North London, UK
You're getting good advice, and I agree that while your intentions are good, your actions are not so hot and probably the cause of the smoke.
Ride or Do Not Ride. But as someone said, you won't get your bike up to operating temperature by letting it idle. Well, you will... but it's not at all the same as putting the engine under load and getting air flowing over it.
It's a good thought, but either ride it or store it properly until you can. A routine along the lines you suggest will do more harm than good and the black smoke is evidence that harm is beginning.
Ride or Do Not Ride. But as someone said, you won't get your bike up to operating temperature by letting it idle. Well, you will... but it's not at all the same as putting the engine under load and getting air flowing over it.
It's a good thought, but either ride it or store it properly until you can. A routine along the lines you suggest will do more harm than good and the black smoke is evidence that harm is beginning.
Last edited by Very High Plain Drifter; Feb 3, 2014 at 05:11 AM. Reason: your not you're
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