Is lengthy idling bad???
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Outstanding HDF Member
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Is lengthy idling bad???
1. Hope this doesn't sound like a stupid question, but being that I have an XL1200, and it is VERY cold natured, I tend to do a lot of "warming it up" while still in the driveway. It is an '06, the last of the carb. bikes. I keep getting comments from people ranging from "won't hurt it" to "not good for the battery" and all sorts of off-the-wall stuff.
2. Also, when it is fairly cold outside and the bike is being really stubborn, I'll pull the choke all the way out, tighten the throttle lock and let it sit and run at about 1500 RPM. Someone told me I shouldn't do that for as long as I do (app. 2 minutes). I thought that was what the darn thing was for! It sure as hell ain't cruise control! Ya'll tell me what you know, please, and pardon my ignorance.
3. As for you 1200 owners (carbeurated), are your bikesas cold-natured as mine? It takes approximately4 to6 miles of riding before my bike is running fully at operating temp. and sounds like it should (meaning I know I can take my hand off the throttle and it won't die). I have my idle turned down, but it is not so extreme that it should cause this effect....should it?
2. Also, when it is fairly cold outside and the bike is being really stubborn, I'll pull the choke all the way out, tighten the throttle lock and let it sit and run at about 1500 RPM. Someone told me I shouldn't do that for as long as I do (app. 2 minutes). I thought that was what the darn thing was for! It sure as hell ain't cruise control! Ya'll tell me what you know, please, and pardon my ignorance.
3. As for you 1200 owners (carbeurated), are your bikesas cold-natured as mine? It takes approximately4 to6 miles of riding before my bike is running fully at operating temp. and sounds like it should (meaning I know I can take my hand off the throttle and it won't die). I have my idle turned down, but it is not so extreme that it should cause this effect....should it?
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
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RE: Is lengthy idling bad???
Mine hates to start when its cold out,,,,but damm it runs great on the cold air...There air cooled so I wouldn't let it sit to long,,,
the older bikes would foam the oil if u got stuck in traffic on a hot day....
the older bikes would foam the oil if u got stuck in traffic on a hot day....
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
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RE: Is lengthy idling bad???
I leave the choke out on my 1200 (Stage I, SE IIs, similar to yours) for about 30 seconds, then push it all the way in and let it idle while I put on my helmet, etc., then it's ready to go. Dont know what my idle is set at (no tach), but it's pretty lumpy (don't know how else to describe it), not running smoothly, I'd guess pretty low revs.
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RE: Is lengthy idling bad???
ORIGINAL: JohnT
I leave the choke out on my 1200 (Stage I, SE IIs, similar to yours) for about 30 seconds, then push it all the way in and let it idle while I put on my helmet, etc., then it's ready to go. Dont know what my idle is set at (no tach), but it's pretty lumpy (don't know how else to describe it), not running smoothly, I'd guess pretty low revs.
I leave the choke out on my 1200 (Stage I, SE IIs, similar to yours) for about 30 seconds, then push it all the way in and let it idle while I put on my helmet, etc., then it's ready to go. Dont know what my idle is set at (no tach), but it's pretty lumpy (don't know how else to describe it), not running smoothly, I'd guess pretty low revs.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: Is lengthy idling bad???
I use the choke to start my Train, then after about 30 seconds, use the throttle screw to hold the revs up and push the choke in. I finish getting my lid and gloves on, get on her, release the throttle screw, and go. On very cold days (near or below freezing), I may leave the choke out a small amount when I first start moving to prevent carb coughing and/or stalling. But I don't ride very far or long with the choke out.
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
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Outstanding HDF Member
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RE: Is lengthy idling bad???
Don't know if there is a difference between the choke on your Train and mine or not, but the vaccum of the carb. pulls it in automatically on mine. Sometimes, I get to the first stop sign and have to reach down and re-choke it to keep it from dying.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Oregon
RE: Is lengthy idling bad???
Pull out choke all the way, start bike...push in choke half way..let it warm up then push choke all the way backin
hold bare hand to the bikes cylinder a few times durring this..1-3 minute warm up, checking warmth..
then go rideing !!
hold bare hand to the bikes cylinder a few times durring this..1-3 minute warm up, checking warmth..
then go rideing !!
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Windham,Maine
RE: Is lengthy idling bad???
As long as you don't forget about it and it overheats,no problem.I always jump on mine and just leave gently and let it warm as I ride.The neighbors like it much better that way too.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Lake Jem FL (pop 35)
RE: Is lengthy idling bad???
I do the same as Dog. I rarely use the "enrichener" on my S&S carb. I roll out at just above an idle for the two blocks to get me outta the neighborhood. I take it real easy for the first mile too.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Tucson, Az
RE: Is lengthy idling bad???
I have my helmet and gloves on and I'm setting on the bike when I start it with the choke all the way out. After maybe 5 seconds I push the choke 1/2 way in. It takes me may 15 seconds to push my bike out of the garage onto the driveway. I then hit the garage door opener and ride off. I start off by coasting down the driveway and then engaging first gear. (saves on that first, loud clunk) After about riding a half to one mile I push the choke all the way in.
Try not to ever let your bike set and idle for too long a period of time. It has an air cooled engine and unless there is a decent breeze passing over those engine fins it will easily overheat.
Try not to ever let your bike set and idle for too long a period of time. It has an air cooled engine and unless there is a decent breeze passing over those engine fins it will easily overheat.