Just installed new pipes and intake, but there is no sign of a break in the weather anytime soon. I am really wanting to start my bike and check for exhaust leaks and just to listen to it. I know starting...especially when it's cold, and not allowing the bike to heat up to normal operating temperature is bad. The question is how bad and can I let it idle for extended periods to burn of the condensation that is caused by short periods of running. Hell...I'll let it idle for hours in my garage...with short rev periods to raise the RPMs if that's what it takes. Baseline question...

Can I mimic a full warm up ride in my garage?

Thanks!

 

I have no qualms running my bike in the garage for a few minutes, although I wouldn't do so for an extended time. As for if that is bad or not you are likely to get a wide range of replies!

 

I wouldn't let it idle too long. Just not good for it, even with the occasional rev. If you do though, might be a good idea to put a good sized fan next to it. Keep some airflow running over that engine.

 

Oh, and if you are in your garage don't forget to pipe the exhaust outside. Just sayin.

 

It helps, if you are going to do this, to have a dipstick oil temp gauge. That way you can see when it is getting up to temp. Long periods of idling are never a good idea. So your idea of reving it up a little during the process is what I have always done. Just for comparison sake I recently rode my bike on a 50 degree day. It took 25 miles for the oil temp to get to 212 degrees.

 

I wouldn't worry about it too much, that's what my Indy does when he works on my bike or any other when he wants to check his handy work so if it is good enough for them, it should be good enough for others also. Also, make sure and vent your garage a little or you will get exhaust fumes floating around.