Engine warm up

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Mar 11, 2008 | 06:15 AM

reecard

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 200

Likes: 0

From: Battle Creek, MI

Engine warm up

Ok, I have heard different answers for this and since the people on this forum seem to know the most I will ask you. How long should you let your bike warm up before taking off? Should you wait until you can feel warmth from the heads? Or is there a set time you should wait?

Mar 11, 2008 | 06:22 AM

roxnatwist

Road Captain

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 513

Likes: 2

From: Coconut Creek, FL

RE: Engine warm up

If your bike is fuel injected, you shouldn't let it "warm up" at all. There is no benefit to letting it sit and idle. Just get on, start it and ride.

Mar 11, 2008 | 06:24 AM

ironhead3fan

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 1,212

Likes: 1

From: Maryland

RE: Engine warm up

The manual stats that you should let the bike warm up for 15-30 seconds to ensure good oil flow. Anything longer than that is a waste of gas and time.

Mar 11, 2008 | 06:26 AM

Pine Tree

MODERATOR

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 4,108

Likes: 1,964

From: New England

RE: Engine warm up

For me, it's about a minute...I back the bike out of the garage, hit the started, walk around checking headlights, turn signals, and brake lights.

Then, put on my helmet, glasses, gloves, the test the front and rear brakes. Slip it into first and motor away...all about a minute or so.

Mar 11, 2008 | 06:30 AM

UltraDave

Road Captain

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 544

Likes: 0

From: Delaware

RE: Engine warm up

I have pretty much the same routine as Pine Tree. Just a minute or so to warm up and then go.

Mar 11, 2008 | 06:31 AM

Jinks

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 2,241

Likes: 7

From: Daytona, Fla.

RE: Engine warm up

A few seconds to be sure oil has reached the top end, then ride easily the first 5 to 8 miles before pullin' hard to get that oil up to reasonable operating temp.

Mar 11, 2008 | 06:58 AM

porterjet

Tourer

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 333

Likes: 0

From: Cal., work in Saudi

RE: Engine warm up

Fuel injection has nothing to do with whether the bike is warmed up or not. It will make it seem like its ready to rumble a lot sooner though.
I agree with the others, oil pressure up and enough time to get oil flow throughout is a must. Unless its minus 20 outside by the time you putt through the 'hood it should be ready to go.