Get on bike, fire engine, put on helmet and gloves, and I'm off - about 1 mile at 20-40 mph, then 55-65 for the next 30 minutes. That's my off-to-work routine. Have like 28K on the bike.

 

My opinion is just that, my opinion, not necesarrily a fact. I believe warm up is only crucial on any internal combustion motor if you are wanting to rev high and work the motor hard. The motor will warm up just as safe at moderate rpms while rolling as it will sitting idle.

I worry more about the bike overheating while idling than I do rolling out of the drive when it isn't fully warmed up yet.

If you are planning on opening up the throttle and hitting max rpms as soon as you dump the clutch, warm up should be a consideration. If you are going to roll out and ride moderate, nothing to worry about.

Dennis

 

Generally im agreement with much of what has already been said, but would add the following:

A key reason for allowing for a "warm up" is to ensure the hydrodynamic bearings are fully functional. In simple terms, a film of oil is pumped between 2 moving surfaces where there is a very small gap. This pressure ensures no metal / metal contact. Most typically this is used on the big end bearings between the con rod and crankshaft. When the bike is not running this oil drains out and metal / metal contact will occur. As the oil warms up it's viscosity changes and the hydrodynamic bearing becomes more effective. The bottom line - never over rev a cold engine to speed up the warming up process, that is completely counter productive.

 

Some of the guys said to refer to your owners manual. I did and this is exactly word for word...Caution...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. Starting the Engine in General...

According to the manual 15-30 sec. is not very long. I know I have always allowed my engine to warm up longer than 30 sec everytime I have started the engine.

As someone on the forum said one time, " Quit worrying and enjoy your new ride "

Hope this helps, Ride Safe someone cares about you!!

 

I think you are right, but one thing that hasn't been mentioned here is that when at idle the engine will not be warming up uniformly, as hot-spots will develop. It is best to let it idle for 30 sec. or a minute, then take off and ride moderately until the engine has become uniformly heated up to its normal operating temperature. Head temperature rises fairly rapidly, mine up to 160° usually within a mile or so, but the entire engine isn't up to that temperature. I don't load my engine (heavy throttle or high revs) 'til the oil is 150°, as it takes quite a bit of time for that to happen and the oil will probably be the last thing to make it up to operating temperature. If the oil is 150° the engine should be fully warmed up.

 

My rule of thumb is as long as it takes me to put on my helmet and glasses.