How Long Do You Idle In Traffic?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 832
Likes: 6
From: Vermont
If I come to a stop for any reason other than a traffic light (one lane traffic due to road work, etc.), I shut it down.
I had an EVO for a lot of years and the first time I did stop and go was crawling into Loudon at New Hampshire Speedway. It started pinging and the low oil pressure light was flickering at idle. I ended up parking it along side the road for 45 minutes for it to cool down. No damage was done but I learned my lesson.
Since then, it's been habit to shut it down rather than sit and idle. I was afraid it would be tough on the starter but I had the '89 until '06 with the original starter. I figure a starter is cheaper than a fried engine but like I said, the EVO starter hung in there (sounded better engaging at 18 years old than the '07 did new!).
Oh, and with stop and go on a highway jam, I let the cars creep four or five car lengths before I move up and don't get hastled much. Easier on the clutch, too.
Happy trails.
I had an EVO for a lot of years and the first time I did stop and go was crawling into Loudon at New Hampshire Speedway. It started pinging and the low oil pressure light was flickering at idle. I ended up parking it along side the road for 45 minutes for it to cool down. No damage was done but I learned my lesson.
Since then, it's been habit to shut it down rather than sit and idle. I was afraid it would be tough on the starter but I had the '89 until '06 with the original starter. I figure a starter is cheaper than a fried engine but like I said, the EVO starter hung in there (sounded better engaging at 18 years old than the '07 did new!).
Oh, and with stop and go on a highway jam, I let the cars creep four or five car lengths before I move up and don't get hastled much. Easier on the clutch, too.
Happy trails.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Never had a problem idleing as long as there was some movemment. I've rode in stop and go 100 plus temps and never had a problem. It should handle regular traffic without a problem. Just don't sit there and rack the pipes.
Keep in mind, they test bikes in Arizona.
Keep in mind, they test bikes in Arizona.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
I don't usually get in any of those kind of traffic situations in the area I live, but on the rare occasion, that I do, as long as it is not uphill, I just shut the bike off and walk it forward with my feet if it is stop and go traffic with the goes only being 10 feet or so at a time.
Dennis
Dennis
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
That is the main reason I added an oil cooler and fan. I am able to sit in traffic for long periods without excessive heat to the engine. Even the heat from the fan isn't all that bad, it does get warm though. I will either exit or hit the side and go on.
In God We Trust
dd
In God We Trust
dd
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 2
From: US
city life...
I have to agree with @rochkes - while I live in the city, I idle a fair amount, but usually not more than 4-5 minutes at lights. Even that is long on a hot day.
If it's a real jam though (as we've all experienced) do just that; turn the bike off and roll it. Even if the cagers in front of you get more distance, the ones behind you just need to chill... they're not gettin' anywhere fast.
Otherwise, if your concerned about legalities of lane sharing, you could just push it up the shoulder. You're likely to get further than most cars in the stuck traffic and not overheat anyhow.
If it's a real jam though (as we've all experienced) do just that; turn the bike off and roll it. Even if the cagers in front of you get more distance, the ones behind you just need to chill... they're not gettin' anywhere fast.
Otherwise, if your concerned about legalities of lane sharing, you could just push it up the shoulder. You're likely to get further than most cars in the stuck traffic and not overheat anyhow.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Just bought my 1st Harley in May. 09 EG Classic. On Monday I was stuck in traffic on 76 west in Akron OH, behind an accident. Backed up for miles. I waited in line like everybody else, but after awhile, started feeling the heat, and then rode a few miles up the left berm, to wear a cop was directing everybody off an exit ramp ---- with a light at the bottom of the ramp! That's why it took so long. In traffic backups like that (moves 10 feet & stops, moves 10 more feet & stops, etc, etc, etc.) how long would you idle behind everybody else, before you did what I did, or just pulled over & shut it down for awhile? How long before you can damage the engine?
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 2
From: US
"air cooled" bikes...
while I don't know the detailed law, and it's clearly different everywhere, some states allow shoulder driving for "air cooled" bikes.