Let the bike idle ???
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
Yep. And it is OK to sit on it and make exhaust noises..........well if no one sees you
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena,MD
I say start it up every now and then, oil will be circulating as well as any condensate so it will be fine.For carbed bikes I think it is necessary to not let them go dry for too long as they tend to gum up when dry and I think fuel injectors will benefit from this as well.To each their own!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
I'll give what I know, how you use it is up to you.
Regardless if the garage is heated or not, it is best to run the engine long enough to remove the condensation. That means an oil temp of at least 190 degrees for a short while.
If you just start it once in a while and don't use a battery tender, you take the risk of not charging the battery as much as you drained it to start it. I watch my neighbor do this every year, he still hasn't figured out why his battery goes dead when he starts it every Saturday and lets it run a minute or two.
As far as it getting too hot from idling, like someone else said, bikes get into traffic stops at 100 degrees or so and can idle a short while, in an unheated garage in the winter cold, it's going to take a good long time to get too hot if it does at all.
My advice is like many others, fuel additive, fresh oil, battery tender and once in a while pull up a stool and talk to it so it doesn't get lonely.
Regardless if the garage is heated or not, it is best to run the engine long enough to remove the condensation. That means an oil temp of at least 190 degrees for a short while.
If you just start it once in a while and don't use a battery tender, you take the risk of not charging the battery as much as you drained it to start it. I watch my neighbor do this every year, he still hasn't figured out why his battery goes dead when he starts it every Saturday and lets it run a minute or two.
As far as it getting too hot from idling, like someone else said, bikes get into traffic stops at 100 degrees or so and can idle a short while, in an unheated garage in the winter cold, it's going to take a good long time to get too hot if it does at all.
My advice is like many others, fuel additive, fresh oil, battery tender and once in a while pull up a stool and talk to it so it doesn't get lonely.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 399
Likes: 2
From: C-bus
By not riding it 20-30 minutes, the moisture doesn't get burned off.
Leave it sit with a trickle charger and start only when you are able to ride it for a longer period of time,or better yet, don't f**k with it until the spring when you will be able to actually ride it after starting.[/QUOTE]
You need to blow the mositure out of the engine and letting it idle and or rev'ing the engine a couple time is not going to do that. Also if you said it was on a lift, make sure the the forks have some presure on them otherewise the seals will dry out. If you are worried about your tires (dry rotting) on the concrete floor park it over/on some cardboard not carpet. the cardboard is non pourous and will not allow that dreaded moaisture through.
Leave it sit with a trickle charger and start only when you are able to ride it for a longer period of time,or better yet, don't f**k with it until the spring when you will be able to actually ride it after starting.[/QUOTE]
You need to blow the mositure out of the engine and letting it idle and or rev'ing the engine a couple time is not going to do that. Also if you said it was on a lift, make sure the the forks have some presure on them otherewise the seals will dry out. If you are worried about your tires (dry rotting) on the concrete floor park it over/on some cardboard not carpet. the cardboard is non pourous and will not allow that dreaded moaisture through.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
I am not sure if I am out of turn or what on this.
I never let any of my bikes just sit and idle, not a good idea as I see it.
Stator will not charge very well at idle
Cold out side and warm inside invites moisture inside.
If it has been suggested to keep the tank full when not riding to eliminate compensation, I am a firm believer in it from personal experiences.
If you need to crank it ride it to get the engine to full running temperature. This will help with the compensation. You will never see the damage until you have a problem.
Always use a battery tender when not riding for a while.
This is nothing but my opinion and suggestions from many years of experience .
Nothing more
Jim
I never let any of my bikes just sit and idle, not a good idea as I see it.
Stator will not charge very well at idle
Cold out side and warm inside invites moisture inside.
If it has been suggested to keep the tank full when not riding to eliminate compensation, I am a firm believer in it from personal experiences.
If you need to crank it ride it to get the engine to full running temperature. This will help with the compensation. You will never see the damage until you have a problem.
Always use a battery tender when not riding for a while.
This is nothing but my opinion and suggestions from many years of experience .
Nothing more
Jim
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