Cold weather start?

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Mar 25, 2014 | 07:50 AM

PaulFLHTC

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Joined: Oct 2013

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From: Walbridge Ohio

Cold weather start?

Ok, The bike has been asleep since November in an un insulated shed with a battery tender pluged in the whole time. Weather this weekend calling for 60 but staying in the 30s till then. I want to get it out and check air in the tires and suspension before first ride Sunday. Maybe quick run around the block. Question, Do I need to do anything special to it, or just climb on and start as normal for The first time this year? Temps today will be upper 20s lower 30s.
Thanks in advance.
Paul

Mar 25, 2014 | 07:53 AM

ghostrunner

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Joined: Jul 2013

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From: Joplin, mo

Just let it warm up good. You feel the rocker boxes. Then when you take it out ride it long enough to get the oil hot enough to burn off condensation.

Mar 25, 2014 | 07:57 AM

mwegryn

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From: Cleveland, OH

Hopefully you put some sort of fuel treatment in it as well. Fire it up, and just let it warm up for a few minutes, check the oil and you should be good to go. I personally like to put in a fresh set of plugs in the spring after I run the treated fuel from the winter through. It's total overkill, but they are also dirt cheap. Also like you said, check your tire and suspension pressure.

Mar 25, 2014 | 08:37 AM

NDBadlands4-2

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Joined: Dec 2010

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From: Badlands of ND

All the above advice is good. Just make sure that if you get it running, Keep it running until the motor is all the way up to operating temperatures before shutting it down.

Mar 25, 2014 | 08:44 AM

Eyeball Kid

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From: C-Town

Make sure all the road salt has been washed away. And beware all the pot holes.

I live in Cleveland, and don't think one days ride is worth it. I wait until all the salt has been rain-washed away. The roads repaired. Consistent 50°+ days.

Mar 25, 2014 | 08:50 AM

mwegryn

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From: Cleveland, OH

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyeball Kid

I here you there, I'm in CLE as well. This winter's potholes are the worst I've ever seen. Not to mention all the loose cinders from the broken up asphalt.

Mar 25, 2014 | 11:00 AM

the warden

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Joined: Sep 2011

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From: Sherwood Park AB Canada

As others have said, just fire it up, let it idle until the rocker boxes are warm and go for a ride. You ride should be for at least 20-30 minutes to make sure you burn off the condensation, particularly with the cooler air temps.