Hey,

So lately I've been wondering how to ride (or not to ride) the bike when the engine is still cold. With cars I know you just take it easy and keep the shifts below a certain RPM but what about bikes?

I've researched about this topic and some people say to not ride the bike at all when its cold and others say to keep it under a certain RPM.

Anyone know what is healthiest for the motor?

Thanks

 

I just let it idle a little longer on an overnight frozen start instead of my usual jump-on-it-and-ride. I don't see typical bike engines as any different than equivalent type (e.g. air cooled vs water cooled) of car engine.

 

Mine warms up in about 1 minute of short shifting. I ride it immediately. I think FI bike have Air temp sensors and the RPM's at idle are raised to help it warm up anyway. But I ride for about a minute shifting at 4K and it's warmed up (100-110F) and I don't start beating on her until about 130F is reached. I've had no problems in 5 years.

 

the cylinders on bikes (especially sport bikes) are tapered considerably more than cars. you should let it warm to temp. before riding.

.02

 

Just let it idle a little longer than you normally would. I ride year round as long as there isn't any snow/ice on the ground.

My routine when I leave work after the bike has sat outside all night <40 degrees:

Start bike
Zip up jacket
Put on helmet
Put on gloves
Ride away.

Gives about a minute of idling to warm it up a bit. Then just take it easy for the first couple of miles. You'll have to take it easy until you get some heat into the tires anyway.

If it's above 40 degrees, I just get on and ride. Just wait until it reaches operating temp before really opening it up.

 

carb bikes seem to take longer to warm than efi...
maybe the electronics compensate-

love injected bikes!!