Hi Everyone

Apart from condensation, what are the other issues regarding starting your bike weekly for 10 minutes or so, is it overheating or what else?

I wonder if cars had a plastic oil sight glass on the engines would car drivers get paranoid like us??
Dave

* Last updated by: dave350v8 on 2/23/2018 @ 1:10 PM *

Well, running the motor always puts combustion byproducts into the oil. If you don't run it, you can avoid contaminating the oil with chemicals that could cause corrosion inside the engine. Then again, if you didn't change oil before storage that's a mute point. AND when you ride the bike it will sit with contaminated oil too unless you are goin to change oil every time you get off the bike.

If it doesn't start quickly, that could be pouring gasoline down into the oil pan which obviously would reduce the lubricative property of the oil. In cold weather you get extra rich fueling and then some for startup fueling. IDK if gas sprays until the engine lights off but seems to me it must. You will get a hell of a backfire from the engine cranking over many times without starting. Seems likely that's a buildup of fuel in the exhaust. The backfire is another reason to not start it until it's warmer.

The SM warns against excessive time spent idling. IDK if they are concerned about heat or some other issue. If you had to idle the bike for 10 minutes, I'd say that's fine but every week just to start the bike?? I see no reason to do this. I don't think it can help but it might hurt. Not everyone agrees on this with me but it's my opinion.

Overheating won't be an issue as long as you keep an eye on the temp. If it's 30-40 F outside, it probably won't hit 5 bars in 10 minutes.

I wonder if cars had a plastic oil sight glass on the engines would car drivers get paranoid like us??

* Last updated by: Rook on 2/23/2018 @ 3:14 PM *

Top off gas tank as high as possible. Install a fuel stabilizer. During down time mount the bike and lift it off the side stand so you knock off any condensation. You could add an ounce of oil and dilute it with the gas so there is a somewhat coating happening at the ceiling part of the tank. Siphon most of the gas into a 5 gal gas can and pour it into the car. The car should be topped off enough to add the 5 gal in the tank. Procedure goes... bring the filled 5 gal gas can to the station. Pour the old gas in the car, then top off the car as you shake and clean the old gas out of the can. Fill the 5 gal can and now fill up the bike's tank so the .8 or so left is diluted out with the 5.

Injector Options:
a. Run bike with stabilizer sitting in the injectors and in the fuel rails.
b. Unplug fuel line off of tank, let line drain and do not connect till riding season begins.

Keep the hours off the bike and do not start during storage.
Lube chain fully.
Run tire pressure up to 60 psi to minimize flat spot.

Interesting points, so I went for a 60 mile ride and set the timer again, full tank of fuel stored in it this time

sight glass nice and clear now, no condensation
Just need to put my fingers in the microwave for 10 minutes now

Thank you

* Last updated by: dave350v8 on 2/24/2018 @ 9:35 AM *

I think you got it cleared out but if you see a white film in a few days, don't fret. When I rode the bike in winter, there were days when the sight glass never cleared from the time I stated the bike until I brought it home and put it away. I've had it from winter starts in the garage when I thought it was warm enough and also from waiting too late in the year to change oil and store. What are you gonna do?

Cold starts are the hardest thing on an engine outside of outright abuse. The less,
the better. Keep the battery charged, the gas tank full and, if possible, the weight of the machine off the tires. Starting occasionally makes you feel good but it doesn't do anything good for the machine.

I'd have to think starting it once a week is probably the worst thing you could do to it unless you care going to ride it (not idle it) for at least 10-15 minutes.

* Last updated by: Auron on 2/26/2018 @ 7:27 AM *

I wouldn't start it.Won't hurt to leave her sit.

I've always warmed up my bikes if I'm not riding. I usually make a loop or two around the neighborhood but sometimes just a warm up while working the suspension and levers, etc.
I've been doing this to my '79 GS1000 for 39 years. I've only been doing this with the 14 a few years since I haven't been riding often enough. I just feel that things shouldn't sit. I know from experience that valve stem seals seal better and last longer if the motor doesn't sit for long periods. Carbs don't like sitting. I warm up my '95 Blazer from time to time if more than 4-5 days go by. Been doing that for 24 years with no noticeable issues.