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Warming up
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July 3, 2008 at 3:43 pm #1661shagglesParticipant
I went out to move my bike to a covered parking area this morning because it was raining. I didn’t have much time so I didn’t let it warm up for long enough. It was really jerky/sputtery in first gear at low rpm’s. I assumed it was because I hadn’t let it warm up properly but I thought I’d better ask. Is that normal?
July 3, 2008 at 5:23 pm #8281JirikiParticipantbikes don’t like to be cold… if it is, it’ll let you know by jerking you around…
2 ways to help get rid of jerkiness:
1. leave the choke partially engaged.
2. give it more gas and feather the clutch as neededwell, really 3. let it warm up!
July 3, 2008 at 6:41 pm #8283MattParticipantI park my bike in a heated underground lot. I get down to it, start it, and manage the choke while I setup my tank bag, put on my earplugs, helmet, and gloves. By the time I’m ready to go the bike has some warmth to it. To get out of the lot I have to go up a moderately steep ramp. First dozen times I tried to get up the ramp, even on hard throttle I stalled. The trick for me is to run it up that ramp at 6k and use the clutch to control my speed. By the time I get to the road I can kill the choke and ride normally (still ride easy for 5-10 minutes to let the engine keep warming up and to warm up my tires).
July 3, 2008 at 7:41 pm #8285ShannonGParticipantThe hotter it gets, the better my GS500f runs. And it’s grumpy right after starting, definitely.
July 3, 2008 at 7:41 pm #8286ShannonGParticipantThe hotter it gets, the better my GS500f runs. And it’s grumpy right after starting, definitely.
July 3, 2008 at 11:14 pm #8297acidpopeParticipantIf the covered lot is close and there are no hill issues, just toss it in neutral and duckwalk it over. Can also look at getting a bike cover for it. I have one that is waterproof and allows for good evaporation of moisture and they only soaked (hyuk!) me around 70$ for it at the local.
July 4, 2008 at 2:47 am #8312RabParticipantYep, air-cooled bikes run better when they’ve been ridden hard. They like the heat.
July 4, 2008 at 3:58 am #8311RabParticipantHere’s what I do when the engine’s “cold”:
1. After checking tires and oil level, I go through my FINEC* routine.
* – FINEC is Motorcycle Safety Foundation jargon and means:
F – Fuel – Switch fuel tap on (if your bike has one).
I – Ignition – Switch on (turn the key).
N – Neutral – Check the gearbox is in neutral. If the bike’s in neutral, you’ll be able to roll it forward; don’t trust the green light.
E – Engine – Check that the Engine Kill Switch is in the “on” position.
C – Choke (pulled all the way out if bike is cold) & Clutch (pulled all the way up to the hand-grip).2. With the clutch still held in, press the starter button (don’t twist the throttle if the bike’s cold).
3. When the engine starts (hopefully immediately), let go the starter button and gently let out the clutch (you’re in neutral remember).
4. Next, gently push the choke in about half-way (until you hear the engine revs just start to drop).
5. Check all my lights and brakes work.
6. Ride-off (short-shifting to keep the revs down).
7. Push the choke all the way in when I get about a mile away from my start point (while in motion).
Note that when you can do step #7, will vary with different bikes and different weather (cold weather needs choke on longer and very hot weather may not need any choke at all (or very little). You’ll have to experiment to find out what works for you. If you push the choke in too soon, the bike will “stutter” and be jerky. If it does that, just pull the choke gently out a little until it runs smoothly again.
IMPORTANT: When you’re in the “experimental phase”, you should push the choke in very gingerly while in motion and at any sign of engine stuttering, gently pull it back out a little until the stuttering stops; just remember to push it back in (all the way) further down the road. If you just shove the choke all the way in before the bike’s ready (while in motion), the stuttering engine could upset the bike enough to cause an accident, so be very gentle with the choke until you get a feel for it.
July 7, 2008 at 1:17 pm #8478BuddParticipantI tend to start the bike, adjust the choke, and put my gear on while adjusting the choke. By the time I am ready to go, the choke is usually off and the bike is ready to go too. I haven’t experienced anything colder that 65 yet though.
“I am the best I am at what I do, and what I do ain’t nice.”-Wolverine
July 7, 2008 at 10:34 pm #8531AnonymousGuestYes, that works good too.
That is, unless you have to get out early and don’t want to piss-off the neighbors with the sound of a motorcycle engine running at high revs for 10 minutes
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