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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Warmup
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Message started by Dreanimal on 09/01/21 at 10:19:15

Title: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Warmup
Post by Dreanimal on 09/01/21 at 10:19:15

I have a very short commute to work (<2miles) so my S40 is my primary method of transportation. It is stock outside of a supertrapp and an LED headlight. Any tips for speeding up the warm up in the winter? We've had a few mornings with temps below 55°F and the engine still hasn't reached operating temp by the time I get to the office. It is garage kept but the garage was built in the early 1900s so there is no insulation or heat.

Currently I give it about 5min to idle, never needed to use the choke as it fires right up without it.

Any tips for accelerating engine warm up are appreciated. I'm thinking at this point the only options are: 1. let it idle longer 2. take the long way to work 3. get a heated blanked for the block.

Thanks,

Drean

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by Dave on 09/01/21 at 12:41:58

Idling an engine is not good......the Savage has incredibly low oil pressure and flow at idle speeds. The cam and rockers are horribly starved for oil at idle speeds. You should start the engine up and ride away gently as soon as you can.......you may need to leave the choke on a notch or two.

Take the long way to work, and definitely go on a 30 minute ride weekly to get the moisture baked out of the oil and the battery charged.

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by ohiomoto on 09/01/21 at 13:44:38

Dave is right. Option 2.

It's the internal operating temperature that needs to rise. The ambient air temperature has very little to do with that. My bike probably takes 5-6 miles to warm up when it's hot out and 7-8 miles when it's colder. This is for the first run of the day. It generally warms up faster if it's been sitting for less than 3-4 hours on subsequent starts. I never let it idle either. I get on it and go. Even in temps below 40.

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by Dreanimal on 09/02/21 at 03:46:04

Thanks for the input guys. The long way into the office is a viable option for now but when temps start getting down around 10-15°F I think it will be tough to swallow. I'm going to raise the idle for the cold days and let it warm up that way. with a mechanical oil pump a higher idle should give higher pressure.

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/02/21 at 03:59:20

If it's sitting on the sidestand then the cam starves for oil on the high end.
The design is such.
A 2x4 under the sidestand MAY be sufficient.
See what the local geniuses say.

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by Dreanimal on 09/02/21 at 04:03:02

I didn't think about it with regards to the lean. I'll look into getting a swing arm stand to keep it level.

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by ohiomoto on 09/02/21 at 09:25:52

Your bike should be running pretty lean at those temperatures. Just use the choke accordingly.

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 09/02/21 at 09:52:55

003621252A2D292528440 wrote:
I'll look into getting a swing arm stand to keep it level.

Because of the location of the rear brake cable and exhaust, you'll have a hard time finding a rear stand. For what it's worth, I use a front wheel stand for my bike. I ride it on and walk away.

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by Eegore on 09/02/21 at 09:58:06

Gary has the right idea here. A front tire stand is more efficient.

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by zipidachimp on 09/02/21 at 13:25:25

Bolt one of these to a 2x10 plank and roll it on. Works a treat!
https://www.harborfreight.com/motorcycle-wheel-chock-69026.html
Cheers! 8-)

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by Hiko on 09/02/21 at 14:56:15

Constant short runs in cold temps
I think I would go for the heat blanket Better for the bike and better for you
Remove blanket jump on and ride a bike that is nicely warmed up
Whats not to like?

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/03/21 at 09:50:37

Use that 2x10 to load it on a big U Haul and move South.
Problem solved

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 09/03/21 at 10:07:49

I got this one because in my research it was found to be very stable. It doesn't require it to be mounted, and works well up against the wall (allowing you to ride onto it).

https://www.kapscomoto.com/us/venom-universal-motorcycle-wheel-tire-chock-self-locking-cradle-bike-stand-chocks.html

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by Dreanimal on 09/03/21 at 10:55:44

Thanks for the input guys. I think the path forward is a vertical stand, high idle warmup for a minute or two and taking the long way once a week or so to make sure it gets fully up to temp somewhat regularly.

I'd never move south, couldn't find anywhere better than Michigan if I tried.

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by Ruttly on 09/03/21 at 11:46:42

Harbor Freight has a similar wheel chocks , possibly cheaper

Title: Re: Winter (West Michigan) Commuting and Engine Wa
Post by Dave on 09/04/21 at 02:55:57

You will no doubt turn your exhaust header blue/brown from the heat that is created at a high idle while you let it warm up. There will not be any cooling air blowing across it......and even in winter it will get hot and discolor.

I still am not a fan of letting a bike idle to warm up - but then I live in KY and I stop riding the first time they spread salt on the roads.....and I don't ride again until heavy spring rains wash the salt off the roads (I really dislike rusty motorcycles).