babyhog wrote on 01/18/10 at 11:58:44:So, it seems we've had alot of cold weather, all over the country. We have those lucky few who get to ride all year, and the die-hards that ride when its really cold. But my question is... Is it better or worse for the bike to take short rides in the cold? I mean, its 50° and sunny now, but by the time I get home, it will be close to dark, and the temp drops fast. If I can't get a decent ride in (30 minutes +), would it be better for the bike to not run it at all, or will a 10 minute ride be good enough? It might be enough to make me feel better mentally, to get a little ride in, but I don't want to do more damage than good to the bike.
Opinions please....
Baby,
My Savage (see signature) is the king of the cold-weather short-riders. I don't own a cage and it is my "daily rider." I don't commute, so the bike gets used strictly for errands.
I don't think one or two short rides in cold weather are a problem, as long as you mix in a longer ride fairly frequently. That's the use mine gets and the engine seems to be wearing well.
What I would avoid is a month of daily 1 mile-long rides in 30 deg F temperatures. That would not be good.
Bottom line: Let 'er get good and hot every second or third ride.
JMHO.