Just a quickie here.
Most of my riding is short hops around town (I know, terrible for the cam) - usually no more than 5 miles per journey, often 2-3, and usually no faster than 40-45. I'm vaguely aware that some engines/vehicles need a longer run from time to time (like the family diesel car, which gets its filter clogged if it doesn't get a chance to warm up fully every once in a while).

So my query is - does a similar logic apply to our thumpy little bikes? I could envisage, for example, gunk building up in places which would get cleared out with a run that gets the engine running at full operating temp for half an hour, or something like that. I doubt that the oil in my bike gets fully up to temp more than once a week with my typical usage pattern.

I believe the oil in our air cooled motors warns faster than a car, a car's oil takes about 30 min. to come to temperature ,the water temp comes up much faster.It's just a good idea not to ride hard for say,the first 5miles. But longer rides are better for cam chain life ,recharging your battery, and clearing the oil of moisture .If your rides are only a couple of miles you might plan once a week to "take the long way home".

philthymike wrote on 04/10/17 at 06:33:21:


I am sure there is less carbon in an engine that is driven for long periods than there is one that goes on short trips - however throttle use/speed also has an effect.  If you are idling along at low throttle settings all the time - the internal parts of the engine are not being exposed to the larger thermal loads that help to burn off the carbon.

I once used a company car that was normally driven by a fellow that must have never pushed the accelerator down - it was a Ford LTD with a V8.....and he apparently drove the car in a very calm manner.  I was on a freeway ramp and needed to get up to speed to merge - so I floored it.......and the darn thing started making funny sounds as the carbon started coming loose from the engine and exhaust system.  I could see the black "dust" cloud behind the car from all the crap coming out of the exhaust.  I used the car for the entire afternoon, and when I gave the car back to him.....it was all cleaned out and the car no longer made weird sounds when you pushed the accelerator down!    

My first Mustang (I've had 5!) was like that. It was so full of carbon that it wouldn't top 80 mph. I got it cleaned out "the Dave way"   and it ran fine afterwards. Well...until I blew a cylinder head gasket!

Kris01 wrote on 04/10/17 at 18:52:34:


That's what we called a "wog tune". works well on old italian chaff that's treated too gently.

After reading the subject I thought this was about the mental benefits of going on a long ride.

This little loop doesn't look too bad.

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/75/1384/North-Carolina/Back-Country-Church-Roa...

That country route is nice for some good scenery, although the last leg down Guess Road is nasty - tend to get hemmed in by dozens of pickups and SUVs down Guess Road! I've been round there a few times.

Batman - Oh, I know there are some inspiring roads out to the west. I'll have to head out there when I've got a few free days to string together.