Warming Up THE DOWNTOWN?

[Nireen999]

I am wondering something about when we start up this bike.  Should I always wait until the bike warms up after the dash Gage thing moves up to halfway, or does this matter?  Maybe in the cold months?

[Snorvey]

I give it the time it takes to put on helmet, wiggle specs into helmet, adjust and fasten helmet, put on gloves, adjust jacket, visor, mirrors, goolies etc and then I'm off. Normally after half a mile it's up to temperature.

I don't think it's a good idea to let it idle for a long time..... And the neighbours might get upset as well.

[Mr. Paul]

It is a good idea to let it idle for just a little while to get the oil flowing well before "giving it the gas." Maybe a minute or so.  On the newer fuel injected engines, completely warming them up is unnecessary in my opinion. I am easy on the accelerator for the first couple of miles whether it is my scooter or my car.

[Stig / Major Tom]

My LIKE200i manual says to warm the engine for 2-3 minutes before riding.
My Burgman 400 manual says pretty much the same - and adds to use moderate throttle until normal operating temp is seen on the temp gauge.

In Canada, I would keep the proper weight oil in the scoot and be gentle with it on cold mornings after a bit of a warm-up idle. They say much of the engine wear occurs during those few minutes....so imagine what's going on in there when it is cold enough to freeze your coffee solid.
Good question
Stig

[ScooterWolf]

After starting my DT, I give a count to sixty before I roll the throttle and take off for the first time in the morning. Since I'm driving out of my town it reaches its normal operation temperature before I hit the first freeway on my commute to work.

I can sometimes feel a difference if I don't allow for a full minute warm-up. Mostly, I'm more interested in taking care of my bike with no unneeded stress placed on any of the moving/working parts. It really may not need it, but it's also for peace of mind.

- Wolf

[de dee]

  On the cold days, I start up put on helmet & gloves,  then idle the engine just to get it moving, some times it,s 6 KM. before it is warm ,  then I find it to damn cold for this riding and go home,.  de dee

[Tromper]

Kinda varies on my bikes.
Over all the carb bikes like the warm-up a bit more.
On the S200 a level of warmup is vital if I don't want it to stall. I may need a new auto-choke or the resistor that runs it.
On one of my SYMs (A now dead HD200 I had the same issue.
On the other SYM (Another HD that's live) it won't stall but it likes to warm up.  You can definitely feel it.
On my Burgman 650 (FI) I note that if I let it warm up for a couple minutes during my normal work week (~11 mile each way commute) I get a bit better MPG overall, but it will run out OK if I just start it,  wait about 15-30 seconds & go.
Of note: even when just starting & leaving I don't give it anything close to even half throttle until it's had a couple minutes.

[Nireen999]

Wow thanks everyone!
Yes I usually let it idle for about 3 minutes,
long enough for the Gage to move up,
than I take off and yeah I don't rev it.

[Nireen999]

Just to be sure here,
It will get very cold here in Canada
we are talking in the minuses at times,
so the warming up for 3 minutes
until the gage is up; is likely best right?

[Stig / Major Tom]

Your procedure sounds good. Some idle time...then easy throttle until fully warmed.
Yep...I ride both an aircooled scooter and a water cooled scooter well below freezing temps. Both with EFI so they fire nearly instantly even on very very cold winter mornings.
 Car manuals say to move off soon...to improve your mileage with car quickly up to operating temps...but EPA mpg are not a big concern with our scoots. We just want to be kind to our engines...so they don't start consuming oil after too many cold oiless starts.
Stig

[Tromper]

Yup in Canada in the winter not a bad idea, even if ya have a heated garage.

[ScooterWolf]

For the DT be careful not to allow too long of a idle time as the headlights put a drain the battery if you're not moving.

- Wolf

[Mr. Paul]

Just to be sure here,
It will get very cold here in Canada
we are talking in the minuses at times,
so the warming up for 3 minutes
until the gage is up; is likely best right?

That is a good plan. Your scooter will last a looong time.

[fest]

I warm up for 30sec and then start rolling at a slower pace for the next few minutes until the bar reaches the normal operating temperature.

[kneeslider]

Nah, with modern oils, you can just start her up and ride.
Just take it easy for the 1st few kilometers.