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Proper warm up procedure

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by caferacer73, Jun 7, 2010.

  1. caferacer73

    caferacer73 New Member

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    Lacking the owners manual for my 85 VF500F, I would like to know what the recommended warm up procedure is.
     


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  2. 86INTERCEPTOR500@NCSU

    86INTERCEPTOR500@NCSU New Member

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    Not sure what the honda recommended procedure is, but I always turn key ON, turn the right hand run switch to OFF, hit the start button till the oil pressure light goes off the while still holding the starter hit the run switch to ON. That way the engine does not run with low oil pressure, it may not matter but it makes me feel better especially with these engines having the oiling problems. After the engine is started I usually just let it warm up until I see the temp gauge start to rise then take off !!!
     


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  3. caferacer73

    caferacer73 New Member

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    Guess I should have clarified a bit more. I know how to start the bike, what I was wanting to know is if there is a recommended warm up time (2 minutes, 5 minutes). Sounds like it's a couple of minutes (until the temp gauge starts to move).
     


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  4. Michael E

    Michael E New Member

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    There is an earlier thread talking about this. I believe it was Jamie who pointed out that during idle (warm up) there is not enough oil pressure to do a really good job on the head. So, when you start to drive away you may be a little drier than ideal.
     


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  5. slowbird

    slowbird Member

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    Maybe during idle...but when I'm warming up the bike and the choke is on my bike is at about 3,000rpm. There HAS to be enough oil pressure then.

    Caferacer...to answer your question. On most days I will let the bike warm up for as long as it takes me to put on my gear, check all lights, get on the bike, adjust my seating and go. (around 2-4 minutes) On hot days that's long enough to get the Temp gauge moving. On other days it isn't.
     


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  6. invisible cities

    invisible cities New Member

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    +1

    This is a very important step. The engine should be left to warm up to proper operating temperature before riding.

    This - along with using a high quality motor oil, i.e Honda GN4 - will be a great benefit to longevity of the engine.
     


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  7. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

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    Hogwash, just like cars you should let the bike idle for no more than 30 seconds before you ride off.
    Maybe longer- up to a minute in cold weather (well below freezing).

    Excessive idling for more than a minute or two is not good for your bike just like any other internal combustion engine.
    And you absolutely do not want to rev your engine above idle speed with no load- not good for your engine at all.
     


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  8. invisible cities

    invisible cities New Member

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    Respectfully disagree - in relation to First Generation Honda engines. Letting them properly warm up is key to their longevity.
     


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  9. jporter12

    jporter12 New Member

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    Usually long enough to put my helmet and gloves on, as I'll put my jacket on as I walk to the bike.

    Pretty much fire it up and take right off.
     


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  10. captb

    captb New Member

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    I set my throttle lock at 1800 rpm and put my gear on check tires, when it's in the norml operating range I ride. I have nearly 40k on my XX doing this and the engine is still silent (no knocks, rattles, clicks and barely noticable clutch noise, 0 oil use) Same reason you warm up aircraft engines they're made to be run at normal operating temps. If they sit long periods the bearings can become dry it's good to spin it over before starting it.These are hi performance engines not briggs & stratons.
     

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    Last edited: Jun 7, 2010


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  11. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

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    Oh, OK. "Special" circumstances for "special" vehicles.

    I get it. :rolleyes:
     


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  12. captb

    captb New Member

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    Not specia,l just highly stressed when talking 12k rpm close tollerance engines with expensive parts verses 6k rpm low hp engines.
     


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