Tech Tip - Winter Condensation

As riders we understand the agony of not being able to ride your bike during the long winter we have to endure here in Chicago. Sometimes simply starting your bike is enough to keep the cravings for a ride at bay. But, Over the winter months it is very important not to Start and shut your bike off without allowing it to get to full operating temperature.

With an air cooled engine the only way to properly get your bike to operating temperature is to ride it. By riding the bike it allows all parts of the engine and Transmission to warm up evenly. Starting and shutting the bike off with out getting to full operating temperature will create moisture in the oil and could potentially cause permanent engine damage. The buildup of condensation is much more common than you might think.

Every time your engine is started moisture is created, even weather changes from warm moist weather to cold weather and frequent high dew points can create moisture to form in you engine. By riding the bike long enough that moisture is burned off thanks to the heat of the engine. However, if a bike is started and not ridden far enough to reach operating temperature that condensation will remain in the engine.

So be smart this winter and let your baby sleep. Well maybe if there is a beautiful day and you just have to ride then ride it. But, be sure to ride long enough to bring your bike to full operating temperature.

I got to go now. I have a lot of winter storage bikes to take care of.
One of them could be yours!

Tony D.& the Wild Fire Service Team