How Often

[Bakerboy]

Bike is now stored over winter,just wondered how often members actually start the bike & let it run for a few minutes,bike is on optimizer,but was still a b*stard to start today,hasn't been started for 4 weeks,thinking I might have to start it every week,battery did seem a little discharged,engine slow turning over,optimizer showed charging symbol,so I assume the battery is ok? :(

[cosmo]

Stored?!?!  What is meaning of "stored"??

Seriously, I am tetched. I ride all year 'round and have only driven my car twice this year to work (25 miles, one way). I live near Chicago, similar to a British climate, but with a bit more snow.

Toys for Tots, the annual Chicago parade is tomorrow, and I will be in it.

Dunno the answer to your quandry.

Cosmo

[ArcticTiger]

Bike is now stored over winter,just wondered how often members actually start the bike & let it run for a few minutes,bike is on optimizer,but was still a b*stard to start today,hasn't been started for 4 weeks,thinking I might have to start it every week,battery did seem a little discharged,engine slow turning over,optimizer showed charging symbol,so I assume the battery is ok? :(

Batt might be bad, if charger still shows "charging" after 4 weeks. Could be it will not take charge, = dead.

For what reason do you want to start your engine and let it run just for a short period during storage?
I NEVER start a engine for a short period during storage :!:  When started, it should be run and driven to reach normal temp.
Reason: When engine runs cold with choke on, there will be unburnt and partially burnt gas and acidic condence sipping past the piston rings and into the oil :shock: , and into the exhaust system. This can/will cause corrosion. You dont want that?
Running engine to normal temp will let unburnt gas and condence evaporate before it does any harm to engine and exhaust system.

[rf9rider]

I run mine once a week during winter, i let it run until the fans kick in, thats usually up to normal temp then.
I`ve done this with all my bikes, never had a problem as yet.
And i do try to get out on it when i can, even a short 5 minute ride around the block!
Too old for winter riding now, my joints won`t stand it!  :lol:

[NZDeano]

Bike is now stored over winter,just wondered how often members actually start the bike & let it run for a few minutes,bike is on optimizer,but was still a b*stard to start today,hasn't been started for 4 weeks,thinking I might have to start it every week,battery did seem a little discharged,engine slow turning over,optimizer showed charging symbol,so I assume the battery is ok? :(

Batt might be bad, if charger still shows "charging" after 4 weeks. Could be it will not take charge, = dead.

For what reason do you want to start your engine and let it run just for a short period during storage?
I NEVER start a engine for a short period during storage :!:  When started, it should be run and driven to reach normal temp.
Reason: When engine runs cold with choke on, there will be unburnt and partially burnt gas and acidic condence sipping past the piston rings and into the oil :shock: , and into the exhaust system. This can/will cause corrosion. You dont want that?
Running engine to normal temp will let unburnt gas and condence evaporate before it does any harm to engine and exhaust system.

+ 1 on this one. I live in cool moist climate in winter. If I start my guzzi for a short run in winter you wouldnt believe the oil/condensation crap on the inside of the rocker covers. On my scrambler you end up with white smeg on the inside of the veiwing glass. Since sighting this I always run them up to temperature now. Good advice.

[Chris Canning]

I rarely run mine during the winter,but when I do run it,take it up to temp at least untill the fan kicks in.

Re charging the battery,if I'm honest I don't know what to think!!,I've done a bit with batteries group buys etc,I use 8 Optimates for bikes/cars/spare batteries!!!,and I'm not totally convinced about having them on a battery tender all the time,this winter I'm periodically taking them off and letting them stand for a couple of weeks before putting them back on and working the battery.

How do you charge the battery??,through a pigstail or through the power outlet,I had poor success doing it through the outlet and now have a pigs tail on.

Tigers can be notoriousley lazy starters,I've always felt mine was under batteried and hence why I grafted a 535 on(don't do it,it's hassle) and even then from time to time can be lazy.

Most of which is a minor detail the price of batteries nowhere days is peanuts just fit another.

[iansoady]

I'm in the "don't start it at all" camp.

I remove the battery and give it an overnight trickle charge every month or so.

I do give the petrol tank an affectionate stroke every time I pass.....

[Zorst]

Mine is on the optimate and if i don't use the bike i have to start it once a week.

This serves two purposes, one is i feel it's better for the bike, keeps everything lubricated and removes condensation.

And the other is that i want and need to hear the bike :D