cold weather starting

[oldyam80sg]

What is the coldest temp the bike will start at? have not started my XS since maybe October but has a somewhat new battery and fuel stabilizer in tank. I guess I will find out soon. Bike sits in a storage unit and is out of the elements but still inside a cold metal space.

[cajun31]

Why do you want to start it? Why not just winterize it and wait until spring? Starting in cold weather have many bad effects. Pipes heat up then cool down... possible condensation ... and rust. Better to just drain gas from carbs... Stabil in fuel tank and wait for warm weather. As for the coldest... I would presume that would have more to do with what grade oil you currently have in it.

[oldyam80sg]

Never heard of starting it in cold weather to be bad for a motorcycle or any other vehicle for that matter. To me if a vehicle is running good, it should start up in any weather. I have had this bike since 1986 and always started up no matter what is happening outside. My Kawasaki ZRX 1100 is the same way-should start up no matter how cold it is. If the weather is nice enough to ride and there is not salt on the roads, by all means I will ride. Bike never really sits dormant for any length of time.

[cajun31]

I am not one to argue the point ... but what i said is true.

[Schming]

I know they'll start in colder temps than I wish to ride in

[oldyam80sg]

Maybe I should have said what is the coldest temperature you start the bike at. Never have I read in any manual stating don't start the bike in this temp. I don't see your reasoning, Don't want to argue just cannot understand what you said. Pipes get hot and cool down normally, not like I'm throwing water to cool them down. And if this was so bad-I don't think my bike would have lasted this long.

[DiverRay]

The only two problems I can think of is a frozen battery and the oil so thick the starter clutch won't catch. If it gets well below 32F and then warms up, you may want to try and "warm up" the engine with a heat lamp about 20 minutes before trying to start it.
But then, I did have to go to Plattsburg one January for a field service job, so I am thinking COLD!

[jetmechmarty]

I have ridden my XS1100 to work when the temp was 23F. I has been many years since I last did that, but I believe it warmed up and dissipated the moisture on the 30 mile ride. A short run in the cold can leave moisture in the engine. So, if I start it in the cold, I bring it to operating temperature.

[motoman]

oldyam80, back when still young and invincible and having bought my Venturer new, I used to cover it with blankit and put a heat lamp under it overnite as it was outside. Started it up in morning to ride to work 10miles. That ride was -30degrees on several occassions! It always started right up still having 20-40w oil in crankcase and ran fine. Some 40yrs. later now,still having that Venturer I would'nt even consider doing such a thing! BTW, was living in Durango, Colo. back in those days.

[oldyam80sg]

Bike started right up in 19 degrees outside.

[cajun31]

Maybe I should have said what is the coldest temperature you start the bike at. Never have I read in any manual stating don't start the bike in this temp. I don't see your reasoning, Don't want to argue just cannot understand what you said. Pipes get hot and cool down normally, not like I'm throwing water to cool them down. And if this was so bad-I don't think my bike would have lasted this long.

This is a good read... with opposing views... but the bottom line is if you are not planning on riding the bike then don't start it. Starting your bike in cold weather... Is this bad? (apriliaforum.com)

[Bonz]

Good deal it started, probably didn’t get taken for a ride though LOL at that temp. Main thing being talked about here whether directly or indirectly, is the cylinder head and pipes may come up to operating temperature but the oil will never get up to operating temperature unless you take it for a ride. Condensation forms in the crankcase and unless the mufflers get hot enough there will be condensation pooled up in the bottom which can be an issue. Countless XS1100 exhaust systems have that problem with the mufflers that’s why it’s so hard to find them in good condition. Corrosion is only noticed when it gets through the chrome. Until then it can be as thin as paper and you’ll never know.

Living in Colorado my XS1100 and ZRX1200 go 4-6 weeks with road conditions such as sand, road chemicals and/or temperatures limiting riding over the winter. IMO, it is better to let the bike sit. Keep the battery charged if there is any doubt about the battery and wait to go for a real ride vs starting it up and let it run.

The initial question was clear, you wanted to know what is the coldest temperature the bike will start at. You say it was 19 deg, I suspect you saw that coming and thus the crux of the question.

[oldyam80sg]

If they didn't put salt on the roads already, the bike would have been ridden. I have clothes that I use for that cold weather so I have no issue with the cold. I will ride the bike regardless of how much people say it will damage it.

[cajun31]

Bottom line is no one in any of their comments has said anything about not riding the bike. Everyone has their tolerance level as to when it is too cold or unsafe to ride. The point that was being made is that simply going out to a cold garage or even outside in the cold just to start the bike and let it idle for a while thinking that is good for the bike and the battery is simply not true and should not be done. This forum is for the education of all. What you decide to do with your bike is absolutely your decision. Riding it is much better then just letting it idle and I hope that the weather and conditions in your area allow extended ride time for you.

[nezzer]

I regularly ride my bike in the cold. My personal lower limit is about 40 degrees F but will on occasion ride in lower temperatures. I draw the line at freezing because I don't want to hit ice. Living in the plains of Colorado, the temperature can swing by as much as 50 degrees during the day. I have ridden the 1100 into work in the early morning at 35 degrees then by the afternoon it has climbed to 85. Riding a motorcycle, even for something as mundane as commuting, can improve my whole day so its worth it to me.

But you didn't ask about my personal tolerances or what cold weather gear I wear, though I have to point out I did install an outlet on the 1100 for my heated vest. You asked about what temperature the bike will start and ride at. Even at 40 degrees, the bike does start slower and the choke needs to be on longer. I use only AGM batteries, and haven't noticed any reduction in life. To be frank though, I don't really care if starting in cold weather lowers the battery life because batteries are a consumable and easily replaced in exchange for getting to ride year round.

I do have an aftermarket exhaust because my OEM one rusted apart. Never thought about condensation in the cold being a potential culprit. That's good to know. But it was rusty before I bought the bike. The oil is certainly a concern. I definitely let it warm up longer before putting any load on the bike. I just start it up then take a five minutes getting all my cold weather gear on. I also check the tire pressure because of course in the cold it will be lower. I add some air but don't go crazy getting it back up to spec at 40 degrees because for me, my commute home will likely be much warmer.

I have not noticed any issues with any lubricated points. Clutch works fine, suspension works fine, brakes work fine. The bike rides just fine at 40 degrees.

Riding in the cold may not be for everyone, but I like it. These days I do most of my cold weather riding on my 1975 Suzuki TS250 enduro bike. Besides being a simple two stroke, I have powder coated most everything on the bike so I am a lot less concerned about damage due to the sand that is down on the winter roads around here. I have a temperature probe on the head. The bike (air cooled of course) runs pretty much the same head temperature in the winter as in the summer. The ambient temperature is far less impactful on head temperature than the loading (e.g. full throttle 60 MPH) and consistency of air flow across the heads.

If you want to ride in the winter, I say go for it. If you are concerned about hurting the bike, buy a beater