i need honest advice

[Mantis]

The main issue with short journeys is not heating the engine up but not thrashing the bike from cold as the oil needs to be dispensed around the working parts before you thrash it. Idling the bike doesn't work either as most the oil sits in the sump and your only really warming up the bottom end.

Using a bike as a toy, I.E only riding it at weekends or every now and then does far more damage than lots of small journeys.

Take it from some one who only commutes 6 miles to work and back and uses bikes rain, wind, snow and cold, everywhere and anywhere.

Twist n go, Harley, R1 whatever, all will have the same effect.

The best advice is walk, bus or cycle its far cheaper

[Urrell]

Originally Posted by Mantis

Using a bike as a toy, I.E only riding it at weekends or every now and then does far more damage than lots of small journeys.

That's the most uninformed advice I have seen here.
Its the journey where the engine does not get hot enough to burn off the condensates that will cause corrosion and wear in the engine.
Most wear occurs in the first few minutes after start until the oil circulates properly with a rich mixture not helping.

How many here would run a Harley as a short distance commuter bike 12 months of the year in all weathers. There will be a few but perhaps less than 5%. This is something a small plastic twist and go is excellent at. The Harley is an enthusiasts machine rather than a regular short distance commuter.

PS: Most if not all Harleys do not have oil sitting in the sump, It's in the oil tank as the sump runs dry.

[the_monster]

[quote=patrick;717487]
pps - cages tend to get out of the way of Harleys = they hate scooters
/quote]

or maybe not !!

[Urrell]

Bloody hell.
That's the first time I've seen that

[the_monster]

should have been on the shovel - the sonic wave from the pipes would have repelled the twat !

[drunkenmonky]

Originally Posted by groovyfm

I am thinking very hard about getting a harley to commute to work.

A lot of people have told me to get a scooter or some other mincy machine but i really really want a harley.

I am keen for some expert advice - the more honest and detailed, the better.

further possibly relevant info:

I have a 6 week old baby.
I live in london and would need to ride about 4.5 miles to work.
I do not have a garage or off street parking (although i might be able to clear some space at the front of the house)
I have never ridden a bike before and don't have my bike license yet

iff it feels good do it"

[the mole]

Well for a start dont take any notice of mordueman he has not got a goate nor a beer belly but he does brew a good pint of real ale. Get your experience on a 125 then get your test past then you can join the rest of the us and be a part of a fantastic club.good luck it will open up your life your little one will love you for it.:60277eb7b04744289c0:60277eb7b04744289c0:60277e b7b04744289c0

[Kiwi]

Originally Posted by groovyfm

I am thinking very hard about getting a harley to commute to work.

A lot of people have told me to get a scooter or some other mincy machine but i really really want a harley.

I am keen for some expert advice - the more honest and detailed, the better.

further possibly relevant info:

I have a 6 week old baby.
I live in london and would need to ride about 4.5 miles to work.
I do not have a garage or off street parking (although i might be able to clear some space at the front of the house)
I have never ridden a bike before and don't have my bike license yet

If you are serious about getting a bike rather than a twist and go scooter try a 125 trail bike - they work just fine on the road and if you can find somewhere off road to ride you can have a lot of fun there as well

[Mantis]

Originally Posted by Urrell

That's the most uninformed advice I have seen here.

I beg to differ.

Its the journey where the engine does not get hot enough to burn off the condensates that will cause corrosion and wear in the engine.
Most wear occurs in the first few minutes after start until the oil circulates properly with a rich mixture not helping.

No matter how long and what kind of journey you take as long as the engine gets hot you wont have that problem, and even better if its used daily.

However using a bike every now and then is like basically allowing the internals to dry out, in other words allow to lose all lubricating oil and then starting it up dry.

How many here would run a Harley as a short distance commuter bike 12 months of the year in all weathers. There will be a few but perhaps less than 5%. This is something a small plastic twist and go is excellent at. The Harley is an enthusiasts machine rather than a regular short distance commuter.

You may consider that so, but they are still a form of transport and suffer no more or no less, than other brands they are up to commuting, they are built to be ridden, just depends on the owner keeping them cleaned, lube and looked after, just like any other brand.

PS: Most if not all Harleys do not have oil sitting in the sump, It's in the oil tank as the sump runs dry.

Sorry my mistake, used to jap bikes , either way its the same in practice.

Give me some credit, engines I know about, I build and repair them.

[Scotty]

Originally Posted by Mantis

Give me some credit, engines I know about, I build and repair them.

You need a new career!