i need honest advice

[Mantis]

Originally Posted by Squiz

An incredible statement about short journeys! You're making me look knowledgeable, thanks.

I see your ears are still wide-shut.

Then you probably havent heard of the 1 mile rule, if you run an engine for 1 mile or less then you will kill it, over that is fine as long as the engine is reaching its operating temperature, that the engine oil it change regular to make sure that the viscosity is correct to ensure running parts are oiled.

Now Diesel engines are different, a lot of frequent 4 - 10 miles journey will kill it, and is probably where a lot of people think that 5 mile journeys will kill their petrol engine.

A lot of people who store bikes over winter dont know how to do it, they think slinging an optimate on the battery and covering it up is doing the bike good, nope your have to prepare a bike properly for winter storage and then you have to take the right measures when you bring the bike back into play in spring. People who store there bikes and just cover the bike over in a garage without preparing it for storage are doing more harm to their bike and not just the engine than people who ride short journeys all year long.

But in one token, if your only going to use it for short journeys then if you have the room buy a twist and go for the work journey and make sure you use the Harley for proper ride outs, my Harley is like all the bikes I have owned more or less my sole form of transport, I hate driving and leave the car at home for the wife.

[banquo]

Originally Posted by Mantis

if you run an engine for 1 mile or less then you will kill it, over that is fine as long as the engine is reaching its operating temperature

Harleys are air and oil cooled, with cooling fins designed to keep it cool in standing traffic; there's no thermostat like on a water-cooled engine, which means it's over-cooled from starting. Mine takes about 6-10 miles, dependent on outside temperature, rain, etc. before the oil tank is warm. That's on a good run, not in stop-go conditions. After 1 mile, it's stone cold.

Now Diesel engines are different, a lot of frequent 4 - 10 miles journey will kill it

Really? My diesel car does about 1500 journeys a year of that length, and it's 5 years old now. Should I expect it to explode any day now...? I do have to do a longer run on a regular basis, but only to clear out the DPF.

I'm not sure that these sweeping generalisations are helpful...

[Mantis]

Originally Posted by banquo

I'm not sure that these sweeping generalisations are helpful...

If it reaches operating temperature then it will be find, mine does 2 miles there and 2 miles back and its fine, not stone cold, as for cooling fans cooling the back down in standstill traffic that was funny .

Yes, you are more likely to damage your Diesel engine than your Harley doing short journeys, get a petrol car if your doing short journeys.

Look Engines have been my lively hood for quite a few years, especially diesel engines.

I dont generalise and most of my information comes from experience and from top engineers, so you can take it or leave it, but dont tell me I'm making generalisations.