Safe to Warm Up Air-Cooled BMW Stationary?

[EasyGoingPat]

Hi,

I have just acquired a BMW R1100S. I was surprised in the manual to read that, when the engine is started from cold, you should ride away in less than 30 seconds. Does anyone know how important this is?

Presumably, the lack of air-flow means the engine will warm up unevenly, perhaps stressing some parts, but I've had various air-cooled bikes throughout my life and never worried about this.

It can be inconvenient, too. Recently, I did some maintenance work on the engine and needed to check one or two things with the engine running and warm, but I can't take the bike on the road at the moment because it is declared SORN.

Any help or advice from experienced BM owners (or owners of other big air-cooled bikes) would be very much appreciated.

Kind wishes ~ Patrick


____________________
Thank you to anyone taking the time to read my posts.

[devojunior]

why would you be concerned about about it benig air cooled if you trying to warm it up anyway aslong as its not sat on choke for 20 mins whilst ya get a shower

[Aff]

I assume it's an oil pressure thing rather than uneven warm up.

Letting it warm up from idle for a few times in its life to let you do maintenance won't do any damage.
____________________
Current Bikes:Honda 929RR Fireblade, Honda CD200 Benly (Project), Stomp Z2 140
Electric Bike Project

[EasyGoingPat]

Regarding the question about why I would want to warm up the bike, the main one is to get an oil level indication in the sight glass. Again reading from the manual, it states that the level can vary by 1cm if the bike is not properly warm and then allowed to stand for 5 minutes.

I never remember to check the oil when I have been for a ride, so I would like to warm the bike standing.

To be honest, it is just something i'd rather not have to worry about.
____________________
Thank you to anyone taking the time to read my posts.

[Scootaloo]

[c_dug]

I wouldn't worry too much, I've seen my dad's r1100s sit idling for that long without issue.

If you're really concerned maybe pop on to the boxertrix forum, there seems to be a wealth of knowledge there.
____________________
I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[hmmmnz]

arnt the r1100 oil cooled?

i happily leave my air head idling for a few minutes with no dramas

can't think an oil head is much different, as long as the pump is pumping the oil it shouldnt be a major issue untill it reaches a few hundred degrees, which isnt going to happen in 5 minutes of idling
____________________
the humans are dead
I kick arse for the lord
Wiring Diagrams BIDNIP it bitches

[map]

[caragh]

Think it may be due to instances of fire caused by the oil level window blowing and leaking onto the headers, not sure how long it takes to occur but common wisdom seems to be start then ride.
____________________
Triumph Tiger 800 XR

[temeluchus]

I cant see it hurting, just keep an eye on the oil temperature.

You should be reading the oil level cold anyways. If you allow the engine oil pump to suck oil up into the crevices you will get a false reading, where you got the idea to read it warm I don't know.
____________________
Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[Llama-Farmer]

This is standard recommended practice in a lot of vehicles, including water-cooled cars.


Something to do with the exhaust gases... when the engine is cold and idling, the gases are very acidic or something, and can slowly eat cylinder lining and piston rings.

Under load or when the engine is up to temp it is not a problem.
In the real world, it is also not a problem for the most part.
____________________
Current Bike: 1999 Honda CB600 FX Hornet
Next Bike: I want a CBR-RR. And I want an F800 GS-A. And a VFR 800. Can I have all 3?
Dream Bikes: Honda VFR750R RC30, Honda NSR500, Ducati 996 R

[hmmmnz]

[Rogerborg]

[davebike]

Be very careful BMW r series air / oil cooled DO NOT like idling stationery
I have had a customer seize one
No more than 5 mins !

The engine's cooling dose not work unless the bike is in motion
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[DrDonnyBrago]

Next time you pop out for currywurst and sauerkraut check the oil when you get back.

[pdg]

I can't think of any engine where idling for extended periods does any good at all.

For servicing requirements on air cooled engines, I would personally always stick a fan blowing in the direction of 'normal' airflow if I needed to have it sat running.

As for all this 'warming up' malarkey (except because race car/bike of course), it's just annoying whether it's a bike/car/mower/whatever. As soon as the oil is up to pressure it's circulating and good to go - which is when the oil light goes out (if there's no oil light, 5-10 seconds is more than enough on a reasonable condition engine). You may have a 'cold' engine, but you'll also have cold tyres so take it easyish for the first 1/2 mile and it's all fine.
____________________
Any and all advice given should not be followed - if you have to ask it means you don't know so get a man in to do it for you.

[bikenut]

Be very careful BMW r series air / oil cooled DO NOT like idling stationery
I have had a customer seize one
No more than 5 mins !

The engine's cooling dose not work unless the bike is in motion

blimmey, what about sitting at traffic lights or road works or jams etc

do they have an automatic heat activated cooling fan for this?
____________________
nuts about bikes

[davebike]

They can get to hot in traffic but as most are ridden by experienced riders who tend to filter there not to much of an issue
I think with any air cooled bike I switch off if stuck for more the 5 mins ! probably on/in any bike /car why sit still burning fuel if not going anywhere
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[69chris]

it might just be because its illegal to idle your engine in germany....

Section 30 of the StVO (German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations)
states:
“When operating a vehicle it is forbidden to produce
undue noise and avoidable air pollution from exhaust
fumes. Especially prohibited is the unnecessary idling
of engines.”
According to the LImSchG (Federal Immission
Control Act) and the StVO it is against the law to
wilfully and knowingly violate these paragraphs.
Violation can result in a heavy fine.

strange lot

[Rogerborg]

[map]

[EasyGoingPat]

Thank you very much for all those replies.

On balance, I think I will aim to avoid idling a cold engine (the seized engine story was SCARY), and I will just try to remember to keep a general eye on the oil level whenever I get back from a run.

In reply to temeluchus about where I got the idea about checking oil on a warm engine, this is a paraphrased quote from the manual: 'Only check the engine oil when the engine is at normal operating temperature. ... Checking the oil level after the engine has only been used for a short time or is only just warm could lead to wrong interpretations...'

Incidentally (and this maybe a separate question), but does anyone know if I need to worry if I get stuck in traffic on a hot day?

- Patrick
____________________
Thank you to anyone taking the time to read my posts.

[bikenut]

apparently you should turn the engine off like the rest of us do.......?

see the bmw black museum........

the japs fit an auto cooling fan as do most if not all bike makers do.....so bmw being german etc.......
____________________
nuts about bikes

[pdg]

[CaNsA]