Need your help convincing myself! PLEASE HELP!

[balvenie]

FWIW
I'm paranoid and check myCali's oil and tyres before every ride. Try that for a few months until  a pattern of "behavior" emerges ;D

[Bill Hagan]

I apologize for not updating my thread and keeping you guys posted...

Unfortunately it isn't due to a lot of riding on a new bike...

First, thank you all again for your help and advice!

Now, unfortunately, my financial situation has taken a turn for the worse and I haven't been able to justify a large purchase like that of a new bike or another loan.

I'm still visiting the forum and read on all the vast information it contains!

I'll keep you all posted when things change and I'll get a new machine.

Thanks again!

Don't rush finances.

How anyone even gets by in the NYC metro area is a mystery to me.

In good time -- and you'll know when -- you'll have a motorcycle, and it'll be all the sweeter for the wait.  Trust me. It's the rare Guzzi out there that isn't owned by someone who hasn't been where you are now.

Best wishes ...

Bill

[JProdun]

Well, looks like i bought a bike today.

It's a '14 Stone in black with 1000 on the clock. Dealer had it as a fleet. Had already done the 600 mile service and recent oil change. No prep fees, so saved quite a penny there. Sold as a new vehicle with full 2 year warranty.

Will bring it home sometime this week.

Questions to follow :)

Appreciate everyone's help on here!

[Chuck in Indiana]

You VILL like it!  ;D :BEER:
Congrats.

[EvanM]

Congrats!

[JProdun]

Brought it home this Friday. Was a lovely ride, though i didn't get to enjoy it much due to rush hour traffic and extremely limited time on my end. But man that torque is so sweet! And all the mechanical sounds the engine makes!

Pipes will have to go though... Have Mistrals on my mind. And mirrors... Can't see a thing behind me no matter how much i tried to adjust them.  Round bar ends would probably be my choice as I had them on my previous bike and enjoyed the visibility as well as the look on the bike.

Didn't have a chance to take it out this weekend, but am planning on putting some miles on this thing during this season.

By the way, i'm not really a fan of luggage (also because both the brackets and bags are really expensive) and prefer back packs for that matter. So, can anyone recommend a large back pack? Something really durable like military and somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 to 50L, so it won't look extremely big and awkward on my back.

[JProdun]

We've discussed previously about starting the bike in the winter time. If i'll do that, then I gotta go ride it for 20-30 minutes or 30-60 miles.

Now, spring-summer time... I'm planning on using the bike to commute everywhere i can. The thing is though, everything is around me. My job - 15 minutes taking the streets. My school - 8 minutes. Store - 2 minutes... etc. so the question is whether it's a bad idea to take the bike on any of those short errands? Meaning it won't fully warm up as mentioned before and possibly damage the internals if done often?

Appreciate your help!

[Kev m]

I'd say generally the school and store are bad ideas UNLESS you take the long way there or home most of the time.

I'd probably suggest the same with the job too, but perhaps take the long way every other day or so.

[JProdun]

Thank you Kev!

I could take the long way to both work and school. Stretch it out to lets say 20 minutes? Would that be ok?

Sunday is my ride day, so i will be running it for longer than 20 minutes at a time, but most likely only once or twice a week.

[JProdun]

Also, what is it that's important for warm up? I mean, is it the time spent on the bike (i.e. 30-60 minutes) or the miles (i.e. the 20-30 miles)?

Because half an hour riding in Brooklyn, would equal to about 5 miles sometimes...

Apologies if the question a bit stupid. Looking to keep the bike for quite a while, but at the same time would like to use it as much as I can.

Thanks a lot!

[Lannis]

We've discussed previously about starting the bike in the winter time. If i'll do that, then I gotta go ride it for 20-30 minutes or 30-60 miles.

Now, spring-summer time... I'm planning on using the bike to commute everywhere i can. The thing is though, everything is around me. My job - 15 minutes taking the streets. My school - 8 minutes. Store - 2 minutes... etc. so the question is whether it's a bad idea to take the bike on any of those short errands? Meaning it won't fully warm up as mentioned before and possibly damage the internals if done often?

Appreciate your help!

I'm surprised that, living in a highly built-up area like you do, that you don't have a moped or scooter-sized vehicle for the 6 block rides to the stores.   You're not going to hurt them taking short trips (that's what they're made for), you can stick a basket on the front or back to carry things.    I know you can't afford a fleet of vehicles but something like a C70 Honda doesn't take up much room or money ... ?

Lannis

[JProdun]

Hi Lennis,

I'll give you a few reasons...

1. Don't have a garage and keeping three vehicles on a street (don't forget we have street cleaning around here) could get pretty difficult and time consuming.

2. My wife is not exactly happy having even two vehicles at a time. Whatever they are.

3. I do have to use my car quite often. Both for work and to go out as I have two little ones.

4. Scooters are simply bot for me. Just like a smart car that can't imagine driving.

That's that...

I've exaggerated about going to a store on a bike. Won't happen. Because it's either shopping for a week for the whole family (won't fit on a bike) or i could literally walk over there and it would take less time then getting anything started and driving or riding.

I'm just trying to see whether i could take my bike places without having to get out on a highway and run it for 20-30 miles at a time. Because while i could stretch my time getting places, I can't really put on the mentioned amount of miles running my errands. It would take forever riding on the streets.

[NCAmother]

Hi JP, I've heard some stories of thefts in Brooklyn, even in Park Slope.  In Venice Beach (CA) where I was for a while, it was pretty common, and very very common in SF/Oakland where I lived for 10 years.  Having to rent out a garage is expensive, but maybe worth it.  I've had trucks stolen and or vandalized which is a bummer.  Would be a big bummer to have some idiot mess with such a nice bike.  
Oh, and for backpacks I have a nice large dakine bag that doubles as a work/hiking bag.  A tank bag would be more safer though.  PS, congrats on the bike!

[JProdun]

Basically the question is whether i have to ride it at least 30 minutes at a time or does it have to be both, 30 minutes and 20+ miles?

Probably a stupid question, but gotta know.

[ponti_33609]

Basically the question is whether i have to ride it at least 30 minutes at a time or does it have to be both, 30 minutes and 20+ miles?

Probably a stupid question, but gotta know.

FWIW I asked Moto International that same question on my last month's purchase of a v7.  I am not saying I feel 100% comfortable but they did tell me they did not believe it to be an issue (shortish trips like you mention).  Just passing along.

[JProdun]

True about the garage, but the last time I had a garage, bike would just sit there for way longer than I ever wanted. It would take time to get in the car, drive to the garage etc. and then the same way backwards. So a lot of times I was like:Nah, too much headache. Don't want it to happen again. Want to put some miles on the beauty.

[NCAmother]

True about the garage, but the last time I had a garage, bike would just sit there for way longer than I ever wanted. It would take time to get in the car, drive to the garage etc. and then the same way backwards. So a lot of times I was like:Nah, too much headache. Don't want it to happen again. Want to put some miles on the beauty.

:) 

[Kev m]

Thank you Kev!

I could take the long way to both work and school. Stretch it out to lets say 20 minutes? Would that be ok?

Sunday is my ride day, so i will be running it for longer than 20 minutes at a time, but most likely only once or twice a week.

<and>

Also, what is it that's important for warm up? I mean, is it the time spent on the bike (i.e. 30-60 minutes) or the miles (i.e. the 20-30 miles)?

Because half an hour riding in Brooklyn, would equal to about 5 miles sometimes...

There are 2 concerns, both of which I think you'll be fine with from what you're saying.

1. Battery charge - it takes some time to replace the amount of electricity your starter ate up when you started a vehicle. We used to be taught it CAN take as much as 20 minutes to do that, but I tend to think that's probably old thinking and modern charging systems, better starter motors, etc. mean it doesn't take that long, but what does it take, 5 minutes, 10 minutes? It takes something, and if you don't get out for longer rides once in a while, you may find your battery weak or dead at some point.

One random google data point:

http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/57642/how-long-does-it-take-to-recharge-a-car-battery-after-starting

2. Oil and Moisture - every time you start a cold motor you produce more nasty byproducts of combustion that contaminate your oil. These byproducts combine with moisture that condenses every time a hot motor cools and form acids. Now the acids are neutralized by your oil additive package (which eventually runs out, that's why there are change intervals that are shorter for lots of local or extreme temp stuff). But the shorter the runs and colder the temps, the more likely you might be to suffer some wear/damage or even a catastrophic failure from ridiculously contaminated oil (the last one is VERY VERY rare, but good to be aware of on an air-cooled motor).

So 20 minutes in the winter is borderline, 20 minutes is the summer is fine, 30-40 minutes with lots of idling, you're probably peachy at least on the moisture, and the battery too as long as you're not running a ridiculous amount of heated gear.


As for the rest of the - get a scooter bla bla bla - it's well intentioned I guess. And there is merit to the suggestion.

But jezus where does it end?

It would be BETTER to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, not drink too much coffee, or alcohol, or take too many risks...

Or maybe screw it, within reason, I just want to have some frickin' fun.

Have FUN,

Kev

[Testarossa]

I've used my 850T for running errands and short commutes since 1984.  I did rebuild it sometime around 50,000 miles but jeez. I don't consider short trips in warm weather a serious issue. Just change the oil frequently and put a voltmeter on the bars so you can monitor the state of the battery.

Cold starts in wintertime are more damaging. When I lived in New York I garaged the bike in winter and used it only when the weather was decent by which I mean over 40F for long enough to clear the streets of any trace of ice. But my apartment building had a garage underneath so it wasn't a pain to get to the bike.

[JProdun]

Ok. I think I get the idea. Appreciate everyone's input!

I'll try to extend every trip to at least 20 minutes during summer, plus longish rides i'm going to do once a week or so, and winter, since I won't be riding it every day, will do longer than that.

Plus earlier oil changes.

[JProdun]

In regards to scooters, i completely understand that it was well intentioned. Apologies if my answer seemed rude as i did not intend it to be.

[JProdun]

Oh, should i use regular gas?

Use premium on my car, but have used regular on my previous bike. Had a 250 single.

[nick949]

As for the 20 mile thing.............I accept all the good advise that wise men have provided about engine wear etc. - BUT so many people agonize about proper warm-up, the correct oil, perfect maintenance schedules etc, etc. then change their bikes like their underwear before they've ever even seen enough use to wear through a set of tyres.

Just ride it when you want. It'll probably outlast you anyway.

Nick

[JProdun]

Thanks Nick! I'm not that old though :)

[nick949]

Thanks Nick! I'm not that old though :)

Even so!  I doubt whether the people that owned the 1930s, 40s, 50s Nortons, BSAs, Panthers, Vincents, Harleys, AJS's etc. and rode them to work every single day ever gave a thought about warming their bikes up properly on their way to work or whether they were getting too many toxic chemicals in their oil.  They just rode them. Some of them are still around - still being ridden.  Perhaps yours will be too.  Don't sweat it - it's just a bike.

Nick

[JProdun]

Again, really appreciate everyone's input and advice! It's an amazing community here and i'm proud to eventually be a part of it!

Now, a side question: how many, and what are the tools that were included with your bike? (Under the seat i'm assuming?)

Also, was there a service manual and warranty booklet as well?

Thanks a lot!

[boatdetective]

Forget the tools that came with it- you should put together your own tool kit (lots of threads here on that). As for manuals, you can find them at Guzzitek.org. Others will chime in that the service manual only covers so much. Any self respecting Guzzisti needs to get a copy of Dave Richardson's Guzziology (go to Moto International).

Don't forget the red suspenders!!

[Kev m]

First, I kinda agree with everything else that's been said since yesterday regarding the distance thing.

I'm just laying out the theory of why you want to, more often than not, warm it up and make sure the battery is charged.

I'll try to extend every trip to at least 20 minutes during summer

No no, that's exactly when you should be fine with shorter trips.

The warmer it is out, faster it warms up, so the less contamination of the oil occurs (both during warm up and during hot/cold cycles), and heck, even the less energy is used by the battery to start it.

The colder it is out the opposite, so the more those things benefit you.

But generally speaking, unless we're talking extremes you'll be fine.

On the fuel thing, I believe it is spec'd for 91, and generally speaking that means that is what you should run. I experimented with 89 (because of some favorable reports on this board) but mine would ping a little too easily on that, so I generally don't do that. ESPECIALLY in the warmer months.

[JProdun]

How important is this plug?

[ponti_33609]

Used for setting the valves I believe.....find TDC etc.......prob have spiders in there and such?  :>