Warming Up the CB500

[Ingah]

When i bought my CB500 the dealer advised that when starting from cold that i turn on the choke, and start the engine to allow the bike to warm up for at least 30 seconds before setting off.

NP, thought i - i can put my gloves and helmet on whilst this process occurs, and then ride off. However, i've found that the bike won't let me put on my stuff in peace, for if i don't give the engine some few revs every 10 seconds or less, the engine dies. So i've had to adopt: glove on, rev bike, other glove on, rev bike, helmet on head, rev bike, fasten helmet, rev bike, get on bike. A little long winded, no?

Was wondering if there was some setting to help me out here - or am i supposed to put all my stuff on then sit on the bike actively warming it every time i want to go anywhere (i'd prefer not to have to, it already takes long enough to get going as it is!) I know the idle speed can be set, but i don't want to increase further it if its already correct!

N-reg with over 45K on the clock if it matters.

[rennie]

all bikes are different! i can ride the blade off almost straight away.

sue's 125 won't move for 3 or 4 minutes

[PMC]

My GS500 is the same. Mostly I don't bother warming it up much though... once the little b*tch decides to start, I'm off!

[Guest]

i find its best to start the bike and allow it to idle for a short period ( up to a min maximum whilst getting helmet and gloves on ) as this allows the oil to circulate and coat the clutch etc especially if started on side stand.

[slugworth1987]

start the girl up, once its sitting happily @ 1.5-2k rpm kill the choke and hold a fast idle on throttle @ 2.5-3rpm for around a min and should idle nicely GS500 is about the same but requires more time on choke

[Stu]

when you are putting your gloves on are you leaving the choke on too ?

its safe to leave the bike running when first started with the choke on at around 1500 - 2000 rpm

[Bill_on_a_bike]

Best way to warm it up is to ride it, but gently. Initally 30 seconds to a minute to get the oil a bit thinner, but after that riding it won't hurt it aslong as you don't rag it's nuts off.