M50 cold start? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

xiaoyu · 01-11-2006, 12:33 PM

I am new here. I bought my first bike on ebay, which is 1999 Honda Shadow VLX in August 2005. I love the bike, expect the cold start in winter. I have to let it warm up about 10 mins in a cold day before I can ride it soomthly. I am thinking to buy M50 black for the FI. Can you tell me the worm up time of the M50 in the typical cold winter (like 30 to 40 degree F)?

Xiaoyu,

dragbar · 01-11-2006, 01:02 PM

I've had absolutely no problems in that weather or below starting. I always let it warm up while I tighten the gloves and drive off after a minute or so. No hesitation as the sensor seams pretty good at regulating the engine in cold weather.

**Trapper** · 01-11-2006, 01:05 PM

I have a carbed Marauder that starts like a gem in the cold. Choke, start, put on lid and gloves, ride for 2 minutes choke in, off to the races.... I'm not helping on the M50 though, but there was a thread a while back talking about how good the M50 is in the cold.

easypete · 01-11-2006, 01:12 PM

I've rode several times in the mid/upper 30's. I don't like to make noise in the neighborhood (I fear that most of my neighbors are quick draws with decent accuracy).

I get everything ready (helmet, gloves, overpants, etc), roll the bike out of the garage, close garage, get on bike, start to roll it down the driveway (downhill), start the bike as it's rolling, shift into 2nd and move on.

I love FI. I will be hard pressed to get a new bike without it.

BTW.... It runs basically like it does when warmed up, except it idles higher (auto-fast idle).

MagnumForce · 01-11-2006, 01:58 PM

Both of my bikes are parked in an open carport. I've ridden my M50 in the low 20's. Just start the bike, spend a minute putting on the gear, then ride it. No problems with engine performance, but the gas mileage did suffer slightly though.

xiaoyu · 01-11-2006, 02:18 PM

Thanks for all the input. I am calling around to find 05 model, so I can have better discount.

xiaoyu · 01-11-2006, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trappercase

I have a carbed Marauder that starts like a gem in the cold. Choke, start, put on lid and gloves, ride for 2 minutes choke in, off to the races.... I'm not helping on the M50 though, but there was a thread a while back talking about how good the M50 is in the cold.

A technician told me once that I should keep Choke-in as short as posssible to prevent clogging the spark plug. Do you think it's good idea to ride with Choke-in for few mins.?

**Trapper** · 01-11-2006, 02:49 PM

Good question, to which I haven't the foggiest. Anyone, anyone, Beuller, anyone?

MagnumForce · 01-11-2006, 02:59 PM

When a neighbor of mine was checking out my Sportster (he rides a Softail FXSTI, used to own a Sportster), he told me to push the choke partially in every few minutes until the choke lever is all the way in and the engine is running smoothly. Depending on outside temps, the warm up could take 5-10 minutes.

MagnumForce · 01-11-2006, 03:57 PM

I have checked out my HD service manual concerning choke operations and it seems I may be warming up the engine incorrectly. The following are choke operating instructions taken from the manual (with some words changed for comprehension):

Cool Engine: Be sure throttle is closed. Pull choke knob fully out. Turn the ignition switch on and press starter switch to operate the electric starter.

CAUTION: You must pay close attention to a C.V. carburetor equipped vehicle's warm-up time. Both excessive use and insufficient use of the choke may cause poor performance, erratic idle, poor fuel economy and spark plug fouling.

Outside Temps Less Than 50°F (10°C): The vehicle should be allowed to warm up for only 15-30 seconds before being driven. Initial warm-up periods longer than 30 seconds are not recommended. For temperatures well below 50°F (10°C), you may need to twist the throttle once or twice immediately before attempting engine start-up. This will add extra fuel from the carburetor accelerator pump to assist the start-up.

1. If the outside temperature is less than 50°F (10°C), ride for five minutes or three miles (5km) with choke knob fully out.

2. Push the choke knob in to approximately 1/2 way. Ride another two minutes or two miles (3km).

3. Then push choke knob fully in. If engine will not idle at specified rpm, pull out choke knob enough to allow correct idle speed. Ride another two minutes or two miles (3km); then push choke knob fully in.

Outside Temps Greater Than 50°F (10°C): The vehicle should be allowed to warm up for only 15-30 seconds before being driven. Initial warm-up periods longer than 30 seconds are not recommended.

1. If the outside temperature is greater than 50°F (10°C), ride for three minutes or two miles (3km) with choke knob fully out.

2. Push the choke knob in to approximately 1/2 way. Ride another two minutes or two miles (3km).

3. Then push choke knob fully in. If engine will not idle at specified rpm, pull out choke knob enough to allow correct idle speed. Ride another two minutes or two miles (3km); then push choke knob fully in.

Warm or Hot Engine: Open throttle 1/8-1/4 of full travel. Turn on ignition switch and operate electric starter. DO NOT USE CHOKE, unless engine will not idle at specified rpm. If engine will not idle at specified rpm, pull out choke knob enough to allow correct idle speed. Ride two minutes or two miles (3km); then push choke knob fully in.

Remarks: Although this describes choke operations on a Harley, YMMV. The point I'm getting here is to check your owners or service manual. Either MUST contain proper warm-up procedures.

xiaoyu · 01-11-2006, 09:19 PM

I live 3 miles from my work. 10 mins worm up time is too big of trouble for my ride. This evening I rode home with my choke fully on. In the middle of the riding, I closed the choke at signal light, but bike was dead when I put gear in. This result tell me that I can ride home with choke fully on without worm up time (actually 30 seconds or so after starts). I came home and looked at my owner's manual. It says:
1. Pull the choke knob up all the way to fully ON, if engine is cold.
2. Start the engine, leaving the throttle closed.
3. Immediately after the engine starts, operate the choke knob to keep fast idle.
4. About a half minute after the engine starts, push the choke knob down all way to fully OFF.
5. If idling is unstable, open the throttle slightly.

Above method is the everyday operation that I am doing. I was surprise to see totally different instruction from another manufacture.

MagnumForce · 01-11-2006, 09:21 PM

xiaoyu, your manual did not specify riding with the choke either fully or partially engaged?

xiaoyu · 01-11-2006, 09:22 PM

One dealer agreed to sell 05 M50 Black to me at his cost, plus $150 handling fee before tax. What do you think dealer's cost could be?

xiaoyu · 01-11-2006, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EZridr1

xiaoyu, your manual did not specify riding with the choke either fully or partially engaged?

My manual didn't mention any riding with choke ON. I am assuming this method is not recommanded. Does openning the throttle will bring in more air? If so, running higher gear will help lean the mix, which reduce the choke openning. Am I right?

tlwisner · 01-12-2006, 11:10 AM

My C50 started up beautifully this morning, it was 34°F. At least it will be about 60°F for the ride home! My C50 idles fast for about 1 minute, while I am putting on my helmet and gloves.

Fuel Injection kicks a$$!

MagnumForce · 01-12-2006, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xiaoyu

My manual didn't mention any riding with choke ON. I am assuming this method is not recommanded. Does openning the throttle will bring in more air? If so, running higher gear will help lean the mix, which reduce the choke openning. Am I right?

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Unfortunately, there seems to be different ways of warming a carbureted bike. My brother also warms up his Ninja ZX-9R the same way I have been warming up my Harley. To my understanding, opening the throttle adds more fuel to the mixture while sucking in more air. The carburetor was jetted at the factory to run at a predetermined mixture based on your locality's altitude. Your best bet is to solicit the opinions of several "HONDA CERTIFIED" mechanics and go by what you feel is the best method.

P.S.
Work is only a 5 mile ride for me. Unless I take a scenic route, the engine barely gets warmed up.

P.S.S
You're definitely better off with fuel injection.

xiaoyu · 01-12-2006, 02:17 PM

Can I modify my bike to be an automatic shoke operated bike?

Rockhead · 01-13-2006, 03:41 PM

Once it started to get down into the 30’s my m50 required a little twist of the throttle to start. Once it was started though it was fine. In the colder weather I did notice fuel consumption decreased to about 38 mpg.

xiaoyu · 01-23-2006, 02:19 PM

I bought M50 black two weeks ago. It's 25 degree F this morning. I started it and it was ready in one minute. I love it. The air is really cold...

01-11-2006, 12:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
xiaoyu Newbie Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 18	M50 cold start? I am new here. I bought my first bike on ebay, which is 1999 Honda Shadow VLX in August 2005. I love the bike, expect the cold start in winter. I have to let it warm up about 10 mins in a cold day before I can ride it soomthly. I am thinking to buy M50 black for the FI. Can you tell me the worm up time of the M50 in the typical cold winter (like 30 to 40 degree F)? Xiaoyu,

01-11-2006, 01:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
dragbar Fifth gear streak Joined: May 2005 Bike: M50 Location: SE Missouri Posts: 1,375	I've had absolutely no problems in that weather or below starting. I always let it warm up while I tighten the gloves and drive off after a minute or so. No hesitation as the sensor seams pretty good at regulating the engine in cold weather. __________________ I ate Chinese last night..........should of seen her struggle when i put her in the van. Доверя́й, но проверя́й.

01-11-2006, 01:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
Trapper Dogs Best Friend(admin) Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: SOLD Location: Moncton NB Canada Posts: 9,192	I have a carbed Marauder that starts like a gem in the cold. Choke, start, put on lid and gloves, ride for 2 minutes choke in, off to the races.... I'm not helping on the M50 though, but there was a thread a while back talking about how good the M50 is in the cold. __________________ PointFlushRetrieve.com - Bird Dog Blog Motorcycle-Journal.com Blog

01-11-2006, 01:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
easypete In Training Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: '05 M50 Blue Location: Douglasville, GA Posts: 138	I've rode several times in the mid/upper 30's. I don't like to make noise in the neighborhood (I fear that most of my neighbors are quick draws with decent accuracy). I get everything ready (helmet, gloves, overpants, etc), roll the bike out of the garage, close garage, get on bike, start to roll it down the driveway (downhill), start the bike as it's rolling, shift into 2nd and move on. I love FI. I will be hard pressed to get a new bike without it. BTW.... It runs basically like it does when warmed up, except it idles higher (auto-fast idle). __________________ Jardine 2:2 Slashcuts, Thunder Tornado (Black/Black), Techlusion TFI, ISO grips w/ throttle boss, Ellipse mirrors, Switchblade pegs, Forward Control Kit, Americana Soft Seat upgrade, and Debadged.

01-11-2006, 01:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	Both of my bikes are parked in an open carport. I've ridden my M50 in the low 20's. Just start the bike, spend a minute putting on the gear, then ride it. No problems with engine performance, but the gas mileage did suffer slightly though. __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

01-11-2006, 02:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
xiaoyu Newbie Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 18	Thanks for all the input. I am calling around to find 05 model, so I can have better discount.

01-11-2006, 02:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
Trapper Dogs Best Friend(admin) Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: SOLD Location: Moncton NB Canada Posts: 9,192	Good question, to which I haven't the foggiest. Anyone, anyone, Beuller, anyone? __________________ PointFlushRetrieve.com - Bird Dog Blog Motorcycle-Journal.com Blog

01-11-2006, 02:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	When a neighbor of mine was checking out my Sportster (he rides a Softail FXSTI, used to own a Sportster), he told me to push the choke partially in every few minutes until the choke lever is all the way in and the engine is running smoothly. Depending on outside temps, the warm up could take 5-10 minutes. __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

01-11-2006, 03:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	Warm-up Procedures for Choke-Equipped Motorcycles I have checked out my HD service manual concerning choke operations and it seems I may be warming up the engine incorrectly. The following are choke operating instructions taken from the manual (with some words changed for comprehension): Cool Engine: Be sure throttle is closed. Pull choke knob fully out. Turn the ignition switch on and press starter switch to operate the electric starter. CAUTION: You must pay close attention to a C.V. carburetor equipped vehicle's warm-up time. Both excessive use and insufficient use of the choke may cause poor performance, erratic idle, poor fuel economy and spark plug fouling. Outside Temps Less Than 50°F (10°C): The vehicle should be allowed to warm up for only 15-30 seconds before being driven. Initial warm-up periods longer than 30 seconds are not recommended. For temperatures well below 50°F (10°C), you may need to twist the throttle once or twice immediately before attempting engine start-up. This will add extra fuel from the carburetor accelerator pump to assist the start-up. 1. If the outside temperature is less than 50°F (10°C), ride for five minutes or three miles (5km) with choke knob fully out. 2. Push the choke knob in to approximately 1/2 way. Ride another two minutes or two miles (3km). 3. Then push choke knob fully in. If engine will not idle at specified rpm, pull out choke knob enough to allow correct idle speed. Ride another two minutes or two miles (3km); then push choke knob fully in. Outside Temps Greater Than 50°F (10°C): The vehicle should be allowed to warm up for only 15-30 seconds before being driven. Initial warm-up periods longer than 30 seconds are not recommended. 1. If the outside temperature is greater than 50°F (10°C), ride for three minutes or two miles (3km) with choke knob fully out. 2. Push the choke knob in to approximately 1/2 way. Ride another two minutes or two miles (3km). 3. Then push choke knob fully in. If engine will not idle at specified rpm, pull out choke knob enough to allow correct idle speed. Ride another two minutes or two miles (3km); then push choke knob fully in. Warm or Hot Engine: Open throttle 1/8-1/4 of full travel. Turn on ignition switch and operate electric starter. DO NOT USE CHOKE, unless engine will not idle at specified rpm. If engine will not idle at specified rpm, pull out choke knob enough to allow correct idle speed. Ride two minutes or two miles (3km); then push choke knob fully in. Remarks: Although this describes choke operations on a Harley, YMMV. The point I'm getting here is to check your owners or service manual. Either MUST contain proper warm-up procedures. __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

01-11-2006, 09:19 PM	#11 (permalink)
xiaoyu Newbie Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 18	I live 3 miles from my work. 10 mins worm up time is too big of trouble for my ride. This evening I rode home with my choke fully on. In the middle of the riding, I closed the choke at signal light, but bike was dead when I put gear in. This result tell me that I can ride home with choke fully on without worm up time (actually 30 seconds or so after starts). I came home and looked at my owner's manual. It says: 1. Pull the choke knob up all the way to fully ON, if engine is cold. 2. Start the engine, leaving the throttle closed. 3. Immediately after the engine starts, operate the choke knob to keep fast idle. 4. About a half minute after the engine starts, push the choke knob down all way to fully OFF. 5. If idling is unstable, open the throttle slightly. Above method is the everyday operation that I am doing. I was surprise to see totally different instruction from another manufacture.

01-11-2006, 09:21 PM	#12 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	xiaoyu, your manual did not specify riding with the choke either fully or partially engaged? __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

01-11-2006, 09:22 PM	#13 (permalink)
xiaoyu Newbie Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 18	One dealer agreed to sell 05 M50 Black to me at his cost, plus $150 handling fee before tax. What do you think dealer's cost could be?

01-12-2006, 11:10 AM	#15 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	My C50 started up beautifully this morning, it was 34°F. At least it will be about 60°F for the ride home! My C50 idles fast for about 1 minute, while I am putting on my helmet and gloves. Fuel Injection kicks a$$! __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create

01-12-2006, 02:17 PM	#17 (permalink)
xiaoyu Newbie Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 18	Can I modify my bike to be an automatic shoke operated bike?

01-13-2006, 03:41 PM	#18 (permalink)
Rockhead M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: M50 Location: 1060 West Addison, Chicago Posts: 3,767	re: cold starts Once it started to get down into the 30’s my m50 required a little twist of the throttle to start. Once it was started though it was fine. In the colder weather I did notice fuel consumption decreased to about 38 mpg.

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01-23-2006, 02:19 PM	#19 (permalink)
xiaoyu Newbie Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 18	I bought M50 black two weeks ago. It's 25 degree F this morning. I started it and it was ready in one minute. I love it. The air is really cold...