Started up scoot today after sitting for a month or so, Both pipes got very RED all the way back to the cross over, I don't think the pipes have ever glowed before in full day light, this can't be normal, the bike is bone stock. Do others pipe glow that much?

 

Did you remember to move the bike, or was it just sitting still?

 

it was sitting still, it is 5 deg out, but the bike has idled for a couple minutes before!

 

I crank mine at least daily and let it run for about two minutes and I have never noticed red pipes before. Hope is not something caused from sitting and not being ridden?

 

Talk to a harley tech today, he thinks the oil may have been to thick (cold) for it to pump.
Going home to night and turning heat on in the garage, and try it again.
It can't be good for it to run even for a couple seconds with no oil flow!!

 

Were they like this?

 

When you are storing these bikes, the best thing to do is put the battery on a tender. I got a black and decker tender for $10 at walmart. Fill the gas tank full and add a little Stabil. Then let it sit. When you are ready to ride check the tire pressure and go. It is not good to start the bike for no reason in cold weather.If you are going to ride a lotin verycold weather you will want to usea lighter oil then the 20W-50 (temps and oils are in the owners manual).

 

I try not and get mine out in anything below 50 degrees F. I know a lot of guys do and that's cool (no pun intended), but I don't get a lot of enjoyment out of it so I don't. I do live in Texas, so I can't relate to having to put my bike up for winter storage. I make sure I ride it at least 20 - 60 miles (enough time to get the engine hot and burn off any condensation, etc.) at least every 2 - 3 weeks during the winter. I try not and start it for short periods of time when it is below 50 deg. I did have mine out when it was 48 F the other day, but I rode if for 30 miles so it got all the way up to operating temp.

I think the owners manual says that 20w50 is good for temps above 40 degree F.

 

Agreed, starting a bike in the winter to let it idle does absolutely nothing for the bike what so ever. 5 deg, you are running full rich, get a battery tender and let it sit, better to have some oil in the cylinders than gas.

 

I agree with wbogley its best to just let it siot until spring not good at all to start for a couple of minutes