In my garage it is in the low 50s when outside is low-mid 30s. I fire the engine and put on my gear then ride easy (low rpm, quarter throttle max) 1.2 miles to enter the hiway. I gain speed kind of medium to 70 mph and set the cruise for the next 9 miles.

It is uphill (mountain) and I gain a couple thousand feet elevation and lose around 5 to 7 degrees before I get to work. My oil temp will still be in the cold range (below 180) when I get there. The bike runs fine. I have HD syn 20-50 oil in all three holes.

 

Harleys are not made to be pampered,that's where alot of engine damage comes from.

 

As some others have indicated. The head should be warm to the touch before riding giving the oil a chance to come up to temperature.

 

I have ridden my 09 SG all winter long in freezing conditions...

Finally added an oil cooler and installed an oil temp gauge a few weeks ago and have noticed a few things.

As far as MPG's go...watching the range indicator on the odometer...I have noticed that the range will decrease by about 2 miles for every mile ridden until my oil temps are in the 200 degree range. Maybe 180-200 or so. My temp gauge settles between 215-220 when fully warmed up. Once over about 180 or so I notice that my range decreases proportionately with the miles ridden. I usually allow about a 3 minute warmup in the morning, then ride...and it takes about another 10 minutes of riding or so to get to the 180-200 range depending on the outside temp that day.

That may give you an indication of how long it can take for everything to warm up to OPTIMAL temperature. As for what temps may cause damage? I'm interested to see what more knowledgeable folks have to say.

 

100% correct

 

technically yes.. sorry..

 

Exactly one cigarette...

 

i let my 94 ultra with 84,000. miles warm up a max of 5 minutes before hitting the road just did a total rebuld on it this winter should be ready in a bout a month and will put up some pics

65t

 

It should be good to go in about 3-4 minutes which like the others said,the time it takes to get your riding gear on.

 

I always wait till I feel heat coming from the top of the engine.