How cold is too cold to start a GoldWing?

[Omega Man]

I don't get much precipitation here but I does get cold. Crystal is outside but will be covered(heavy 4 layer cover) during this cold snap headed my way. The temps will be 27-31 degrees Fahrenheit the next 5 days... When is it too cold start a Wing? I'm not sure if the 1500 even has the crossover tubes that froze on my 1100 years ago. Gunna look up the tube thing but I still need opinions on starting in the very cold.

~O~

 

[slabghost]

I always figured if it would start it's not too cold.

 

[Omega Man]

slabghost » Sat Dec 27, 2014 4:33 pm[/url]":jw89b28d]
I always figured if it would start it's not too cold.

Yeah...that helps. oh2:

~O~

 

[joedrum]

when the battery quits turning over motor

 

[wilcoy02]

I have taken my bike for a ride at 10 degrees F. It is not in a heated garage.
I have the charger trickling on the battery and she starts up.

 

[brianinpa]

joedrum » Sat Dec 27, 2014 7:48 pm[/url]":8n4e4din]
when the battery quits turning over motor

Yup!

I've started mine on days that it was cold enough to freeze the snot in your nose... 27 to 31, put an extra layer on and let-er rip.

 

[Steve83]

When hell freezes over, baby! :yes:

 

[slabghost]

Bike motors aren't near as picky about temps as their riders are.

 

[Omega Man]

:hi: Thanks guys.

~O~

 

[sledge]

:smilie_happy: your right there ... and the Older I get , the more Picky I Get .

 

[dan filipi]

Minimum starting temp is based on the minimum temp the rider is willing to endure :BigGrin:

 

[Ansimp]

slabghost » Sun Dec 28, 2014 11:33 am[/url]":17y2q84o]
Bike motors aren't near as picky about temps as their riders are.

+1 :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :moped: :moped: :good:
Unless your beer freezes!! :salute:

 

[brianinpa]

Also don't forget it also matters what the anti freeze temp is rated for. Not cold enough and it will freeze in the block when then engine is not running. That's what matters most.

 

[Ansimp]

brianinpa » Sun Dec 28, 2014 1:35 pm[/url]":hvtpod9k]
Also don't forget it also matters what the anti freeze temp is rated for. Not cold enough and it will freeze in the block when then engine is not running. That's what matters most.

Are you talking about the beer Brian? :smilie_happy:

 

[tuna boy]

I agree with Joe, everything being OK on the bike the battery is the key component. Cold temps can sap 50-70% of your cranking power, plus the battery doesn't accept a charge as well. On a really cold day if you go start your scoot and run it for 5-10 minutes and shut it down your battery will have fewer CCA's (cold cranking amps) to offer on a cold start up the next day. Depending on the normal temps where you live a Battery Tender float charger is not a bad idea and the lead attachment makes the process quick and easy. The coldest I have ever ridden a bike is -4 degrees and is was brutal. It was decades ago, the bike was the neighbors almost new CB 160, sweet little bike. No tachometer, just shift point dots on the speedometer. Ah the good old days.

 

[brianinpa]

Beer... Um that would be rider antifreeze.

 

[ekvh]

-20f here this a.m. I don't think it will start. On a serious note, if you have the kick starter and can kick it over several times with ignition off, then use the starter it will help a lot as the oils slumps over to the sides making it easier for the crank to spin. I used to do that on an old Land Rover. It had a hand crank. Anything below zero and it needed a few cranks to be able to start with the starter.

 

[Omega Man]

I'm mostly worried about the coolant crossover tubes. I'm not sure they wouldn't freeze because of their diameter. But then again they aren't exposed like the ones on the 1000-1200s.

 

[slabghost]

Passages in the radiator are much smaller. If the coolant doesn't freeze there it won't freeze.

 

[mcgovern61]

Omega Man » Sun Dec 28, 2014 1:15 pm[/url]":2g1mxvwn]
I'm mostly worried about the coolant crossover tubes. I'm not sure they wouldn't freeze because of their diameter. But then again they aren't exposed like the ones on the 1000-1200s.

Have your coolant tested to find out exactly what temp it is able to protect against. A good shop will have an accurate coolant tester. If the coolant tests below your current temps you are OK. If it tests above the temps you expect, you have to change the coolant or your coolant will freeze.