Triumphrat

unionman · 05-13-2008

I have a short commute to work (2 miles). I love riding my Bonnie but worry that the brief ride is not good for my bike. I've often used my concern as an excuse to take the long way to the job, but sometimes I can't do it. Are these short hops a problem?

sweatmachine · 05-13-2008

I'm in a similar situation, about the same distance for me, and I don't ride to work much. My 2-3 mile drive to work is all multi-lane freeway: cagers with cell phones, coffee/breakfast, doing makeup, concrete trucks, etc so I rarely ride to work.

I don't think riding that short of a distance under those circumstances is enjoyable or good on the bike.

Holyman · 05-13-2008

On a 2-3 mile journey your engine will not be getting warmed up fully. You will get condensation forming inside the motor, and not drying out, which will not do it any good. Also you will find that you are spending less running time with the motor properly lubricated.

Find a longer route to work!

Ringadingdoo · 05-13-2008

unionman - If you feel you are doing some damage to your bike the best precausion to take is to go for a longer ride. Start off a little earlier than usual and go in the complete opposite direction for say 10 miles and then head back to work...simple!

Gob-ny-geay · 05-13-2008

+1 on a little bit longer ride. The bike needs to come up to full operating temperature as mentioned prior. This condensation also is heavily present in your exhaust muffler/silencer. When not fully warmed up, and then turned off, acids from the combustion process mix with the moisture and result in rapid oxidation of the muffler innards. Have you ever noticed when you first start the bike (or your car) there are moisture droplets exiting from the exhaust? You want to warm the bike up enough to dry these out thoroughly.

I try to use my bike on "Casual Fridays" but it's extremely dangerous. Unfortunately by geographic location I am forced to take a superspeedway 500 toll road, and share the road with slavering, slobbering, crazed, psycopathic homicidal maniacs who would rather kill than be 1 minute late for work. Not at all fun. I save my rides for nice evenings, and Saturday and Sunday morning runs. I do make up for it on weekends though, as my wife is a late-riser. I get up at 6:00 AM, and ride for at least 6 hours. 3 out and 3 back. Gets my stress level straightened out, take in some fresh air, wave at other riders, stop for coffee at joints were I see multiple bikes parked. Shoot the bull for a while, then head on out and ride some more.

Life doesn't get much better than that!

Ride Safe!

Echoance · 05-13-2008

2 miles isn't good for any motor.

My advice: buy a pedal bike.

GUNGUY45 · 05-13-2008

I ride 2 1/2 Miles each way almost every day, is it good for the bike, probably not, but not good for anything I drive.
At 4:30 A.M. I'm not going to pedal a bicycle to work. I have all 1 1/2 lane back roads, my biggest worry is deer.
Change your oil a little sooner.
If you want to ride, ride.

Two-Bike Don · 05-13-2008

I agree with Bob and Sweat above. The problem with short hops, aside from mechanical issues, is that they're unsatisfying. I ride for the pleasure it gives, and the relaxation and escape it provides. That's why I ride generally on the weekends when I can take long rides, relatively free of crazed traffic.

Just an aside---There's a guy I ride with who only wants to do short rides for coffee. This guy spends more time with the coffee than he does on the bike. I find it frustrating to ride with him, so I'll just leave him after a quick coffee or not ride with him at all.

I guess my point is short rides defeat the purpose for me.

roxythruxton · 05-13-2008

I wish I had a 2 mile drive to work. I'd invest in a nice pair of running shoes and a pack if I were in that case .

Irie Mon · 05-13-2008

I commute about 10 to 15 minutes each way to work. It is only about 3 miles, however in Philadelphia 3 miles can take that long. If these engines cannot take this type of simple use I will be amazed. I fire it up, lets it warm up for 2 minutes and then cruise my way to work. On my way home I try to take the long way, but only if time permits. While I am always looking to get a long ride in whenever possible, even the short ride to work can brighten your day. I say, use the bike, it is meant to be enjoyed.