Official start up procedure - 2 or 3 minute idle

[GT550]

The manual states rider MUST idle 2-3 minutes before riding off, even if engine is already warm. I'd be interested in your comments/opinions. Really necessary? I timed a cold start today and it took 2 min 30 sec for engine idle to drop to 1100 rpm.

[UFO]

If the bike is already warm, it should not take 2-3 minutes for the oil to to makes its way to all the hidden oil galleys in the top end and start lubricating parts...probably take 5-10 seconds. Just don't jump on it, start it, and instantly redline away.

Cold bike, sure, I always wait longer for it to warm up.

[Snakes709]

I usually wait 45secs to 1min. Open my garage, turn the key, let the fuel pump prime, fire it up, wheel it out, close my garage and lock it, zip up my jacket, turn my sen 20s and drift camera on. Then set sail. By that time, temp is showing on the display and idle has lowered itself.

[dan_h2sx]

Sometimes I let the bike idle for 30sec, sometimes I need to go so I just roll off slowly and throttle it softly.
In my opinion there has to be enough oil in the engine to support riding up to max. 4k/rpm without doing any harm to the engine.

[XcelleraThor]

When the engine is cold, I start it and sit and wait and focus on the ride and the day until the dash shows 40° C. I then ride to work or out of the underground garage at work homewards. Gives me time to focus on the ride ;-)

[XcelleraThor]

Oil hits the critical parts pretty quickly and the noticable rattling stops, but it is the constant flow of warmer lubricant that is important.

[DarkFlow]

I find the idle doesn't drop until 68F, and even then the temperature often starts to fall so the idle stays high. Not so bad now the weather's warming up but in winter, it's an first gear start and clutch lever in at every light/junction until the idle drops.

[JonTheChron]

I always start my bike and let idle until 68C usuailly 3-4 mins

[Reciprocal]

If the manual really says that, 3-4 minutes I’m going to try and abide as much as possible. The thing is, this engine is different. Keeping the rpm below 4000 may seem reasonable, but are you considering the supercharger impeller at 37,200 rpm? Riding on just an oil film in a ceramic bushing? You’re probably right, it’s a mistake or undue caution, but if it’s in there, and you don’t have direct experience with impellers designed for 110,000 rpm, I won’t be following anyone’s advice that it’s okay to ride off after 30 seconds.

I need to read the manual fully. I’m already frustrated with it for stating every routine simple owner maintenance is a dealer recommended service.

[Thunderdawg]

My manual reads on pg 164 to not let the engine idle longer than 5 minutes (to prevent overheating). On pg 210 the idle speed is given as 1100 rpm +/- 100 rpm and that a fast idle system raises the idle speed when when the engine is cold. YMMV.