07-12-2022, 11:00 AM
(07-12-2022, 09:25 AM)tommymck_imp Wrote: I don't know about operating near redline vs engine life, but in my experience pretty much everything else about a bike gives up the ghost before the engine in any case. I just don't find it practical to operate anywhere near redline on the street. I don't consider avoiding twice the legal speed limit as qualifying for "old lady driven". And while a tear down might or might not reveal less engine wear, I'm very skeptical that operating the bike mostly below 5K will reduce the practical engine life in comparison with a bike operated more aggressively.
Two sides to that coin- reality VS real life - and many often confuse it.
Reality- the vast majority of motorcycles never see 20k-25k.
That is real life. Reality of physics / fueling though- even at that if torn down- There IS a difference.
The biggest wear on ANY engine is done at cold start- oil needs time (and heat) to move to lubricate- followed closely behind by metal expansion.
Modern engines with fuel injection are good enough that start the bike- give it a minute while you put on your gloves or fasten your helmet- no need to 'warm up'- in fact modern engines run soo lean for emissions standards that you *help* it warm up by riding -GENTLY- low rpm, low throttle, low load- and give it a good 5 minutes before you loosen your wrist. More time in cold weather. One of my cars- a 12 cyl- has over 12 quarts of oil and despite it having an aluminum block as opposed to iron (heats up faster) I can still start it on a coldish day (35-40F) and roll right from a hotel to the highway- get up to speed (say 70-75mph) and it STILL takes 15-20 minutes at that speed, that throttle, to reach operating oil temp).
After that though- as far as operational- wear / compression loss (again proper temps and oil change) is NOT from occasional RPM / LOAD- and anyone that understands engines understand it is not only not harmful - it is HELPFUL!!
You all are apparently not understanding- I am NOT saying beat the dog- NOT saying ride it HARD all the time. I *AM* saying that getting on it- once up to temperature- and proper oil changes, a few times a week is *absolutely* 1100% better than not doing that.
Carbon build-up is ABRASIVE- go look in your BBQ grill- see it, feel it.
Carbon build-up blocks injector orifice.
Carbon build-up clogs cats.
Carbon build-up fouls spark plugs.
Carbon build-up on valves ruins sealing, increases weight, causes hot spots.
Carbon build-up on piston crowns / chamber heads- causes hot-spots,
Carbon build-up in piston ring lands stops them from moving freely, evenly, fully.
HEAT & INCREASED FUEL FLOW *CLEANS* your engine.