Is a glowing exaust normal?

[vjones777]

I started the bike (2002 SV650) up on full choke in the garage. It ran at about 3000rpm. After about 30secs or so, I noticed that the colour of the top of the front exaust started to lighten - after about 1min it had turned a nice bright glowing red (over about the top 4inches of the pipe). The rear exaust didnt change colour at all. It was probably around 22C in the garage at the time.

Is this normal or does it indicate a problem?

I've noticed this before when I left it running on high choke for ~10mins. On this occasion I started the bike up after it had been sitting for a few weeks - but I doubt that has anything to do with it.

Cheers.

[Scoobs]

Yep. It's normal to glow red...but why would you leave the choke on for ten minutes?

[andrewsmith]

yep glow is normal but u should not be using the choke for no more than 30s

[Davadvice]

yep glow is normal but u should not be using the choke for no more than 30s
total rubbish.

you should be using the choke until the engine heats up to a temp where it will idle without the choke.

so if you are in the Antarctic it could take a few minutes.

My ECU decides how long to adjust the fuel mix on the bike for.



I would imagine that the bike being in a garage that it will not really require the have the choke on for a any great length of time.

[yorkie_chris]

I've never known one need the choke on for 10 minutes, probably doesn't need choke at all in 22 degrees

[pce13]

for the last 3 or 4 months i havent had to use choke at all just start with little twist of accelerator and hold at less than 2000rpm for few seconds then i put gloves on and ride away

even with full choke mine doesnt rev more than 2000rpm

[beabert]

for the last 3 or 4 months i havent had to use choke at all just start with little twist of accelerator and hold at less than 2000rpm for few seconds then i put gloves on and ride away

even with full choke mine doesnt rev more than 2000rpm

Mines goes to 3/4k

Mines need a bit of throttle to start too, never seen my pipes glow though.

[metalangel]

Ten mins of full choke is a lot! Even in the depths of winter my CB would be back on normal or at least halfway there within two mins.

[flak monkey]

Normal for headers to glow at sustained high revs with no air movement. The only other thing that causes it is way retarded ignition timing.

Choke wise, mine revs to around 3k with full choke, but as soon at its started i back it off to rev to around 1500rpm for about 15secs, then it doesnt need any more.

[vjones777]

Yep. It's normal to glow red...but why would you leave the choke on for ten minutes?
That was on a cold day... started the bike, popped back in the house to grab keys, phone rang....

[punyXpress]

That's how lots of bikes ( & cages ) get nicked - and you'd not be insured.

[Sid Squid]

you should be using the choke until the engine heats up to a temp where it will idle without the choke.
If you wish to do the best thing by your engine you would use the choke for as short a time as is possible.

Put gear on, start bike, ride away, turn off choke as soon as you're rolling, ride conservatively 'til temperature is up.

If you need a bit of throttle to keep the motor running at a standstill initially then do so, don't use the choke unless it's utterly necessary. Also do not 'warm up' the engine before riding, sitting on the stand there's the least oil pressure, the engine takes lots longer to reach running temps, and if you use the choke too then there's more bore wear and worse emissions.

'Warming up' is all deficit and no benefit, don't do it, and definately don't overuse the choke.

[yorkie_chris]

Bore wear?
I have not seen any proof of that "washing the oil off the sides" theory.

BTW I agree with all other points. Choke = rich mix = fuel use = £££!!

[metalangel]

'Warming up' is all deficit and no benefit, don't do it, and definately don't overuse the choke.

There's a guy in my work who has an R1 with an aftermarket exhaust, he comes out and starts it and lets it idle (noisily) for five or so minutes while he then puts his lid, gloves, backpack on. I can't imagine the local residents are too fond of him!

[andrewsmith]

Bore wear?
BTW I agree with all other points. Choke = rich mix = fuel use = £££!!

and high as a kite on petrol fumes

[dizzyblonde]

Glowin exhaust, never seen that on any of mine.

Choke on, until upto 3k, turn it off. However neither of mine will stay idling without having a bit of choke first, whatever the weather. If I start them up without, they just conk.
Now the Raptor being one of them new fandangled fuel injection jobs, won't budge without the 'pseudochoke', and has to be at 30 degrees before trying to move off, then you can switch it off.