Click and Clunk

[Moonshot_1]

I know this is probably more fitting for the Tech board but I'll start here because of the back story.

Today, in NW Iowa it was dry but cold. 18 - 20 degrees this afternoon.
Because it was dry, Santa came over to borrow the bike to check on the naughty and nice folks.

Anyway, get in the garage and she fires up like the trooper she is but then she began clanging and clunking in a manner that was a bit concerning.

Once warmed up, and it took all of 5 min. if not more, she ran like a top! Smooth as silk.

So, why is the cold affecting the motor in this way?
It isn't the first time but it was the first time it was this concerning.

Yes, it was freaking cold but it was worth it. Out for about 90 min. around town.

[Earl43P]

I’ve fretted about the same condition.
Mine gets worse the colder it is. Every year about this time I notice it. Seems worse this year.
First time it ever happened to me was Nov 2014, 1,080 miles from home in Rayville, La. I stopped for the night and it was 26 degrees the next morning when I set out. I shut it off it was so unsettling. Same thing, warm it up - goes away.

I plan to replace the intake / head orings during the same maintenance evolution
where I replace the air filter.

No telling when I may get a “round tuit”. Will be before Spring though.
I’ll keep riding it through the clacking cold starts.

[NewValker]

Whew....glad to hear it’s not just mine...
When it’s cold enough to do it, I let it idle, even if it stalls once or twice, let the oil get where it needs to be before I touch the throttle.
Goes away in less than 10 seconds or so. But it’s a long 10 seconds...
Craig

[rocketray]

maybe look at the air filter..

[DDT (12)]

Whew....glad to hear it’s not just mine...



Moonshot,

New Valker said it very well! Actually, that better captured my thoughts back in the day, before... I learned just how common that is... At first, though, it was very disconcerting (OK, it still is to a lesser extent)!!! No cure for that I know of... If we're going to ride when it's really cold, then... we just have to 'suck it up, buttercup,' to quote Old2Soon...   

DDT

[Moonshot_1]

Thanks for the replies.

Good to hear this is somewhat "normal" for the cold weather.

Scary but normal.