Warming up the engine stationery, is it necessary ?

There has been numerous theories and hearsay on whether to warm up the engine or not. Now, let me just clarify, whatever I am going to say is purely based on my opinion and my understanding of mechanical process.

I have seen many bikers warming up (cranking up the engine and let it idling) their bikes in the morning, after their 3 hour window shopping or whatever activities they may engage in. My question now is, why do you let it idle for a good 5 to 10 minutes before moving off ?

I personally find it ridiculous to warm up the engine for anywhere longer than 1 minute. Yes, 1 minute. It takes the engine oil an approximate 10 seconds to be properly distributed to the designated location in the engine compartment, eg piston chambers, valve assembly and etc.

I have heard responses like, "The engine gets smoother once its hot." or "My friend told me that warming up the engine prolongs the engine life." . Engine gets smoother when its hot ? Prolongs the engine life ? Try standing under the hot sun and do a "henta kaki" as compared to doing a slow jog for a warm up before going for a soccer match. What's missing ? It's the wind my friend, the wind will help the engine to gradually increase it's temperature as opposed to letting it sit and run where the temperature increases at a much higher rate which may cause mechanical failure due to sudden increase in heat.

My best advice is, start the engine, get on the bike, and ride it off. Be gentle on the throttle, once the temperature gauge hits the usual mid point, do whatever you like with it. That's the way to go.