Hello all. Been trying to research this for a bit and have a question for some that have either done this or decided against it.

I just purchased a 2003 Sportster Custom 883 for my wife. I has a 1200 kit installed and the previous owner installed an oil cooler as well as a oil temp guage on the oil dip stick.

I really want to take this oil cooler off as it looks hideous on there.
I mean these bikes are designed to work without them in the first place right?

Not trying to sound stupid but just wanted some input to anyone else that might have had some experience like this. I have never thought about an oil cooler on any of my bikes that I have owned..

Thanks in advance
Scott

 

Feel free to take it off, Sportsters don't need it, except if operated under exceptional conditions like parade riding possibly. Oil temps generally range from 180* to 210* for most of us, rarely does mine get above 180*.


John

 

I've run Sportys with and without oil coolers.

Engines always run better & last longer the cooler they are (as long as they're not too cold).

Twin Cams have serious heat issues and can always benefit from oil coolers.

The newer Sportsters (07-up) can have some heat challenges...not as bad as the Twin Cams, but still enough that they will benefit from an oil cooler.

My 09 883 actually ran the oil hotter than it runs after the 1250 upgrade.

If you're oil temps in the tank are not getting above 220-230, you're not going to get any significant benefit from an oil cooler...but if they are 230 or higher, an oil cooler will provide significant benefits.

Here's a pic of the SlimLine oil cooler on a Sporty





Here's a LINK to the best performing and best looking oil coolers on the market.

 

!!! What oil do you use? Mine gets to 210* in summer (San Fernando Valley). Higher on long rides. I saw it at 250 when I rode to Utah.

Is there an easily detachable one that you can strap on for when you know you're going on a long summer ride?

 

Well this is my wife's first bike and I highly doubt there will be many long trips or alot of in town parade type driving. She still prefers long trips to ride behind me so far. Idea was to get used to riding and then moving up to my street glide and me purchasing a new bike.

I think for the time being I will remove the oil cooler. I need to install an engine guard for her and this thing is in the way............

 

While that pic is up, can anyone tell me what is that thing right behind the tire and under what appears to be the horn?

 

The voltage regulator.,,

 

Currently Castrol GTX 20/50. I do live along the coast here in SoCal, so that could be the difference, but it has hit 103* locally during our unusual summer/fall.


John

 

That's the voltage regulator. (The little box with the heat sink on it)

And that is the horn above it, on the 883. Some of the 1200's use the cow bell horn, mounted on the left side of the engine.

 

Not every 1200cc model. The 48 has the horn between the front fork tubes. Just FYI.