Stuck in traffic - how long to sit idle
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 123
Likes: 13
From: Del
Stuck in traffic - how long to sit idle
Gents,
Heading back from a day trip and I got stuck in traffic on my '16 RK. Ambient temps were around 95F and I sat for a good 30mins with only a slight moving every now and again. Started to wonder if I should pull over and shut the bike down for a bit ? The bike didn't run any differently; but the last air cooled bike I owned was an old Ducati Monster which was not in the least bit happy in the heat, and let you know when it over heated.
Thanks!
Heading back from a day trip and I got stuck in traffic on my '16 RK. Ambient temps were around 95F and I sat for a good 30mins with only a slight moving every now and again. Started to wonder if I should pull over and shut the bike down for a bit ? The bike didn't run any differently; but the last air cooled bike I owned was an old Ducati Monster which was not in the least bit happy in the heat, and let you know when it over heated.
Thanks!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,214
Likes: 661
From: Prior Lake, MN
From what I understand, Harley subjects the engines to way worse than that. One option would be too enable your EITMS, if you have that on your Road King. It shuts down the fuel injector to the back cylinder under certain conditions, supposed to help cool off things a bit. Not sure what bikes do and don't have the EITMS.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 519
Likes: 83
From: NC
Harley testing grounds are in the Arizona desert. I don't think 30 minutes will hurt anything, but if I'm stuck in non-moving traffic (like the road is completely blocked) for too long I'll turn off the engine until traffic starts to move. It doesn't take much air moving across the fins to dissipate heat, so just creeping along will help cool the engine. I always have EITMS enabled even though Harley says it's only for rider comfort. It can't hurt if it dissipates even a little heat.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,028
From: Carlsbad, CA
If it doesn't ping badly when you start out...it's fine. Even if it does ping...it's debatable if there is an issue. If this is common for you, use a good synthetic oil in the engine like Amsoil to prevent breakdown.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 441
Likes: 52
From: Utah
Wards Parts Werks cooling fans...
Idle in the heat and traffic until you run out of gas without overheating the engine.
I installed mine last week. Very impressed. 95 degree day running down the freeway. Power Vision showing engine temperature at 245-250. Take an exit and sit at a light and the temperature goes down to 235-238.
Idle in the heat and traffic until you run out of gas without overheating the engine.
I installed mine last week. Very impressed. 95 degree day running down the freeway. Power Vision showing engine temperature at 245-250. Take an exit and sit at a light and the temperature goes down to 235-238.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 217
From: Puyallup Wa.
My 10 street glide with eitms enabled would level out at 310* disabled would hit 358* put wards fans on 250 ish
My 14 street glide no idea. I'm done camping out on the power vision and worrying about Temps. I just run the wards fans and enable eitms as I please for stop-and-go traffic. Not camping out on the power vision information sure makes for more enjoyable ride for me anyway...
My 14 street glide no idea. I'm done camping out on the power vision and worrying about Temps. I just run the wards fans and enable eitms as I please for stop-and-go traffic. Not camping out on the power vision information sure makes for more enjoyable ride for me anyway...
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 116
Likes: 3
From: Canadian Lakes MI and Jackson MO
My 10 street glide with eitms enabled would level out at 310* disabled would hit 358* put wards fans on 250 ish
My 14 street glide no idea. I'm done camping out on the power vision and worrying about Temps. I just run the wards fans and enable eitms as I please for stop-and-go traffic. Not camping out on the power vision information sure makes for more enjoyable ride for me anyway...
My 14 street glide no idea. I'm done camping out on the power vision and worrying about Temps. I just run the wards fans and enable eitms as I please for stop-and-go traffic. Not camping out on the power vision information sure makes for more enjoyable ride for me anyway...
