Rain a Problem?
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 433
From: Menifee, CA
Rain a Problem?
My Japanese bikes have had engine air intakes that are shrouded so that it is unlikely for rainwater to get sucked in.
My FLHTCU stock intake is pretty exposed to rain. A few days ago, I rode 250 miles through pouring rain in west TX. No problems, but I got to wondering if old timer HD folk change their engine oil after a long rain ride.
Anybody have an opinion about this?
My FLHTCU stock intake is pretty exposed to rain. A few days ago, I rode 250 miles through pouring rain in west TX. No problems, but I got to wondering if old timer HD folk change their engine oil after a long rain ride.
Anybody have an opinion about this?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 267
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
I'm not a 'rain-rider" but I surely respect those who can stand doing it!!
Anyway, there's no reason to worry about rain getting into the oil. Even if it did, the temp of the hot oil would boil it off quickly.
The tiny amount that might make it into the intake & thru the filter (if any) would be sucked through and vaporized in the combustion chambers & blown out the exhaust without any problems.
Piston-engine airplanes regularly fly in torrential rain and suck way, WAY more of it through the engines than a Harley ever could and they just keep chuggin' along.
The only rain-related issue I've heard about on these bikes is the switch packs on the bars getting wet and going TU.
Best wishes,
JP
Anyway, there's no reason to worry about rain getting into the oil. Even if it did, the temp of the hot oil would boil it off quickly.
The tiny amount that might make it into the intake & thru the filter (if any) would be sucked through and vaporized in the combustion chambers & blown out the exhaust without any problems.
Piston-engine airplanes regularly fly in torrential rain and suck way, WAY more of it through the engines than a Harley ever could and they just keep chuggin' along.
The only rain-related issue I've heard about on these bikes is the switch packs on the bars getting wet and going TU.
Best wishes,
JP
Last edited by jpooch00; Oct 25, 2016 at 07:25 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 328
From: Southern Utah, USA
Don't worry about it. Unless it sucks in so much that it stalls, like fording a swollen creek...LOL
Back in the day, there use to be this hocus-pocus about water injection on carburetors making wazoo power and increasing MPG.
Actually, some WWII fighter planes were fitted with water injection to stop/reduce pre-ignition (ping) under heavy load conditions like steep climb or diving.
Back in the day, there use to be this hocus-pocus about water injection on carburetors making wazoo power and increasing MPG.
Actually, some WWII fighter planes were fitted with water injection to stop/reduce pre-ignition (ping) under heavy load conditions like steep climb or diving.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 276
Likes: 43
From: Spokane, WA
OP, it's nothing to worry about.
A new edition of the BMW M4 car made especially for the track is using water injection to increase HP.
My single engine Cessna had the air filter smack-dab on the front of the cowling and when IFR in the rain it ingested a considerable amount of water.
A new edition of the BMW M4 car made especially for the track is using water injection to increase HP.
My single engine Cessna had the air filter smack-dab on the front of the cowling and when IFR in the rain it ingested a considerable amount of water.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 164
Likes: 22
From: Earth
I have been caught in damn near monsoon rain on both by RGS and Buell. The RGS has always been fine. The Buell dropped a cylinder due to the ignition coil having a small crack. Easy fix after I found it.
While on the topic of water injection.
http://streetfighterperformance.com/...ater-injection
While on the topic of water injection.
http://streetfighterperformance.com/...ater-injection
No issues with rain, except for times when parting the water filled my horn with water. Typically the horn can be emptied and wd-40 sprayed in it, but I have had a couple of horns die. I now carry a stocking to wrap over/around it to act like a rain sock. Only issue is I keep forgetting to use it, rofl.
Only other issue I have had depends on the size of hail. If the hail is large enough, it will chip paint on the front fender. Bruised the hell out of my left leg and arm too. Love Wyoming!!!
Only other issue I have had depends on the size of hail. If the hail is large enough, it will chip paint on the front fender. Bruised the hell out of my left leg and arm too. Love Wyoming!!!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 286
Likes: 23
From: Ma
plongson is correct.
we use to inject water into offshore boats to keep detonation in check. at 100 mph plus you can't here a thing.
we use to inject water into offshore boats to keep detonation in check. at 100 mph plus you can't here a thing.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,197
Likes: 281
From: Long Island NY
No problems...and those first 2 pics, on the way home from Virginia, torrential rain on the New Jersey Tpke., 8 hours to go 250 miles.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
I had the bike cut out once but it dried and ran in about 20min. Found the open wire to the coil when I got home. You should be fine. Its annoying the first 30 minutes but after your boots fill up with water it's fine. I get a Zen thing in the rain riding solo and I don't want to stop.
