2018+ Softail Models Breakout

Are oil cooler systems really worth it?

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Old Feb 8, 2025 | 10:26 AM
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Default Are oil cooler systems really worth it?

Been thinking about oil cooler systems lately, always interested in cooling my 2020 Heritage 114. I want to keep this bike for the long haul.

Anybody have any experience with this? I know DK and his boys make good products and I was looking at these. They aren't cheap so I was just wondering if it's worth spending the money. Do they really cool the bike down enough to justify the expense? Anybody have any reliable numbers?

Thanks for any input.

https://www.dkcustomproducts.com/200...odels-c153.htm

 
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Old Feb 8, 2025 | 10:55 AM
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Worth it is subjective. Are they necessary? I have nothing to offer other than my experience with a 22 Heritage. I live in the desert southwest, and routinely ride in temps in excess of 100*. My wife has ridden this bike 30k miles all over the country, and it has never had an issue where an additional oil cooler would have made anything better. The oil cooler it has from the factory works just fine, and as far as I know the only people that have had issues with oil temps are those that added an oil temp gauge.
 
Old Feb 8, 2025 | 12:17 PM
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When I had my 2007 RG with a 10.6:1 compression 103" oil temps were a concern during hot days. The bike would actually start to ping a little. I installed a Jagg low moint oil cooler. I dropped oil temps 20 degrees and stopped the pinging on hot days. It got to the point where I was considering covering it during the winter to allow the oil temps to get warmer than they were. I never did that.

I realize my example is on a modded twin cam and you are talking about a stock M8. In my experience a 10 row oil cooler dropped temps appx 20 degrees. Not sure if that is right for your situation or not.

Zach
 
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Old Feb 8, 2025 | 12:48 PM
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They put the fan assist oil cooler on stock police bikes, but that’s to facilitate heavy traffic and parade/escort duty.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2025 | 05:44 AM
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Originally Posted by gonemad
They put the fan assist oil cooler on stock police bikes, but that’s to facilitate heavy traffic and parade/escort duty.
I had Love Jugs on a former Fat Boy and they worked real well. I had a Power Vision setup on that bike, and when the fans came on in slow traffic, you could just watch the temperatures plummet.

Ugly as sin though.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2025 | 06:34 AM
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Originally Posted by tmac00333
I had Love Jugs on a former Fat Boy and they worked real well. I had a Power Vision setup on that bike, and when the fans came on in slow traffic, you could just watch the temperatures plummet.

Ugly as sin though.

I have had love jugs on my 2021 for two years. I data log via Power vision on every ride. I can’t see a significant difference in temp with them on or off. I leave them installed thinking they must do something ( plus they’re already paid for) . IMHO , I would stay away. If I had to do it over, I’d go with a fan-assisted oil cooler.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2025 | 06:52 AM
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Post 4 has a good reason.

You live in Florida, so hot humid weather environment.
Do you ride two-up, with luggage, and high speed?

I like accessory oil coolers, mainly for the additional oil capacity.
I like the accessory fan for stop-and-go traffic.

So, yes, could be (could be) considered worth it.

Good luck with your decision.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2025 | 07:16 AM
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I don`t think anyone is wearing out engines any sooner if they don`t add an oil cooler.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2025 | 07:29 AM
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Do you need one, Not really, Will your bike benefits from it? Maybe. I’m no mechanic or rocket surgeon but from what I’ve read from all the smartass Sumbitches on the internet over the years. Most of us remove the oil and change it way before it’s gone through its useful life so it’s gut call. What kind of riding are you doing. If you’re stuck in stop n go traffic all day long every day then a fan assisted oil cooler is probably going to give you some help.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2025 | 07:30 AM
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Are some of you guys missing the fact that the 2020 Heritage already has an oil cooler from the factory? Anything else is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.


 
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