As I head back east, toward Sturgis, the 100F+ temps in Eastern Oregon have me thinking a bit.. Having done the desert last year and suffered through it, I believe I can manage myself.. However, do you guys do anything different regarding the bike? I've been stopping to let her cool down in the shade every 50-70mi, but in this temp, the lack of moving air makes me wonder if that's even a decent idea.... You know how it is when you talk to yourselves on a long trip.... any input is appreciated.

 

Do you have an oil temp gauge? On my shovel I was out in high temps 96ish and my oil temp went up to 245* in a 4 hr ride and taking off in first I would get some pinging which told me to let it cool a while... @ 220*it was ok...

 

Unfortunately, I don't.. but have been listening for any ping.. rare instances on the mountains, I'll change speed or gear. That's also been close to when I stop..

 

Riding at night would be cooler, but riskier.

 

I have an oil cooler on both our bikes. Not on the chopper, but, hey, it's a chopper. Anyway, with the oil coolers, I've never had a problem with the bikes in hot weather, and I've ridden through some 110+ weather. The main thing is keeping the rider(s) cool.

 

 

I do plan to pay some attention to timing for the rest of the trip.. the critters are a little bothersome to me..

I've thought many times about an oil cooler, guess I really need to make it happen before my next big trip.. i can see where its needed out here. Honestly, my ignorant *** thought, being so far north, there wouldnt be much desert..... well, I know better now.. seems most of the states west of the Mississippi are mostly desert... haha... been a great trip anyhow..

as for syn. I buy into the theory, but have had results I didnt care for.. no war, just not for me, but I do appreciate the input guys!

 

Not to push it but "fresh synthetic" will help drop the temp, specially when cooking your old oil.

 

 

I shall reveal a secret that works so well.
About 10 Am you should have at least 200 miles behind you
just when it is starting to get hot out remove the leather jacket and soak your self.
Put the jacket back on. and zip up sleeves.
As you ride through the day you keep unzipping the sleeves more and more
By 4PM it will be all dried out, your ride was cool, and you have at least 400 miles behind you .
Get your room and enjoy it.