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Down tube can't happen, I have RG lowers for it, and it may become a RG in the future...I haven't decided yet. I'm going with below or in front of the regulator similar to how Schex's are mounted. I'll have to fab up a bracket or something, I have a Lockhart now, but will start looking for something bigger or better for that mounting area.
I've run one for years under the regulator. I took if off a few days ago to do a front mount R&R and there was not a sign that anything had ever touched it at all. No nicks, dings bugs or anything. Looks like new after about 60 -70k miles.
Running 50w and got caught in a freaky cold snap one time. I used masking tape and aluminum foil to cover the front of it. First time I stopped, it had blown out - toward the front which I thought was odd so I did some experimenting...
Under the regulator on an FL, the wide fender actually creates a negative pressure behind it as the air goes past it. So a cooler under the regulator actually has a lot more air going thru it from back to front.
Also using the one in the photo on an older FL, you have to use spacers (about 1.5 inch) between the cooler mount plate and regulator bracket for it to clear.
The only bike I have ever owned with an oil cooler, fitted at the factory, was a BSA Rocket 3, which was mounted up high under the steering head to catch the air coming over the front mudguard (BSAs don't have 'fenders'!). Back in the 1970s we had proper winters over here, with temps well below freezing. The cooler had a thermostat, but I still I covered it with a thick piece of carpet, to keep the oil temp up. The carbs occasionally froze instead!
The only bike I have ever owned with an oil cooler, fitted at the factory, was a BSA Rocket 3, which was mounted up high under the steering head to catch the air coming over the front mudguard (BSAs don't have 'fenders'!). Back in the 1970s we had proper winters over here, with temps well below freezing. The cooler had a thermostat, but I still I covered it with a thick piece of carpet, to keep the oil temp up. The carbs occasionally froze instead!
I was told in the 70's the reason for the factory fitted coolers on the British triples was the fact there are no air ports between the center cylinder and the 2 outboard bores.
How many reflectors did you lose off your Triple Graham? I think I kept Lucas in business buying headlight bulbs and oil cooler reflectors
we use the XR-1200 ...7 row on the down tube..out of the way of things kicked up from front tire and out in the flow of air around the fender
good luck !!
I was told in the 70's the reason for the factory fitted coolers on the British triples was the fact there are no air ports between the center cylinder and the 2 outboard bores.
How many reflectors did you lose off your Triple Graham? I think I kept Lucas in business buying headlight bulbs and oil cooler reflectors
There are small holes between the fins, between the cylinders, however all 'air-cooled' engines are partly oil-cooled and the triples just needed a little extra help! As for the electrics, I previously had a BSA Starfire 250 which kept Lucas busy, but my triple was fine. It was while I owned it that the first quartz halogen high output bulbs came out, which I was very keen on. I don't recall loosing any reflectors. Mine was probably the first grey-framed Rocket 3 released onto the UK market early 1971. This is a library photo, but identical to mine when it was new:
The seat doesn't look quite right, for some reason. Mine soon acquired a 5 gallon Lyta Gold Star style tank, rear-set controls and lower bars, plus a double-sided Seeley front brake and the earlier style silencers.
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