How hot is too hot to ride?
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 186
Likes: 44
From: Canada
How hot is too hot?
My mechanic gives me **** when I ride in the oppressive heat we are currently experiencing in southern Ontario. We have high humidity with temps in the mid nineties. Then I thought what about riders in areas like Arizona. Do they just shut down riding? I wouldn't think so as they experience weather like this regularly for weeks on end. To further my plight I have yet to install the oil cooler and fan HIGHLY recommended by my mechanic. Obviously I recognize two things I could do but he has these two mods and still won't ride in the heat. Some of it is rider comfort but he mostly speaks to how hard it is on the machine.
So what are the thoughts of Fourum members? Is there a temp ceiling for you and your ride?
So what are the thoughts of Fourum members? Is there a temp ceiling for you and your ride?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,708
Likes: 17,550
From: Driftless Area
If I need to be somewhere, I just stop more often to stretch and drink water. I might spill some on myself.
It's always about 100 degrees with no trees or shade going to Sturgis, and the only time I wear a white long-sleeve dress shirt.
Rode Hard, Put Away Wet, don'tcha know.
It's always about 100 degrees with no trees or shade going to Sturgis, and the only time I wear a white long-sleeve dress shirt.
Rode Hard, Put Away Wet, don'tcha know.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,326
Likes: 3,869
From: Upstate New York
In my experience, I'll quit long before the bike will. You realize the MoCo tests these bikes in the desert, right?
I've ridden in upper 90's on many an occasion, and the bike was just fine. I, on the other hand was dying out there.
I've ridden in upper 90's on many an occasion, and the bike was just fine. I, on the other hand was dying out there.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,178
Likes: 600
From: SoCal.....I'm only here for the weather
Personally, I don't like to ride when the temps get into the 90's and that's just for my own comfort. In my opinion these air cooled engines can handle much hotter temps than I'm willing to put up with. I have ridden in temps approaching 100 F. and the engine didn't seem to care one bit. I, on the other hand, couldn't finish that ride soon enough! 
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 444
Likes: 166
Where in southern Ontario? Im in woodstock.
your mechanic is dead wrong. Just dont get caught in traffic.
tune your bike and get a cooler and it wont know its hot out. (Get rid of cat if youve got one as well). 🍺
your mechanic is dead wrong. Just dont get caught in traffic.
tune your bike and get a cooler and it wont know its hot out. (Get rid of cat if youve got one as well). 🍺
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1,988
From: CA
Exactly. Your mechanic is using the heat to sell you stuff you don't need. High heat is harder on the rider than the bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 186
Likes: 44
From: Canada
Long term
I have in this heat, plus not having any real destination with the pandemic (not meant to start a firestorm of opinions on that topic) been riding early and putting it away before the real heat comes.
Does anyone have an experience where they have ignored heat concerns and just ridden to high mileage results without major failure later in the bike's life?