Liquid cooled?
#21
04-09-2016, 12:40 PM
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1. Significant power increase because heat can be managed more precisely.
2. The liquid Cooling may deaden the mechanical sounds emanating from the engine.
3. Efficiency
4. More precise tuning may be achieved.
Liquid Cooling cons~
1. Complexity
2. Weight
3. Add'l equipment required
4. "New" technology will have it's bugs to be worked out.
5. Failure risk. (Leaks.)
6. The liquid is a poisonous pollutant. (Dogs/cats love it, but a teaspoon is lethal.
I was on a day ride down Pacific Coast Highway last spring and stopped at Starbucks for some java. Started talking to a guy who rode in on a big BMW bike, who actually worked for BMW. He was talking a lot of trash about how water cooled was better, EPA will force everyone to go water cooled, etc. I just listened, not having the expertise to take a position one way or the other. It was interesting, anyway.
Actually, I love my Fat Boy just the way it is.
Actually, I love my Fat Boy just the way it is.
This is also how fuel injection came to be for the masses. The EPA mandates laws, and leaves private enterprises to come up with ways to comply with these laws. Hopefully, my next Harley will have direct injection...
#22
04-09-2016, 02:51 PM
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The sound Revo makes has nothing to do with water cooling, Water dampens internal engine noise but the big difference in sound is the 60deg V common crankpin configuration. 4 valve heads may make a little difference. The biggest advantage to liquid cooling is controlling heat. Tolerances can be made tighter, compression can be bumped, the engine becomes more efficient, therefore eithermore powerful or more economical to operate. Tighter tolereance can also reduce wear, resulting in a longer service life.
#23
04-09-2016, 07:07 PM
Change has its good and bad. I don't think adding a liquid cooled system is such a bad thing. It will certainly have lots of benefits with a few issues depending on design. Before getting into bikes I built cars for fun and a issue with performance is maintaining optimum temperature. Liquid cooling narrows the gap between too hot and too cold so performance along with reliability can be gained. Liquid cooling will happen eventually and it will probably have a few flaws when it comes out but in time either aftermarket fixes or factory fixes will boost its reliability. I am curious what hd has in mind for hiding the radiator or if they will embrace it and let it fly in the open
#24
04-09-2016, 07:16 PM
The "classic Harley sound" went away when Twin Cams came, and EFI.
The Evos are the last of the classic Harley sound...the most authentic classic Harley sound was the Shovels.
But FI and twinkies..took that away.
Going with a water jacketed block will further that. Ever notice how "blah" the V-rods sound? Like a Honda.
The Evos are the last of the classic Harley sound...the most authentic classic Harley sound was the Shovels.
But FI and twinkies..took that away.
Going with a water jacketed block will further that. Ever notice how "blah" the V-rods sound? Like a Honda.
I would argue that the Knuckles were the most "authentic" sound. I would also argue that the Shovels and Ironheads were the last great sounding Harleys.
#25
04-09-2016, 07:29 PM
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Regarding cooler thighs, that was not even part of the conversation prior to the use of catalytic converters.
Softails have the catalytic converters in the mufflers while the rest of the model families have them in the head pipes. Catalytic converters are a major source of heat radiating towards your legs.
Older bikes don't have catalytic converters.
Water cooling allows leaner fuel mixture and less mechanical sound.
The Harley sound is not affected by those two. As has been said, carbureted Evo's were the last to offer a classic Harkey sound and simplicity.
My Evo runs cool, sounds cool, and is cool.
Softails have the catalytic converters in the mufflers while the rest of the model families have them in the head pipes. Catalytic converters are a major source of heat radiating towards your legs.
Older bikes don't have catalytic converters.
Water cooling allows leaner fuel mixture and less mechanical sound.
The Harley sound is not affected by those two. As has been said, carbureted Evo's were the last to offer a classic Harkey sound and simplicity.
My Evo runs cool, sounds cool, and is cool.
#26
04-09-2016, 07:31 PM
#27
04-09-2016, 10:33 PM
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Get used to it. Harley said years ago it was gonna do this. A lot of people are going to be pissed that their bikes will be no different than metrics. but they will be happy the bikes run better. The only down side that they'll have to stop making all the stupid remarks they've made in the past cause everyone will be just alike and now the only thing separating themselves from other makes is the company name a which point won't make a difference . So now all the metric guys will be laughing in your faces and rightfully so cause cause all along they've been riding the better running bike for the past 20 years or so. So how about getting a head start and stfu now and take your heads out of your own asses and act like human beings with respect for other people
#28
04-09-2016, 11:30 PM
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#29
04-10-2016, 12:21 AM
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Originally Posted by stal94gt
Slip ons and a retune will cool things down a little. Hot legs on softails also comes from the rear cylinder being so close to your legs along with the pipes
No, I don't have a crutch cooler, air deflectors, fans, or anything else.
#30
04-11-2016, 11:42 AM
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Get used to it. Harley said years ago it was gonna do this. A lot of people are going to be pissed that their bikes will be no different than metrics. but they will be happy the bikes run better. The only down side that they'll have to stop making all the stupid remarks they've made in the past cause everyone will be just alike and now the only thing separating themselves from other makes is the company name a which point won't make a difference . So now all the metric guys will be laughing in your faces and rightfully so cause cause all along they've been riding the better running bike for the past 20 years or so. So how about getting a head start and stfu now and take your heads out of your own asses and act like human beings with respect for other people