Harleys 2015 model lineup
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,519
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From: Nomad
My Hayabusa is water cooled and has a big engine. Imagine sitting in the engine bay of a car with the heat blasting off the radiator. Air-cooled engines radiate the heat in all directions. Water-cooled engines push the heat straight back and they are usually equipped with a fan that comes on when the engine over heats which is often in summer.
Then that hot air is directed at your legs, especially your shins. My Hayabusa is a torture machine in the summer, almost unridable, even with boots and jeans. Water cooling might work with smaller engines but on a big one the heat coming off the radiator is unreal...
I'm not even going to get into the hoses, pumps, antifreeze and other contraptions necessary to make water cooling work...
Then that hot air is directed at your legs, especially your shins. My Hayabusa is a torture machine in the summer, almost unridable, even with boots and jeans. Water cooling might work with smaller engines but on a big one the heat coming off the radiator is unreal...
I'm not even going to get into the hoses, pumps, antifreeze and other contraptions necessary to make water cooling work...
One of my bros rides a 650 Kawi twin that makes 65-67 RWHP and not hot at all. Stops and handles better than any Sportster and had no issues running 80+ plus with me all day long.
I'd seriously consider Vrod powered Dyna-styled bike as long as it has mid controls and shorter rake.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
My Hayabusa is water cooled and has a big engine. Imagine sitting in the engine bay of a car with the heat blasting off the radiator. Air-cooled engines radiate the heat in all directions. Water-cooled engines push the heat straight back and they are usually equipped with a fan that comes on when the engine over heats which is often in summer.
Then that hot air is directed at your legs, especially your shins. My Hayabusa is a torture machine in the summer, almost unridable, even with boots and jeans. Water cooling might work with smaller engines but on a big one the heat coming off the radiator is unreal...
I'm not even going to get into the hoses, pumps, antifreeze and other contraptions necessary to make water cooling work...
Then that hot air is directed at your legs, especially your shins. My Hayabusa is a torture machine in the summer, almost unridable, even with boots and jeans. Water cooling might work with smaller engines but on a big one the heat coming off the radiator is unreal...
I'm not even going to get into the hoses, pumps, antifreeze and other contraptions necessary to make water cooling work...
Thats just your 'Busa ( and few Beemers too), but there are many watercooled bikes that aren't hot.
One of my bros rides a 650 Kawi twin that makes 65-67 RWHP and not hot at all. Stops and handles better than any Sportster and had no issues running 80+ plus with me all day long.
I'd seriously consider Vrod powered Dyna-styled bike as long as it has mid controls and shorter rake.
One of my bros rides a 650 Kawi twin that makes 65-67 RWHP and not hot at all. Stops and handles better than any Sportster and had no issues running 80+ plus with me all day long.
I'd seriously consider Vrod powered Dyna-styled bike as long as it has mid controls and shorter rake.
I've spent a bit of time on water cooled bikes and never had the heat issue you talk about; I guess it's bike specific.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,519
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From: Nomad
in my experience with BMW, the older K100 are the worst in their line up. Later model K-bikes appear to run cooler even though the motor is more covered by bodywork.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: PA
I understand keeping it classic and all that, but seriously. Even if Harley started using water cooling, the engines would still sound the same. Even with overhead cams. If you want proof, listen to an E39 BMW M5 or a new C63 AMG Benz. Even the SOHC 4.6L mustang engine still sounds nasty. Plus, more power, better overall performance.. I've seen car companies retain their originality even while coping with big changes like this, and I'm sure Harley could do it too.
Now that I think about it, they could run the timing belt through the existing pushrod tubes for DOHC, just to keep the look going on.
Now that I think about it, they could run the timing belt through the existing pushrod tubes for DOHC, just to keep the look going on.
Last edited by Vitric; Aug 4, 2011 at 12:39 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: Southeast Wisconsin
Some of the concepts look alright, some look cheap.
Water cooling is coming and when it does, hopefully I can upgrade to the latest air cooled Harley of my choice. Not saying it's bad, I just don't want it.
Water cooling is coming and when it does, hopefully I can upgrade to the latest air cooled Harley of my choice. Not saying it's bad, I just don't want it.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 802
Likes: 0
From: Augusta, GA
I think it's creative. A Street Glide with a V-Rod motor. Hmmm.... I'd consider that.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Fort Carson, CO
Even if Harley started using water cooling, the engines would still sound the same
HD HAS started using a water cooled engine (TEN years ago!!)
Have you listened to a V-Rod??
They do NOT sound the same....