Engine heat a issue? Your thoughts.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 3
From: CA
Engine heat a issue? Your thoughts.
About to purchase PAS.
I've read pretty much all there is to read about engine heat on PA and I know it runs "hot". Several reviewers mentioned it, one said, "hotter than most" ADV bikes. I'm not interested in overheating, that's more of a mechanical issue that can get figured out. What I'm interested in is rider experience with engine heat. I know there are some tough souls out there that are immune to temperature extremes and jump in ice cold lakes (because it's refreshing) and put matches out with their fingers, and crazy stuff like that... please resist the temptation to respond.
It would be great to hear some personal experiences from people who live in warmer climates and maybe don't wear Kevlar lined riding suits and offroad-style boots ALL the time. I've certainly owned some hot bikes over the years, a few that were nearly un-rideable in slow moving, warm weather, like flesh wounds "hot"... so I get the form-over-function argument. It's hard to resist a great looking/performing bike, despite heat/crappy fueling/poor ergos/etc...I have owned a lot of those bikes.
I freaking love the PA and willing to navigate some of the other "new model" issues (electronic glitches and who knows what else), I just don't want to be surprised by this particular issue, especially if it's not a fixable one. I'm happy to throw some cash at some aftermarket exhaust shields, fan shrouds, cat-delete, etc. if they will help.
Lastly, anyone sold (or considering selling) their Pan America SPECIFICALLY due to engine heat issues?
I've read pretty much all there is to read about engine heat on PA and I know it runs "hot". Several reviewers mentioned it, one said, "hotter than most" ADV bikes. I'm not interested in overheating, that's more of a mechanical issue that can get figured out. What I'm interested in is rider experience with engine heat. I know there are some tough souls out there that are immune to temperature extremes and jump in ice cold lakes (because it's refreshing) and put matches out with their fingers, and crazy stuff like that... please resist the temptation to respond.
It would be great to hear some personal experiences from people who live in warmer climates and maybe don't wear Kevlar lined riding suits and offroad-style boots ALL the time. I've certainly owned some hot bikes over the years, a few that were nearly un-rideable in slow moving, warm weather, like flesh wounds "hot"... so I get the form-over-function argument. It's hard to resist a great looking/performing bike, despite heat/crappy fueling/poor ergos/etc...I have owned a lot of those bikes.
I freaking love the PA and willing to navigate some of the other "new model" issues (electronic glitches and who knows what else), I just don't want to be surprised by this particular issue, especially if it's not a fixable one. I'm happy to throw some cash at some aftermarket exhaust shields, fan shrouds, cat-delete, etc. if they will help.
Lastly, anyone sold (or considering selling) their Pan America SPECIFICALLY due to engine heat issues?
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 3
From: CA
I think a lot of ADV reviewers ride GSs, which of course have almost no heat issues. And they're like, "wow this is a hot engine". But, I don't know, that's why I'm asking.
I appreciate the feedback!
Novice
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 19
Likes: 14
From: Ca
For me under normal riding conditions it doesn't get that hot and I ride in 100-110 degree dry weather in the summer wearing jeans and leather boots that come up just above the ankle. Offroad and working the bike hard, it definitely heats up. Not like it's burning holes in me, but it puts off a lot of heat at lower speeds and I'm wearing offroad pants and boots. There are a few products out there that are supposed to help with the heat, just haven't researched or gotten any yet to give an opinion if they work or not.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,815
Likes: 2,555
From: UK
There are two bits that get hot. On the left, the radiator fan can blow hot air directly on your knee. On the right, the catalytic converter sits kind of right under your boot/ankle.
If you are moving, neither is a problem. If you are stopped for a long time, they can get pretty hot. Either way, good boots and pants and I have no problems.
If either does become a problem, then there are diverters and heat shields available on the market.
I would say just get the bike, then adapt it to your needs if required.
If you are moving, neither is a problem. If you are stopped for a long time, they can get pretty hot. Either way, good boots and pants and I have no problems.
If either does become a problem, then there are diverters and heat shields available on the market.
I would say just get the bike, then adapt it to your needs if required.
Last edited by adm; Mar 15, 2023 at 07:22 PM.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 261
Likes: 186
For 2023, I know the bike has a shield to divert the fan blowing hot air on the left side. Personally, I did notice it gets hot when stopped for a long time or in really slow traffic, but its no different than many other bikes I've had. Not the best, not the worst. A complete non-issue for me, but I do ride with boots all the time, if I had flip-flops on, I'd probably hate life...
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 250
Likes: 72
From: Maryland
Was in beltway stop and go traffic for about 13 miles today. Temp was mid 60's and some wind, and the bike started to get warm. I'd been riding all winter in the Baltimore area and today reminded me that when the summer heat sets in I need to dress for the bike.
On the right leg above the knee on the inner thigh, if you park and place the kickstand down and inadvertently lean to the left for some reason your inner thigh can touch the very hot upper exhaust heat shield. When wearing shorts I blistered badly that area and now some seven-months later the wound has finally disappeared. So now I won't wear shorts even to pull the bike out of it's parking space.
As the temps get above mid-sixties I wear a running or hiking sock that goes up above the calf when riding. On my right leg half-way between my ankle and bottom of my calf if that area is exposed or isn't covered by a sock it will blister when riding in the warm months.
My left leg was never bothered by the heat. it feels the warmth when the blower comes in but the right side of the bike is where I've burned myself.
I don't know if I'm being stupid or not but I tend to change out my oil every 2500 miles because I'm afraid the temps are high around the bike.
On the right leg above the knee on the inner thigh, if you park and place the kickstand down and inadvertently lean to the left for some reason your inner thigh can touch the very hot upper exhaust heat shield. When wearing shorts I blistered badly that area and now some seven-months later the wound has finally disappeared. So now I won't wear shorts even to pull the bike out of it's parking space.
As the temps get above mid-sixties I wear a running or hiking sock that goes up above the calf when riding. On my right leg half-way between my ankle and bottom of my calf if that area is exposed or isn't covered by a sock it will blister when riding in the warm months.
My left leg was never bothered by the heat. it feels the warmth when the blower comes in but the right side of the bike is where I've burned myself.
I don't know if I'm being stupid or not but I tend to change out my oil every 2500 miles because I'm afraid the temps are high around the bike.
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Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 3
From: CA
Was in beltway stop and go traffic for about 13 miles today. Temp was mid 60's and some wind, and the bike started to get warm. I'd been riding all winter in the Baltimore area and today reminded me that when the summer heat sets in I need to dress for the bike.
On the right leg above the knee on the inner thigh, if you park and place the kickstand down and inadvertently lean to the left for some reason your inner thigh can touch the very hot upper exhaust heat shield. When wearing shorts I blistered badly that area and now some seven-months later the wound has finally disappeared. So now I won't wear shorts even to pull the bike out of it's parking space.
As the temps get above mid-sixties I wear a running or hiking sock that goes up above the calf when riding. On my right leg half-way between my ankle and bottom of my calf if that area is exposed or isn't covered by a sock it will blister when riding in the warm months.
My left leg was never bothered by the heat. it feels the warmth when the blower comes in but the right side of the bike is where I've burned myself.
I don't know if I'm being stupid or not but I tend to change out my oil every 2500 miles because I'm afraid the temps are high around the bike.
On the right leg above the knee on the inner thigh, if you park and place the kickstand down and inadvertently lean to the left for some reason your inner thigh can touch the very hot upper exhaust heat shield. When wearing shorts I blistered badly that area and now some seven-months later the wound has finally disappeared. So now I won't wear shorts even to pull the bike out of it's parking space.
As the temps get above mid-sixties I wear a running or hiking sock that goes up above the calf when riding. On my right leg half-way between my ankle and bottom of my calf if that area is exposed or isn't covered by a sock it will blister when riding in the warm months.
My left leg was never bothered by the heat. it feels the warmth when the blower comes in but the right side of the bike is where I've burned myself.
I don't know if I'm being stupid or not but I tend to change out my oil every 2500 miles because I'm afraid the temps are high around the bike.