should i shut down in traffic????
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From:
RE: should i shut down in traffic????
I was at Myrtle Beach Bike week this spring on my new 07 Fatty. I had 500 miles on it at the time. Mine got real hot it shut itself off. I was sitting in traffic at the time. Not good! It started back up and black smoke poured out the exhaust. I got it down to the south dealership, and being it was a new bike with only 500 miles and a 7 year warranty, I got to go to the front of the class!
Anyhow, they took care of the 2 recalls that were outstanding on my bike. But what shut down my bike was the heat sensor came unplugged! Good to know my bike knows when to shut down. Was outta there in about 2 hours.
Anyhow, they took care of the 2 recalls that were outstanding on my bike. But what shut down my bike was the heat sensor came unplugged! Good to know my bike knows when to shut down. Was outta there in about 2 hours.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From:
RE: should i shut down in traffic????
I've shut my bike down a couple of times because it just got too damn hot. Once was on the highway during a construction phase, and another was waiting in line to get intoa Carslile event. Both times the bike got to over 250+ degrees with no end in sight and the bike running like crap. I don't know about the whole "things getting hotter" thing, my temp gauge seemed to like not having the engine running.
I tried synth in my Sporty, and I swear it ran hotter so I switched back. I've been using synth in my Fatboy since new, and I'm starting to think it too may make it run hotter. I know people dissagree, but my temp gauge doesn't lie. I'm seriously thinking about switching back to regular ole oil.
What are your thoughts ...
I tried synth in my Sporty, and I swear it ran hotter so I switched back. I've been using synth in my Fatboy since new, and I'm starting to think it too may make it run hotter. I know people dissagree, but my temp gauge doesn't lie. I'm seriously thinking about switching back to regular ole oil.
What are your thoughts ...
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 1
From: Galt, CA
RE: should i shut down in traffic????
I've never shut mine off in traffic. As mentioned previously it's plain unsafe to do so. As far as the heat goes, if you've ever seen some of the tests that Harley performs on the bikes, it's just plain brutal. They sit these bikes in 100+ degree temps and just let them idle. They do this for extended periods of time to test the durability of the engines.It's a lot harder on the starter and engine to shut it off, let it heat sink and then restart.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,015
Likes: 5
From: Alaska
RE: should i shut down in traffic????
My carbed 03 Heritage does not run as hot as my 06 Ultra so I leave it on unless I got time for a Snickers. (gonna be a while?)
The Ultra has that effed up heat management system and will begin running like crap if it gets too warm. Unless I can break free and run, I pull over and let it cool down.
The Ultra has that effed up heat management system and will begin running like crap if it gets too warm. Unless I can break free and run, I pull over and let it cool down.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
RE: should i shut down in traffic????
I wouldn't shut it down. Air cooled bikes are built to not make as much heat as liquid cooled bikes. Liquid cooled bikes would be destroyed if run without coolant even when moving at highway speeds.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,357
Likes: 11
From: The Lone Star State
RE: should i shut down in traffic????
I try to avoid 100 degree days and traffic like the plague, but I think keeping the bike running would be the best thing to do as far as safety. If my temp gauge starts getting up over 250 I would pull over and let it sit fora while to cool off considerably. I wouldn't start and stop the engine while inching through traffic.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From:
RE: should i shut down in traffic????
I don't like feeling like a sitting duck...so no, I don't shut it down. Never put my arms down or lean back at a red light either. Just in case some effer on their phone fails to see the light is red, I don't wanna get nailed. I Lane split in traffic, and wait on the white line at traffic signals. There are probablymore people who shut their bikes down "in case" the bike overheats than actual bikes overheating. Quit babying it!
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 3
From: Sydney, Australia
RE: should i shut down in traffic????
Hey dude,
Do you have a photo of your bike with the standard single seat on it but with all the mods since? Would love to know what that would look like. What you doing to it next anyway?
DeanO
Do you have a photo of your bike with the standard single seat on it but with all the mods since? Would love to know what that would look like. What you doing to it next anyway?
DeanO