when bike runs hot, something happens to engine ...
when completely stopped the idle has a completely different, very persistant pattern/rhythm which is much different than usual. Its the same every time im in this near-overheating situation. I also notice as i let the clutch out to move a few feet, either its not grabbing right, or the torque is very different.
Obviously this is heat related, i just wondered exactly what is happening?
My buddy riding 40+ years on 20 bikes or so, says he never heard of such a thing. Says my bike is too old to have a "rear cyl shut off" or something, so he doesnt know what could be happening.
I seek answers here

Again im not a moron it is obviously heat related, just wondering exactly what it is thats happening.
Also, what would happen if i continue to ride my bike under these conditions? I mean if i just keep pushing it, would it eventually just overheat and shut off? Would it damage anything?
As of now the 3 times i heard this odd idle, i have pulled off the road for 20min and let it cool off, it seems to go away.
thanks
oops, 2004 FLSTCI
Mine just sounds like its cam'd wayyyy down, and has a very steady rythm
I dont know about ECM. I know i bought the bike with custom exhaust, and the air filter is pushed out so i know prev owner went that far, i dont even know if he did download, or even had it tuned.
if not I suspect the odd rythm is a byproduct of an overheaded engine miss fireing.
Have you checked your plugs to see if one or both have been slightly fried?
If you expect to be riding in situations like that very often I would start thinking about getting an oil cooler.
Preferably one with a fan that will push air through it while your idling in traffic.
Now a lot of people will tell you that an oil cooler without a fan will not prevent it from happening again, and that may be true.
But even without a fan it will help to keep the engine’s temps down longer.
As well as bring the oil and engine temps back to a more normal level a lot quicker once you get moving again.
This is important because the longer the oil stays at those high temps.
The shorter the lifespan of the additives in it that help your engine live longer.
It’s my personal preference to change the oil anytime I think the oil temps exceed 250 degree’s (in the tank) for a total of more than 5 minutes.
So far, since I installed an oil cooler I haven’t had the engine ever exceed 250, even in the worst traffic.
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It sounds like an ignition component going bad. All too often it's heat related when your cam sensor, coil, or ignition module starts showing signs of malfunctioning.
You can isolate the issue by using a heat gun directed at the components while idling. If there is a heat break down issue you will sense a change in the engine performance.
I'd say start with taking off the derby cover and heating the cam sensor.
It sounds like an ignition component going bad. All too often it's heat related when your cam sensor, coil, or ignition module starts showing signs of malfunctioning.
You can isolate the issue by using a heat gun directed at the components while idling. If there is a heat break down issue you will sense a change in the engine performance.
I'd say start with taking off the derby cover and heating the cam sensor.
if its minor, i will just do it at my leisure.
thanks!
Also i will have the bike tuned when i get my new pipes soon


