Jeeze it's hot, like Africa hot!

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Jun 23, 2015 | 05:11 PM

PSYOPSGM

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Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 55

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From: VA

Jeeze it's hot, like Africa hot!

So I actually read my manual for my new Iron 883 and it mentioned that extended idling can be a problem for the air cooled engine. I live in the Northern VA/DC area and a trip across town at the wrong time of day means lots of stop and go traffic, more stop than go. Being that the temps these days are mid to high 90s my question is what constitutes extended idling? Should I shut the bike down at that light that takes me four or five cycles to get through? Restarting every time I move forward?
I'm assuming the answer is no, but I'm curious to see what the old Harley hands have to say.

Jun 23, 2015 | 05:18 PM

millzog

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Joined: May 2006

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From: Snottsdale, Az

I try to ride more in the early morning or late evenings ....due to the temps here in Phoenix get to 115 + . Sitting in stop and go traffic isn`t good for the motor or me ...I`ll take the cage with the cold A/C

Jun 23, 2015 | 05:28 PM

Von_Zipper

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Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 1,898

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From: Saint Amant, Acadiana

To answer OP question. This is not that bad, as a matter of fact when sitting and idling in hot weather the EFI switches to "parade mode", in this mode all emissions are forgotten and the engine will run much cooler. Get an oil thermometer if you want to see whether it gets too hot. I doubt it will. Here in Louisiana doesn't snow exactly, either. Sitting in traffic jam for half an hour at 92+ degrees hurt me more than my bike.

Jun 23, 2015 | 05:34 PM

wachuko

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Joined: Jan 2011

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From: Orlando, FL

You worry too much...

Unless you are in a parade where you are really at a standstill... just ride it normally.

I think that I have only turn it off once in a similar situation and it was more for my comfort than for protecting the bike. These things run at around 370-400° for Engine Temp...

Jun 23, 2015 | 05:35 PM

blueracer

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Joined: Oct 2014

Posts: 69

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From: california

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSYOPSGM

Turning it off isn't a good idea at all for a couple of reasons, but mainly for safety reasons. Plus a minute of two off won't cool the bike enough to make a difference and the bike could be a real bitch to start sometimes with a hot engine.
Lane splitting in Cali helps keep us moving in heavy traffic and keeps the motor cooler. One of the few things they got right out here.

Jun 23, 2015 | 06:27 PM

LunaticFringe

Road Captain

Joined: Oct 2014

Posts: 722

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From: Williamsport, MD

sportsters run cool because they use a lot of oil for a relativity small motor. and the engine doesn;t put off much heat at idle either, it puts off much more while cruising. but I would also get an oil temp gauge, they are only like $60 at the dealer. also always run synthetic oil.

watch the temp and if it gets up around 270 then think about cooling it off. it takes quite a bit of idling to get it that hot.