Hotter than Hell
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 291
Likes: 128
From: N/A
Scotty, the cheapest thing you can do to your RGU to lower temps here in Texas is to remove your lower fairings. Pretty simple to do and only takes about 10 minutes for both. I removed them on my 15 Ultra a couple of weeks ago and it really makes a difference. When the weather turns cooler this fall/ winter I will put them back on. Until then I am enjoying the cooler ride, both in stop and go and on the road.
Here is a REPORT on How to Cool Down your Twin Cam. Lot's of little inexpensive things you can do that will have a significant effect.
....
The keys are to uncover the top of the engine, so that the tank is not trapping the heat, AND to get the front of the tank angled up enough that the air will flow under it, hitting the engine, instead of over it, hitting the riders chest.
....
The keys are to uncover the top of the engine, so that the tank is not trapping the heat, AND to get the front of the tank angled up enough that the air will flow under it, hitting the engine, instead of over it, hitting the riders chest.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 54
From: The Burgh
It made a world of difference when I removed the lower fairings, added a DK Custom "deluxe" tank lift and DK Custom cooling deflector wings,
Absolutely spot on.
Absolutely spot on.
On the other hand, both combined reduce buffeting dramatically and this is a big benefit that I experienced.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 713
Likes: 203
From: The Nature Coast, FL
There are a lot of good suggestions in how to reduce heat in this thread. IMO it starts with being tuned properly. I experience 90 degree temps all summer with high humidity and if you sit in traffic you AND the bike are going to get hot, no getting around it.
Harley engines are durable and will survive those temps if properly maintained. I can remember getting burns/blisters from my thigh being on top of the oil tank on an old Ironhead Sportster and it ran like a scalded dog while EVO's and 88's were getting ridiculous hot sitting in traffic
Harley engines are durable and will survive those temps if properly maintained. I can remember getting burns/blisters from my thigh being on top of the oil tank on an old Ironhead Sportster and it ran like a scalded dog while EVO's and 88's were getting ridiculous hot sitting in traffic
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 291
Likes: 128
From: N/A
I did install the 1.5" tank lift and cooling deflector wings from DK Customs and I didn't notice much impact in heat reduction. If the bike moves, heat is not an issue for me anyway and in stop and go traffic, they make little to no difference.
On the other hand, both combined reduce buffeting dramatically and this is a big benefit that I experienced.
On the other hand, both combined reduce buffeting dramatically and this is a big benefit that I experienced.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 230
From: United States
Wiz
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 943
Likes: 41
The heat demons on my 96" 10 Ultra was cured by 1. removing the cat 2. installing SE air cleaner 3. PCV Tuner 4. Jagg 10 row oil cooler 5. JackPot Slip-ons 6. Love Jugs Cool Master fans. I also use full synthetic oil. Excessive heat is no longer an issue.
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Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,645
Likes: 22,575
From: North Carolina
Face it, you are setting on top of an air cooled engine with the exhaust inches from your legs / feet. Look at the bright side, you could be riding a Boss Hoss with a small block v8 between your legs. Heat rises and at low speeds you are sitting in the zone.