103 Running hot??
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 71
From: Hayward Ca
Those temps would not surprise me at all. These motors run hot, especially stock. On my 08 RK prior to building the motor and adding fans the EITMS would kick in all the time in stop and go traffic. I believe that back then it was enabled at around 375 degrees.
Running fans on all 4 bikes now
Running fans on all 4 bikes now
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 71
From: Hayward Ca
This subject has been discussed ad nauseam in many threads. There are those that argue that these motors are built to handle the heat, tested in the desert and that heat has no effect on performance or the longevity of their motors.
Others (including myself) disagree believing excessive heat is the enemy of any air cooled motor and has a big effect on it's performance and longevity.
All tunes retard timing (detune your motor) as engine temps rise. Our Delphi ECM's knock detection systems also retard spark (detune your motor) when knock is detected. A condition that is exasperated by extreme engine temps.
I run fans on four Harleys and except on the very hottest of days do I see ever see head temps over 260.
With respect to engine damage caused by heat. There are tons of studies on how heat degrades oil, depletes the additives sooner preventing it from lubricating, cooling and protecting as designed. All of this will accelerate wear
I guess you gotta pick your canp
Others (including myself) disagree believing excessive heat is the enemy of any air cooled motor and has a big effect on it's performance and longevity.
All tunes retard timing (detune your motor) as engine temps rise. Our Delphi ECM's knock detection systems also retard spark (detune your motor) when knock is detected. A condition that is exasperated by extreme engine temps.
I run fans on four Harleys and except on the very hottest of days do I see ever see head temps over 260.
With respect to engine damage caused by heat. There are tons of studies on how heat degrades oil, depletes the additives sooner preventing it from lubricating, cooling and protecting as designed. All of this will accelerate wear
I guess you gotta pick your canp
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
No. Its fine. Stop obsessing and ride. Get rid of whatever temp gauge you have.
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If the heat is an issue for you in stop and go traffic check out our Heat shield /crotch cooler they work very well.. If you have any questions just let us know .Thank you Itch ..
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
I commute in bumper to bumper traffic in Houston in almost 100 degree heat every day in the summer. I went 112,000 miles before rebuild and I only did it then because I had the money at the time to do it and wanted to upgrade to a 103.
I had a temp gauge on my first bike and obsessed like you. I learned my lesson.
Toss the gauge, use a name brand synthetic of your choice, and change it every 5,000 miles like the manual says and you'll get well over a 100,000 miles out of your engine.
Others will disagree and say to buy fans. If you look at the fan the moco sells you will see that it's designed, not to cool the bike, but to cool the rider. They are in the business to sell accessories and don't sell jug cooling fans. Save your money for more important things.
Good luck with your struggle. I was there with my first bike but know better now.