The following post was left on another thread. Sorry for the cross-post but I spent so much time writing this rant that I wanted more of you to see it. For what it's worth . . . my 2 cents. It is in reply to a newbie asking for help with the never ending overheating issue on our bikes.

You can see the entire thread here: https://www.hdforums.com/m_2081969/tm.htm


This thread is a perfect example of the mixed messages that the newbies get when they ask a questions about stage 1 or overheating issues. I just read through all the posts so far and I'm more confused than ever! A few of the posts are genuinely helpful and the rest fall into the "funny but useless" catagory. I must say that this is very frustrating for someone looking for an answer to a legitimate problem. OK, enough ranting!!!

I'm a relative newbie. I've only been a member of this forum for a few weeks. However, I've been here long enough to make a decision on what to buy for my bike:
1. Power Commander III - $289
2. Torres true duals conversion - $260
3. Big Sucker air cleaner - $110
3. Kerker slip-ons - $150
Total - $809
The choices I made are a balance between throwing a HUGE amount of money at the heat/over-lean issue and spending just enough to solve it. Yes, I wanted Rinhart true duals but my budget didn't allow it. I paid over $500 in "harley tax" to get my Sporty to run right and I'm resigned to spending the money on my RG. I understand why (EPA) and I expected it when I bought the bike. I'm not bitching, just stating a fact.

What I've done so far because I'm waiting for the UPS man is this . . . I installed the Power Commander with the stock map. The bike runs different and may even run better. It doesn't run noticably cooler when it really matters which is stopped in traffic on a hot day (inner thigh temp guage). We all know that you won't know how hot the bike reallyis unless you install an oil temp guage. Harley left it off for obvious reasons (they don't want us to know) Yes, I can tell you how warm the outside air is if that matters to anyone!

I'm tempted to install an oil temp guage now and run the bike with the Power Commander unhooked and the O2 sensors connected (stock). Then run the test again on the same day with the PC hooked up and the O2 sensors eliminated. This would give me an idea of where I am starting at as far as oil temp goes. Then after I install the air cleaner and pipes I could run the same test again just to see what each upgrade does for the true engine heat.

If there is anyone reading this who has done a similar test, please post your results. I could also dig through all the previous posts in this forum but then I would have to read all the "funny but useless' posts again and I'm frankly getting pretty tired of them.
Steve

 

You may want to try the HD air dam that goes between the forks on the bottom tree. It directe the air form going over the tank down to the front of the motor. No test as far as the motor temp, but, more air over the motor can't hurt. It's relitively (sp) cheep. ( by HD standards )

 

The airdam (black) is standard on a Roadglide.

EZ

 

sorry about that. maybe I should learn to read the sig.

 

For me the middle fairing, the one kuryakyn or http://www.rjsoriginals.com/
Will help more than most anything you can do. I have done the stage 1 and added the mid fairing-added the mid fairing first. I do not notice the heat on my thighs much unless I am stuck in traffic for a long period. My wife gave me a big thank you for the mid fairng and stage 1
Oh, I think the mid fairing helps cool the rear cylinder some because it sends the air toward the rear jug/head. No proff. If you are having say 95-100 degree weather and the engine is say 220degres then it has to help it cool some.

 

..could be because there is not "one fix" for the heat issue..you can go at the problem differently depending on budget, mechanical skills, and where you ultimately intend to go with your bike ie: cams, heads, big bore kits etc. Seems to me generally when someone asks a question they get "answers" not "the answer". You just have to sift thru information to get what will possibly work for you...that's the nature of the beast with the internet...lot's of info, not all of it relevant.
Later