Just paranoid I guess
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Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 981
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma
Just paranoid I guess
After riding Goldwings for 29 years you may understand my question.
I've been use to ridding a pretty nice touring bike for a long time, water cooled systems and all.
I guess it's the reason for my guestion. After ridding a bike with a water cooling system, it worries me to be ridding my Ultra classic in very hot weather.
I know, I know, your going to tell me that the Harley engines are built to run in the heat of the summer but please tell me that 98 degree weather here in Oklahoma isn't hard on the engine.
I'm confident that I have a quality machine in my '03 Ultra Classic but I guess I'm just looking for some encouragement.
Please save the sentiments and sarcasms.
I've been use to ridding a pretty nice touring bike for a long time, water cooled systems and all.
I guess it's the reason for my guestion. After ridding a bike with a water cooling system, it worries me to be ridding my Ultra classic in very hot weather.
I know, I know, your going to tell me that the Harley engines are built to run in the heat of the summer but please tell me that 98 degree weather here in Oklahoma isn't hard on the engine.
I'm confident that I have a quality machine in my '03 Ultra Classic but I guess I'm just looking for some encouragement.
Please save the sentiments and sarcasms.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 836
From: KMHT KFMY
RE: Just paranoid I guess
get an oil temp guage if you are worried ( I did ) McKuen (sp) makes a nice one.
HD doesn't make that big fan for nothing. These bikes will get hot, they will get hot enough to fry the oil (that's why I run full synthetic)
My bike is in the garage untill it cools off here, I am riding the ZRX and listening to the fan kick on at every traffic light.
There is no way that this heat isn't hard on the bike, I have the option of riding the second bike that is worth less than a replacement motor for the EG.
HD doesn't make that big fan for nothing. These bikes will get hot, they will get hot enough to fry the oil (that's why I run full synthetic)
My bike is in the garage untill it cools off here, I am riding the ZRX and listening to the fan kick on at every traffic light.
There is no way that this heat isn't hard on the bike, I have the option of riding the second bike that is worth less than a replacement motor for the EG.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: Just paranoid I guess
It will run fine.
Remember you are cooling 200+ degrees, so as long as there is enough airflow, the temp would have to be hot enough to cook you before it would be a serious issue.
It's around 100+/- for a good part of the summer here. Mine seems to like the heat. It was 101* today and it ran fine.
Some people like oil coolers, but nobody knows for sure if it helps with engine life. They do know it cools the oil by about 20* when moving, so it couldn't hurt.
Ride and enjoy. It's not a toy. Get it hot, dirty, wet, muddy, etc... It will survive.
Remember you are cooling 200+ degrees, so as long as there is enough airflow, the temp would have to be hot enough to cook you before it would be a serious issue.
It's around 100+/- for a good part of the summer here. Mine seems to like the heat. It was 101* today and it ran fine.
Some people like oil coolers, but nobody knows for sure if it helps with engine life. They do know it cools the oil by about 20* when moving, so it couldn't hurt.
Ride and enjoy. It's not a toy. Get it hot, dirty, wet, muddy, etc... It will survive.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,015
Likes: 5
From: Alaska
RE: Just paranoid I guess
I don't recall seeing an operating temperature range published on the HD website or in the owner's manual.
If it was restricted to temps above 50 but below 100, I wouldn't have bought one.
If it was restricted to temps above 50 but below 100, I wouldn't have bought one.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
RE: Just paranoid I guess
Shorty,
I have a '06 Road King Classic w/ the old 8 degree injectors, Rinehart TD's and SE A/C. I live in Louisiana where it has already gotten over 100. Last weekend we had a big MDA Poker Run rally and was 98 deg. that Saturday and my bike didn't even go into the Heat Management routine. In fact, I don't think it has ever gone past the 2nd stage since I've had it. I just run synthetic oil to help out w/ the added heat since I have no oil cooler and everything is running like a charm w/ no hiccups.
Hope that gives ya some encouragement and have fun riding!
Chris
I have a '06 Road King Classic w/ the old 8 degree injectors, Rinehart TD's and SE A/C. I live in Louisiana where it has already gotten over 100. Last weekend we had a big MDA Poker Run rally and was 98 deg. that Saturday and my bike didn't even go into the Heat Management routine. In fact, I don't think it has ever gone past the 2nd stage since I've had it. I just run synthetic oil to help out w/ the added heat since I have no oil cooler and everything is running like a charm w/ no hiccups.
Hope that gives ya some encouragement and have fun riding!
Chris
Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
From: Citizen of the Republic of Texas, now in GA
RE: Just paranoid I guess
please tell me that 98 degree weather here in Oklahoma isn't hard on the engine.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
From: NC, and a stone throw away from SC
RE: Just paranoid I guess
92-94 so far here in NC, never has my bike hit heat management and I've been running 8 degree injectors since last November, and unless something drastic happens, will keep running them. Ride it!
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 791
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
RE: Just paranoid I guess
I live in Phoenix, with 110 degrees temp, and we still ride our HDs. Like Rhubarb said, as long as you have air moving through those fins, the engine will be fine. Of course, having the right oil does make a big difference! HD oil is crap, and will turn into crud after certain temperatures. I believe in Synthetic oil 100%!
ORIGINAL: Longtimegone
Your bike is fine. Like Rhubarb said ... 100+ temps are not too bad.
please tell me that 98 degree weather here in Oklahoma isn't hard on the engine.
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