Engine Cooling
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Engine Cooling
My latest project, just finished today, is an attempt to provide maximum cooling for my 2011 Limited 103 next summer, especially when sitting in traffic. I’ve already done the exhaust and tuning so this goes a little beyond those norms.
First I installed a couple of computer fans to my oil cooler. (EDIT 2-17-2011, Installed a third fan to backside of the oil cooler for a total of 3 fans). Now computer fans aren’t really designed for an environment as harsh as a Harley so I did some modifications (epoxied all of the motor windings and wiring) to hopefully improve their reliability before installing. Time will tell.
Next I installed a Lenale Engineering Cooling fan for the cylinders and heads. This fan mounts to the stock horn bracket and then the horn has to be relocated (or chucked).
I wired both the oil cooler and engine fans to the plug under the seat controlled by the accessory switch in the fairing. Now whenever I’m sitting in traffic I’ll simply hit the switch.
Finally, I relocated the horn. The fan kit from Lenale includes hardware to relocate the horn to one of the frame front downtubes but in my opinion it really looks quite out-of-place there, so I did my own custom relocation right below the left side cover between the primary case and the exhaust. This was the most labor intensive part of the job. It took me all day to make the bracket, but I’m pretty happy with the way it came out.
I don’t know quantifiably how much improvement these mods will make yet, but I’m going to do some testing in the near future to find out. In the meantime - they sure can’t hurt any.
EDIT: Added 01-28-2011. Here's the results of some testing I did yesterday for the LeNale Engine Cooling fan... https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...test-data.html
EDIT: 2-23-2011. And here's the results of the oil cooler fan test... https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...test-data.html
First I installed a couple of computer fans to my oil cooler. (EDIT 2-17-2011, Installed a third fan to backside of the oil cooler for a total of 3 fans). Now computer fans aren’t really designed for an environment as harsh as a Harley so I did some modifications (epoxied all of the motor windings and wiring) to hopefully improve their reliability before installing. Time will tell.
Next I installed a Lenale Engineering Cooling fan for the cylinders and heads. This fan mounts to the stock horn bracket and then the horn has to be relocated (or chucked).
I wired both the oil cooler and engine fans to the plug under the seat controlled by the accessory switch in the fairing. Now whenever I’m sitting in traffic I’ll simply hit the switch.
Finally, I relocated the horn. The fan kit from Lenale includes hardware to relocate the horn to one of the frame front downtubes but in my opinion it really looks quite out-of-place there, so I did my own custom relocation right below the left side cover between the primary case and the exhaust. This was the most labor intensive part of the job. It took me all day to make the bracket, but I’m pretty happy with the way it came out.
I don’t know quantifiably how much improvement these mods will make yet, but I’m going to do some testing in the near future to find out. In the meantime - they sure can’t hurt any.
EDIT: Added 01-28-2011. Here's the results of some testing I did yesterday for the LeNale Engine Cooling fan... https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...test-data.html
EDIT: 2-23-2011. And here's the results of the oil cooler fan test... https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...test-data.html
Last edited by 2black1s; Feb 23, 2011 at 04:36 PM.
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Elite HDF Member
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From: Simi Valley, CA
If you decide to go ahead, check out Eastern Performance Cycles. Got mine from them for $216.95 w/free shipping and the horn relocation kit included even though I didn't use it. Even with the standard free shipping I got mine in 4 days.
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Great job. I saved a number of fans from some old AT power supplies and intended to try the same thing. I only have one of the chrome grills at this point.
I didn't think about the cooling fan location where the horn is. That is a great idea. I will use the fan with the grill there and come up with something else for the front mounted ones. There was a vendor that advertised the two fan set up for the front oil cooler and said that they weren't computer fans but they sure looked like it. I think with the epoxy they will work well for you.
Thanks for posting.
I didn't think about the cooling fan location where the horn is. That is a great idea. I will use the fan with the grill there and come up with something else for the front mounted ones. There was a vendor that advertised the two fan set up for the front oil cooler and said that they weren't computer fans but they sure looked like it. I think with the epoxy they will work well for you.
Thanks for posting.
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My latest project, just finished today, is an attempt to provide maximum cooling for my 2011 Limited 103 next summer, especially when sitting in traffic. Ive already done the exhaust and tuning so this goes a little beyond those norms.
First I installed a couple of computer fans to my oil cooler. Now computer fans arent really designed for an environment as harsh as a Harley so I did some modifications (epoxied all of the motor windings and wiring) to hopefully improve their reliability before installing. Time will tell.
Next I installed a Lenale Engineering Cooling fan for the cylinders and heads. This fan mounts to the stock horn bracket and then the horn has to be relocated (or chucked).
I wired both the oil cooler and engine fans to the plug under the seat controlled by the accessory switch in the fairing. Now whenever Im sitting in traffic Ill simply hit the switch.
Finally, I relocated the horn. The fan kit from Lenale includes hardware to relocate the horn to one of the frame front downtubes but in my opinion it really looks quite out-of-place there, so I did my own custom relocation right below the left side cover between the primary case and the exhaust. This was the most labor intensive part of the job. It took me all day to make the bracket, but Im pretty happy with the way it came out.
I dont know quantifiably how much improvement these mods will make yet, but Im going to do some testing in the near future to find out. In the meantime - they sure cant hurt any.
First I installed a couple of computer fans to my oil cooler. Now computer fans arent really designed for an environment as harsh as a Harley so I did some modifications (epoxied all of the motor windings and wiring) to hopefully improve their reliability before installing. Time will tell.
Next I installed a Lenale Engineering Cooling fan for the cylinders and heads. This fan mounts to the stock horn bracket and then the horn has to be relocated (or chucked).
I wired both the oil cooler and engine fans to the plug under the seat controlled by the accessory switch in the fairing. Now whenever Im sitting in traffic Ill simply hit the switch.
Finally, I relocated the horn. The fan kit from Lenale includes hardware to relocate the horn to one of the frame front downtubes but in my opinion it really looks quite out-of-place there, so I did my own custom relocation right below the left side cover between the primary case and the exhaust. This was the most labor intensive part of the job. It took me all day to make the bracket, but Im pretty happy with the way it came out.
I dont know quantifiably how much improvement these mods will make yet, but Im going to do some testing in the near future to find out. In the meantime - they sure cant hurt any.
Another thing you can do, and it improves the lines of the bike some, get a 1.5" or 2" tank lift to get more air flowing over the engine. Makes it easier to clean to!
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Nice work. Make sure to FULLY compress your forks with a ratchet strap or something to verify fender clearance. It’s a major bring down when you hit that first big bump and the cooler contacts the fender. I thought I verified clearance, with two people bouncing on the front end, but big road inputs compressed my forks more. If you really want maximum cooling, scrap the black cooler cover, and connect to an adjustable thermostatic switch instead of manual. I guarantee better results.