Oil Cooler vs. Radiator
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 933
Likes: 4
This is probably a stupid question. I've only been a Harley owner for a few months.
Why would Harley resist building a water cooled touring motor? My last bike was water cooled and it never gave any trouble at all. In fact, I would guess most late model big bikes other than Harley are water cooled. It seems like the sensible thing to do.
Why would Harley resist building a water cooled touring motor? My last bike was water cooled and it never gave any trouble at all. In fact, I would guess most late model big bikes other than Harley are water cooled. It seems like the sensible thing to do.
I too have owned water cooled bikes, and the models I have owed, the fan pushed the hot air on my legs.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
Please explain how your oil cooler cools the oil while the bike is standing still???? Does the oil cool down faster once the bikes starts moving again, yes.....but standing still unless it's equipped with a fan, it's not doing nothing.....don't need to stay at a Holiday Express to know that!!!!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 54
From: The Burgh
This is probably a stupid question. I've only been a Harley owner for a few months.
Why would Harley resist building a water cooled touring motor? My last bike was water cooled and it never gave any trouble at all. In fact, I would guess most late model big bikes other than Harley are water cooled. It seems like the sensible thing to do.
Why would Harley resist building a water cooled touring motor? My last bike was water cooled and it never gave any trouble at all. In fact, I would guess most late model big bikes other than Harley are water cooled. It seems like the sensible thing to do.
Most late big bikes other than Harley, other than Victory, other than Indian and other than the Yamaha Road Star (best selling metric cruiser ever) are water cooled.
This means that more than 60% of the big cruisers/tourers sold in the US are either air cooled or air/oil cooled.
Bottom line is if I have the choice, I don't want a bunch of plumbing on my bike. More parts means higher risk of failure, more weight and heat is not dramatically lower.
Last edited by frenchbiker; Jul 6, 2011 at 07:22 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 54
From: The Burgh
Please explain how your oil cooler cools the oil while the bike is standing still???? Does the oil cool down faster once the bikes starts moving again, yes.....but standing still unless it's equipped with a fan, it's not doing nothing.....don't need to stay at a Holiday Express to know that!!!!!
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Not on a Goldwing. The fans on a Wing blow the air forward away for the rider. Works great. I've been stuck in stop and go traffic at over 100 degrees on my Wing and the only heat you feel is from the air, not from the bike.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 933
Likes: 4
This is true, but if the Gold Wing was the last bike on earth, I would give up riding and buy a boat.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
I've had water cooled bikes too and they were as hot as my Harley in the same conditions, for example in stop and go traffic. My Ultra doesn't give me any trouble at all either.
Most late big bikes other than Harley, other than Victory, other than Indian and other than the Yamaha Road Star (best selling metric cruiser ever) are water cooled.
This means that more than 60% of the big cruisers/tourers sold in the US are either air cooled or air/oil cooled.
Bottom line is if I have the choice, I don't want a bunch of plumbing on my bike. More parts means higher risk of failure and more weight.
Most late big bikes other than Harley, other than Victory, other than Indian and other than the Yamaha Road Star (best selling metric cruiser ever) are water cooled.
This means that more than 60% of the big cruisers/tourers sold in the US are either air cooled or air/oil cooled.
Bottom line is if I have the choice, I don't want a bunch of plumbing on my bike. More parts means higher risk of failure and more weight.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: Stamford, CT
That's a good point because the 1200r has oil cooled heads. The oil routing is a bit different from the other HD engines. I wouldn't be surprised if we see this as an interim step before full blown water cooling, however I am surprised they haven't done it already.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
To each his own. I love motorcycles, not just Harleys. I guess I just have more choises for enjoyment in this short life. Your loss.