Oil Cooler vs. Radiator
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 933
Likes: 4
I enjoy different brands of motorcycles too, Owned more jap bikes then HD in 35 yrs of riding bikes in my life. I have been on a Gold Wing. I don't like the looks of a GW. But I also don't like the looks of an Ultra\EG either, not into fairing bikes period. I can appreciate why people like them, but I do not share their passion for the plastic case around the bike.
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Texas
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.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 54
From: The Burgh
I would have to dissagree. I currently own a Wing and an Ultra Limited. I've been stuck in stop and go traffec for over an hour on both in large citys several times and the feel no heat from the Wing while the Limited is like sitting on an oven. This Spring I changed to ceramic coated catless pipes, free-er flowing mufflers, high flow intake and a turner. I has helped the heat some, but if I get stopped on a hot day, the Limites is still way hotter than my Wing. The Limited has a lot going for it and I really injoy riding it, but it's got to be ten times hotter in stop and go traffic than my water cooled Wing.
Look where the engine is located on the GW and where it is on the Ultra. You're sitting on top of the engine on a HD, not on a GW.
What I'd like to see is a comparison of engine temp between a water cooled V-Twin and a HD V-Twin.in stop and go traffic. Not what the rider feels but what the actual temp of the engine is. Plus, keep in mind that the lower fairings trap the heat around your legs. Take them off in summer and you'll feel the difference.
Last edited by frenchbiker; Jul 6, 2011 at 07:46 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 9
From: Lincolnton, NC
Please explain how your oil cooler cools the oil while the bike is standing still????
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
The manager of the store near me says in time all Harley engines will eventually be water cooled. I think the patent drawing is the future of Harleys Vtwin engines.
When I saw the patent drawings, I noticed the water pump was located near where the oil cooler is now. It suggest to me that Harley is going to do away with the oil cooler once the water cooled heads appear.
Beary
When I saw the patent drawings, I noticed the water pump was located near where the oil cooler is now. It suggest to me that Harley is going to do away with the oil cooler once the water cooled heads appear.
Beary
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
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
I enjoy different brands of motorcycles too, Owned more jap bikes then HD in 35 yrs of riding bikes in my life. I have been on a Gold Wing. I don't like the looks of a GW. But I also don't like the looks of an Ultra\EG either, not into fairing bikes period. I can appreciate why people like them, but I do not share their passion for the plastic case around the bike.
As for the plastic, I got to checking, my Limited has a plastic fairing, inner fairing, side covers, bags, and tour pack. Most of what you see on an Ultra is plastic. Doesn't bother me at all as long as it serves its intended function.
Does anyone know what these new EPA standards are the MoCo will have to deal with? This would probably help the convo and give us better insight now that some numbers from temps entering and leaving the cooler are available.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
You can't compare a 1800cc horizontally opposed V6 to a 1600cc V-Twin.
Look where the engine is located on the GW and where it is on the Ultra. You're sitting on top of the engine on a HD, not on a GW.
What I'd like to see is a comparison of engine temp between a water cooled V-Twin and a HD V-Twin.in stop and go traffic. Not what the rider feels but what the actual temp of the engine is. Plus, keep in mind that the lower fairings trap the heat around your legs. Take them off in summer and you'll feel the difference.
Look where the engine is located on the GW and where it is on the Ultra. You're sitting on top of the engine on a HD, not on a GW.
What I'd like to see is a comparison of engine temp between a water cooled V-Twin and a HD V-Twin.in stop and go traffic. Not what the rider feels but what the actual temp of the engine is. Plus, keep in mind that the lower fairings trap the heat around your legs. Take them off in summer and you'll feel the difference.