Excessive heat from right side of Road King
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
Every one Blames the Motor Company for the Heat, They are being forced to tune the Air Fuel Ratios so lean to Meet the Federal Govt Regulations That is the cause of the Heat. it is just like every other manufacturing industry they are over laden with Govt Rules and red tape and every one wonders why we dont make anything in the USA anymore and that there are no jobs Hmmmm Kick the EPA out and let Americans build things the way they want to and all will come back to normal. for the heat issue remove the cats and add a tuner my ultra dropped 30 degrees but If Harley could meet EPA rules with the bike properly tuned they would. Technically it is in violation for us to do it as well, but until they have an emissions test in my state I will tune my bike the way I want
I think the EPA was a good thing at first, but now the Fed Government has gave them way to much power. We need good jobs now, not more red tape.
I put a no cat 09 head pipe on with a Fuel Moto mapped PCV on my 11 RK and now my lower right leg is much more comfortable.
Novice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
One quick thing that will help is to remove the black plastic heat guards that are supposed to keep heat off your legs. They trap heat in under the seat and make it miserable to ride. I removed them from my new ultra classic and the difference is huge. Two bolts on each side. I ride with shorts on all the time, and now that the heat guards are off its much cooler. Wind can now remove the engine heated air. I was planning on doing the cat, but I don't think its necessary now.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
I have a harley tech I really trust. He told me you have to do the supertuner or the engine will not tune right. Could impact the warrenty. I went through the whole Stage 1 on his recommendation. The cost brought tears to my eyes but 10 minutes down the road and I was one happy camper. It was worth the dough.
Stage IV
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Pipes and exhaust for heat and performance.
Brought my 2011 FLHTK in for the 5k and was talking about the right side heat and that lack of expected performance of the 103. He also told me that it was the cat and suggests V&H dualies, rinehart slip on muffler, Super Tuner and new air filter. Sounds like this will take care of both the heat and power, but why not Harley's Screaming Eagle pipes/exhaust? And how much louder will this be. Want a more than stock, but gotta keep the peace with the neighbors too.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Lots Of Options
Just my .02, but, even if you do gut the converter, go with a tuner, add on an oil cooler or fan or any one of the other countless mods to make the bike run cooler, you will still be generating a lot of heat on yourself during the warmer summer months. Definately a good idea to keep engine temps down but at the same time just as good an idea to keep rider temps down also, hence my suggestion -
Captain Itch's Crotch Cooler
It's simple, EZ to install and IT WORKS! Sometimes the most obvious answer is the easiest!
Captain Itch's Crotch Cooler
It's simple, EZ to install and IT WORKS! Sometimes the most obvious answer is the easiest!
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 658
Likes: 23
From: South Florida
I gota agree with KF4, Don't blame H.D., blame the EPA and the Government for these stupid restrictive laws which are killing American companies and American jobs.. The FBI raided Gibson Guitars the other day looking for rare woods .. Give me a break.. Lead is kids mini bikes ? Ethanol in gas which actually kills gas mileage and destroys the engine. People are wondering why no jobs are being created ? Get ride of the EPA altogether !
Last edited by djkolp; Dec 21, 2011 at 09:04 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 666
Likes: 5
From: Bay Area, CA
Screw suing Harley over heat. I hate lawyers too, but I'd rather see someone sue Harley over bikes shutting down due to faulty connectors. Heat is an annoyance. Getting mashed on the highway can really, really, really hurt. Anyone know of any lawsuits on that issue?
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
When I first got my Ultra, the right side head was damn near unbearable, especially for my wife. Had the dealership do a Stage I Air Cleaner Kit along with doing a SE Super Tuner along with V&H Slipon Ovals. Using the Super Tuner the dealership was able to richen up the mixture. Now there's just a little bit of heat and the rear cylinder doesn't shut down at stop lights anymore.
Gutting your Cats isn't going to eliminate your high heat problem. It is the lean fuel mixture. If you did the Stage I and you purchased the SE Super Tuner and you're still running hot then I don't think your dealer used the right mapping. Take it back and tell them to use the mapping that richens the fuel mixture.
Gutting your Cats isn't going to eliminate your high heat problem. It is the lean fuel mixture. If you did the Stage I and you purchased the SE Super Tuner and you're still running hot then I don't think your dealer used the right mapping. Take it back and tell them to use the mapping that richens the fuel mixture.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 943
Likes: 41
If they win, we ultimately lose. The MoCo will pass their losses on to us so we end up paying more for bikes, parts and accessories that are already overpriced. An air cooled engine getting hot....go figure. My toaster gets too hot. Maybe I have a law suit.
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GOSTAZ
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Jan 19, 2007 07:18 PM
