Heat issues
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Novice
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 15
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Heat issues
I am considering buying a 2012 ultra limitied. I now ride a 06 ultra with 95" upgrade, tuner, breather, mufflers etc. How much hotter should I expect the new bike to run? I have read a bit about how hot they run and all the mods to make them run cooler. My 06 runs great but I would like the new frame, six speed, etc.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
That's a reasonable question, but the answer is going to vary. Running stock with the cat in th center of the header its pretty hot with oil temps around the 260-280 range without a cooler. Removing the cat with a cooler it cools it down pretty much what I'm used to from an air cooled Vtwin by 20-30degrees, that's still stock. My wife scoots around on a 650 air cooled and it cooks in traffic. So it comes down to how much heat in acceptable to you coming from an air cooled engine.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: New Jersey
Don't expect anything. Ride it and make your own determination. Some folks have an issue with heat, while others do not.
You have to understand that you have 2 header pipes running next to you and you passenger's right leg and a 96TC, air-cooled motor, directly below you, between your legs.
If you're not moving, you're going to feel some heat. If you're moving, then no heat.
I think folks make more of this than need be. Maybe it's just an excuse to install dual headers with aftermarket mufflers and get 98 dB's out of the pipes!
You have to understand that you have 2 header pipes running next to you and you passenger's right leg and a 96TC, air-cooled motor, directly below you, between your legs.
If you're not moving, you're going to feel some heat. If you're moving, then no heat.
I think folks make more of this than need be. Maybe it's just an excuse to install dual headers with aftermarket mufflers and get 98 dB's out of the pipes!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
Heat
I just got a 2011 Limited and it is hotter than I'm comfortable riding around town with. I would not consider leaving it the way it is. You can gut the cat at a very low cost and a tuner, intake and slip-ons can be as low as $700 to $800, or as high as you can afford.
I wouldn't let that stop me from buying it. Just plan on the stage 1.
I wouldn't let that stop me from buying it. Just plan on the stage 1.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 421
From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
Stock, the new bikes do run pretty hot...
Getting rid of the cat makes a big difference.
Once you do a complete stage 1 they are not bad.
My bike now runs cool enough to live with with no problems...
Getting rid of the cat makes a big difference.
Once you do a complete stage 1 they are not bad.
My bike now runs cool enough to live with with no problems...
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 251
Likes: 2
From: Upstate, NY
Good advice from FenderGuy. Definitely go ride what you are thinking about buying. I'm not a big fan of the six speeds, the ones that I owned, I hardly ever use 6th gear. The new frame is pretty cool! You have to ride it and decide for yourself.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
Time spent wishing, is time wasted. The "new" frame still employs a rubermounted drivetrain, just has two front mounts instead of one, a little better but still has undesireable handling characteristics. The 6 speed makes for "soft" lowend power, and the 6th gear is only effective above 70 MPH. The O2 sensor assisted fuel management and the catalyst are what makes it hotter than your '06, but these things can be overcome if you really want the '12.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 498
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Like the OP, I have a 05 Ultra with over 50K on her. 95" kit, cams, exhaust, valves redone 10K ago. Bike runs great, not hot. I want the new frame, ABS, lager tank etc... But, I ride with several guys that have the 2011 103's and have rode one of their quite a bit. Love the power and handling, the bike just feels lighter. But, until HD resolves the heat issue I will keep my 05. I don't care if they gave me the option of putting in a Vrod in a tourer ;-)
Don't get me wrong here, I love my bike, like HD's too. Maybe the heat isn't a problem for some, but if we are all honest here - the heat is an issue and the folks I ride with will say "well, it's not that bad" it's a HD after all. Sorry, that doesn't cut it for me.
Don't get me wrong here, I love my bike, like HD's too. Maybe the heat isn't a problem for some, but if we are all honest here - the heat is an issue and the folks I ride with will say "well, it's not that bad" it's a HD after all. Sorry, that doesn't cut it for me.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 5
if u wanna new frame buy it despite what others think it is much better handling. as far as heat goes they get hot and when they do your rear cylinder shuts down didnt like it didnt like the heat issues either and it was no excuse for me to buy true duals. when i bought the true duals i bought a thundermax and a stage 1 air filter and it dropped my heat to where u can here everyones bike exhaust crackling after they shut them down. mine doesnt do that sinse i put everything on my motor i also added a set of woods 555s cams and a oil bud oil cooler now my engine is a hell of lot cooler and comfortable to ride. when in stock form they run hot i dont care what anyone says they run very hot. and even if your moving there still hot you do what you gotta do good luck to ya.
Last edited by roadgliderick; Oct 26, 2011 at 10:46 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,377
Likes: 222
Rode an 07 Classic with a 96 for 8 days (stock rental). It was hot when stuck at a light, damn hot.
Now ride a 11 SG with a 103", all stock. Went with RJS Original heat deflectors as my first mod. They work and they mean it when they say "no more fried thighs".
I'm leaving it stock and running it with the RJS's ( in comfort) till it is time to sell it. Rather spend the cash on my woman, whiskey, gas and hotels.
Now ride a 11 SG with a 103", all stock. Went with RJS Original heat deflectors as my first mod. They work and they mean it when they say "no more fried thighs".
I'm leaving it stock and running it with the RJS's ( in comfort) till it is time to sell it. Rather spend the cash on my woman, whiskey, gas and hotels.