Built the best engine cooling system...again
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Farmington, Utah
Iclick, that stock bolt is a pain, as it is part of the rubber piece (a dampener, I assume?) I removed the entire horn bracket, as did Indigo Farm, and hacksawed both ends of the bolt that I could see. Then I drilled out the rest of the bolt, starting with small bits, and working my way up to 3/8". Eventually, I had to complete the job with the Dremel. Note that I used the Dremel on the bracket that mounts to the engine as well as the spacers and the fan set-up itself, in order to convert it all to 3/8".
Banned
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 648
Likes: 9
From: WV
Good suggestions on the spacers. That's why I've been planning on covering the nuts with the stainless braided hose. But I like the spacer idea. Thanks!
There is some bouncing, however. It is the most severe at idle. At higher RPMs, it's fairly smooth. I expected some movement, given the physics of extending the horns. I'll need some more ride time to see if this is really a good solution.
I'd love ideas to improve this mount, especially as regards bouncing/vibrations. Thanks all!
Jason, I love the product. Thanks for your hard work!
There is some bouncing, however. It is the most severe at idle. At higher RPMs, it's fairly smooth. I expected some movement, given the physics of extending the horns. I'll need some more ride time to see if this is really a good solution.
I'd love ideas to improve this mount, especially as regards bouncing/vibrations. Thanks all!
Jason, I love the product. Thanks for your hard work!
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 648
Likes: 9
From: WV
I did not test with them on, but a large portion of the cooling is achieved by pushing air through the channel in the head behind the sparklug.
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
I'm still wondering how well my horn wiring will hold up over time 1/4" or less away from the front head? Maybe it was already like that, particularly if the clip orientation in stock form is as mentioned, open end towards the back cylinder and closed end toward the front. I'm going to scoot over to the dealer tomorrow and take a peek at a stock bike to see just how close it is. Adding the fan should not have changed the horn wiring orientation since the bracket itself hasn't changed. I should have paid more attention when I took it apart. The wiring sure looks neat the way I have it configured though. I'm sure the wiring must be designed to handle the heat?
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 594
Likes: 4
From: Texas
Most "common" insulation on wires is at least 105C. Many automotive applications use higher temp insulation (150C is not uncommon). If the air is moving in the area (either by riding or by Fans), I'd be surprised if the insulation got very warm. Air is a great insulator even at rest.
What will happen is that some "flexibility" is lost as the insulation "ages and hardens" more quickly at higher temps.
What will happen is that some "flexibility" is lost as the insulation "ages and hardens" more quickly at higher temps.
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Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
Most "common" insulation on wires is at least 105C. Many automotive applications use higher temp insulation (150C is not uncommon). If the air is moving in the area (either by riding or by Fans), I'd be surprised if the insulation got very warm. Air is a great insulator even at rest.
What will happen is that some "flexibility" is lost as the insulation "ages and hardens" more quickly at higher temps.
What will happen is that some "flexibility" is lost as the insulation "ages and hardens" more quickly at higher temps.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Farmington, Utah
On the ride to work today (25 miles) I didn't notice any excess movement of the Rivco horns. The only real vibration or movement issues seem to be at the low RPM idle, when I'm sitting. That may be an issue, as that's when the fans may be most needed. However, there isn't much movement at the fans, mostly the horns as they are at the far end of the axis, represented by the bolt. More testing to come!