what is hot
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 6
From: Lapeer , Mich
what is hot
have read alot on here about temp gauges , oil coolers and fans put do not recall reading about what is really hot . my bike runs nomal at around 220 and got in some traffic yesterday and it got up to around 245 and it has been in the md to upper 90s here in Mich so when is the motor getting hot and when should we pull over and let things clear out and cool down
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
I would only worry about that if you lived in the southwest.....even then these motors are designed to withstand emense heat......dont worry about it which is why I will never put a temp gauge on anything cuz it will make me obsess.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
I'm right near you, I was out for bike night in Romeo, when I left it was around 98 degrees out - oil temp 244, which is quite reasonable. Same temp when I got back too. Mines a 2012 with a stock oil cooler
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 6
From: Lapeer , Mich
have read alot on here about temp gauges , oil coolers and fans put do not recall reading about what is really hot . my bike runs nomal at around 220 and got in some traffic yesterday and it got up to around 245 and it has been in the md to upper 90s here in Mich so when is the motor getting hot and when should we pull over and let things clear out and cool down
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
I don't think I've ever seen anyone know where the actual/literal "meltdown" temperature is. None of us wants to actually FIND OUT I guess? lol
At 280* I'd be watching things carefully and once it got to 300* I think I'd be parking and drinking a Gatorade to let the poor thing cool down a bit.
Personally for me, prior to having an oil cooler I hit 280* once in traffic (I rarely get into heavy traffic myself), otherwise 260-270* was about as high as my bike ever got running it totally stock prior to PCV, oil cooler, etc. There are some here who have reported hitting 280* and above frequently with the newer model TC 96" motors. But as I said nobody can point to a true "meltdown" temperature that I've seen so far. In reality it's probably well over what we all sit here and worry about, but who can afford to fry a $6000+ motor if there are ways to avoid it?
Heat is the arch-enemy of any mechanism and certainly of an engine, so running it cooler rather than hotter in general is a good policy. If you're in the 200*-250* range don't give it another thought. If you start seeing close to 300* on a regular basis perhaps an oil cooler and a PCV or similar would be a good idea as preventive medicine.
I would think as a general rule, over extended time a motor that is run extremely hot, yet not to the point of meltdown will probably not last as long as a motor that ran in a moderate temperature range. Just makes sense to me. Anyone else have thoughts on this?
At 280* I'd be watching things carefully and once it got to 300* I think I'd be parking and drinking a Gatorade to let the poor thing cool down a bit.
Personally for me, prior to having an oil cooler I hit 280* once in traffic (I rarely get into heavy traffic myself), otherwise 260-270* was about as high as my bike ever got running it totally stock prior to PCV, oil cooler, etc. There are some here who have reported hitting 280* and above frequently with the newer model TC 96" motors. But as I said nobody can point to a true "meltdown" temperature that I've seen so far. In reality it's probably well over what we all sit here and worry about, but who can afford to fry a $6000+ motor if there are ways to avoid it?
Heat is the arch-enemy of any mechanism and certainly of an engine, so running it cooler rather than hotter in general is a good policy. If you're in the 200*-250* range don't give it another thought. If you start seeing close to 300* on a regular basis perhaps an oil cooler and a PCV or similar would be a good idea as preventive medicine.
I would think as a general rule, over extended time a motor that is run extremely hot, yet not to the point of meltdown will probably not last as long as a motor that ran in a moderate temperature range. Just makes sense to me. Anyone else have thoughts on this?
Last edited by Arizona; Jul 4, 2012 at 07:56 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 359
Likes: 2
From: USA
I was coming into Jackson TN Friday with the oil temp running about 242. As traffic and red lights got more frequent the oil was getting real close to 290. I would shut it off at red lights and finally stopped for some ice cream to let it cool off. It was about 104 with a real feel temp of 115 outside. I am concerned about the oil failing at high temps. Sync oil will give you more protection in high heat but it has its limits also. Much over 300 on oil temp, I can't stand it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
I was coming into Jackson TN Friday with the oil temp running about 242. As traffic and red lights got more frequent the oil was getting real close to 290. I would shut it off at red lights and finally stopped for some ice cream to let it cool off. It was about 104 with a real feel temp of 115 outside. I am concerned about the oil failing at high temps. Sync oil will give you more protection in high heat but it has its limits also. Much over 300 on oil temp, I can't stand it.