Question about heat from catalytic converter.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 3
From: Western Nebraska
Question about heat from catalytic converter.
I am dealing on a 2012 FLHTCU and am just curious about the heat from the catalytic converter. Most of my riding is in wide open spaces at 65-75 mph. Temperature could be 50-100 degrees. Eventually I would like to put the MGS duals on and remove the cats but that may need to wait until next fall. Don't put much stock in the internet chatter about the heat and have never worried about it on my 88. Figured this would be the place to ask.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Green Cove Springs
The cat heat is what it is until you remove the cat and realize just hot that damned thing makes it under your seat and lower right side.
It's very much an issue on a hot day sitting in traffic.
Not much of an issue riding at the speeds you mentioned above.
It's very much an issue on a hot day sitting in traffic.
Not much of an issue riding at the speeds you mentioned above.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 500
Likes: 2
From: Springfield Ohio
It can get pretty dang warm for rider and passenger both on the SG, but proper footwear and pants should keep you in the saddle plenty long enough to make up your own mind. If you want to ride wearing flip-flops and shorts I'd recommend a different brand... like EZ-GO. 
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 88
From: British Columbia, Canada
I can tell you that after riding last summer in 100+ degree heat in stop and go traffic you better get used to where you put your right leg down. I thought my pants where on fire a couple of times.
On the highway you will notice the heat coming off of it on a hot day but it's tolerable.
On the highway you will notice the heat coming off of it on a hot day but it's tolerable.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
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From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
In case you are wondering whether or not the heat from the cat is an issue, take a look at these actual photos showing the damage the cat has done to cable sleeves and metal in it's general vicinity:
Melting near the rear brakelight switch:
Melting of wiring harness cover just under transmission side cover:
Damaged cable sleeving that has to be removed and repaired:
The photos above were taken and posted by HDforum member TheBobs in October of 2012.
Bubbling chrome on inside of heat shield in the area covering the cat:
Some guys are cutting their stock header into two pieces by cutting at the mid point of the cat. Can be done, but re-welding position is critical in three dimensions with this approach...fitment can be an issue if it is not welded back exactly right, with the thickness metal that was removed from the cut also taken into consideration.
A better alternative is the window approach where the header is removed, and a rectangular window is cut away from the side of the cat and the cat material is then removed. Then of course the window "pane" is welded back into place. One guy even performed this while the header stayed on the bike, but I don't think I could go for that.
I got rid of the stock header altogether and went with the Fuel Moto stainless header and have never looked back. That cat is restrictive as well as a heat generator. The sooner you get rid of it the better.
Melting near the rear brakelight switch:
Melting of wiring harness cover just under transmission side cover:
Damaged cable sleeving that has to be removed and repaired:
The photos above were taken and posted by HDforum member TheBobs in October of 2012.
Bubbling chrome on inside of heat shield in the area covering the cat:
Some guys are cutting their stock header into two pieces by cutting at the mid point of the cat. Can be done, but re-welding position is critical in three dimensions with this approach...fitment can be an issue if it is not welded back exactly right, with the thickness metal that was removed from the cut also taken into consideration.
A better alternative is the window approach where the header is removed, and a rectangular window is cut away from the side of the cat and the cat material is then removed. Then of course the window "pane" is welded back into place. One guy even performed this while the header stayed on the bike, but I don't think I could go for that.
I got rid of the stock header altogether and went with the Fuel Moto stainless header and have never looked back. That cat is restrictive as well as a heat generator. The sooner you get rid of it the better.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Mansfield, LA.
The heat will definitely be an issue. It won't take you long to realize how hot it gets. I replaced the stock headers with the Vance and Hines power duals and rush mufflers. Big difference in heat. You will be able to tolerate it until you can afford to upgrade your exhaust. Good luck!