Living in the Central TX area, it's not uncommon to ride in 100 plus degree heat in the summer, or winter around here. I started having problems with heat related "shutdown" last summer when my 06' RK was only 6 months old, especially during the Republic of TX (ROT) Rally. I usually avoid heavy traffic, but on occassion I am forced to ride an always seem to get stuck in bumper to bumper traffic. During these times, the bike would just seem to start "shutting down" when at idle. At one point, it seemed to have gotten so hot it would not stay running at all and I was forced to pull over to the shoulder and wait until it cooled down. Naturally, I quickly took the scoot in to the dealer who on the first visit claimed there was nothing wrong. After a repeat event, I took it back and they changed out the voltage regulator. It seemed to run fine afterwards, but thinking back I was never really caught in traffic again.

I have had no further issues until last week when I was caught in bumper to bumper traffic again. The big difference on this occassion was that the ambient air temp was only in the low 80's. So I started to do some research, and found many web sites and many unhappy folks relating to this problem. I think the concensus was that due to EPA restrictions, the bikes are forced to be manufactured running so lean that it causes the shutdowns.

So to get to the point, I usually avoid traffic and rarely have this issue. However, I am riding to Sturgis this summer and would rather be proactive now than reactive then. Have any of you had this issue, and what was your remedy? I am looking at installing the Premium Oil Cooler, but have also considered the Fan Kit. Any suggestions?



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Stock bikes run lean, add a PCIII or have dealer install the stage 1 download or the SERT and your temps will drop 60 degrees and it will run much better. Thank tight EPA regs for the heat.

 

Don't think oil cooler will do much in traffic, it needs air blowing thru it. Do you have any upgrades, SERT, etc.?

A SERT, PCIII, Fuel Pak, will richen up mixture if you are bone stock and help cool things a little. Not sure about the 06 but the 07's offer a "Parade Download" by the HD dealer, designed to help in extreme situations.

Hope this helps.

 

I know going with good synthetic oil (Amsoil or M-1) really helped for me as well as a dual exhaust setup.

 

I have an 06 SG, and I had a lot of the same problems as you. What finally solved it for me was:

Rinehart True Duals : Did this to get rid of the crossover pipe... was making me hot, and also trapping rear jug heat
Parade Fan: Live near DC, and traffic is a fact of life.
SERT: PCIII would be ok too, I just prefer the SERT
GOOD DYNO tune: had to have this done twice, but once it was right, the bike runs better, hot, cold, traffic, or open road. This is probably the most critical factor.

I know we have different models, but the 06's are hot. Check your spark plug condition. White indicates leanness. Mention this to the dealer/tuner that you are working with, and hopefully they will have a good answer for you.

 

By all means do the SERT or PCiii or such.
Personally I prefer the SERT It is a direct download into the Bikes ECM.
One less item to go wrong as compared to adding on a PCiii or the like.
Remapping and dyno tuning will help considerably.

Yes for an oil cooler to help you do need to be moving and have airflow.
But if the oil is cooler to start with that will be beneficial when you do get stalled
in bumper to bumber traffic.

Weather conditions can change drastically in Sturgis within an hour (during bike week).
Go from 60 degrees up to 100+ or vice versus.
I travel there regularly and not just bike week.
Main street is the only real stop and go.
And highway 79 /34 the highway through the town one block over.
The H/W is stop go with lights and stop signs, but not as bad as main street.
a link to the map

http://www.rallyinfo.com/images/sturgis_downtown.gif

Personally I usually park about a block behind the police station or at J&P cycles lot
and then walk around. Most things are within a 6 block radius.
I usually camp at devils tower koa or in spearfish canyon or in BelleFoursche.
I like getting away from the crowds when sleeping.

 

1. Install HD premium oil cooler. I have one and oil temp stays at 180° (measured in pan) while moving, not yet exceeding 205° in heavy traffic. Contrary to popular belief, coolers do work while stationary by convection, although obviously not as well as when air is flowing over them. I have the HD cooler and am prepared to add a second Jagg cooler on the downtubes if this one doesn't do the job this summer. Adding a second cooler would take maybe 15 min. to install since lines would be attached in series, allowing the thermostat to work as before.

2. Add a parade fan. The best solution to overheating in traffic, but are ugly and expensive. If you have air horns you'll have to relocate them.

3. Switch to synthetic oil if you haven't already. When I installed Royal Purple 20w50 my oil temp decreased 10° immediately.

4. Add a PCIII or similar device. The upside is a better- and cooler-running bike, but gas mileage may suffer a bit. I have tweaked my PCIII map by leaning the cruise range (2k-3k RPM @ 5-10% throttle) and my mileage is in the upper-40's on long rides, lower around town. I've seen no heat-related problems (heat or detonation) by tweaking the cruise range toward leaner settings.

 

I really appreciate everyone's input.

I have already done many of the suggestion's, i.e. the true duals, Fuelpak ECM mod, Amsoil, etc. I hate to be a dummy, but I'm not familiar with "SERT"? Can someone educate me

 

do a search on this forum - lots of info - SERT is Screamin' Eagle Race Tuner - performance EFI mapping system from HD.