Need advice about riding slow in high heat

Bud White · Jun 26th, 2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-1B_Guy

You mentioned running synthetics, was it Syn III? If so, next oil change I'd switch to Mobil 1 V-twin or Golden Spectro. Syn III cooled down my old Heritage by probably 20 degrees (over the regular HD 20W-50)and my Pa (new owner) just switched to Mobil 1 and he said the oil temp dropped even more.

I'm not trying to change this thread's subject.....just thought good oil might help keep'er cool.

Good oil will help for sure even if it doesnt cool it down it has a lot higher thermal break down

Stormrider51 · Jun 26th, 2009, 08:35 PM

Thanks for all the advice. I'm probably worrying more than I should but as I said this is the first time I've ridden this slowly for this distance in this much heat. I've always managed to avoid living in really big cities until now. It's insane to have thousands of people hitting the roads at the same time every day but that's the insanity we live in.

B-1B_Guy...no, I'm not running Syn-3. I haven't run plain old oil or a blend in a very long time. When I went in for the 1000 mile service (at 850 miles) I had them put in Amsoil. I wanted Mobil-1 V-Twin but Amsoil is what they had so I went for that. At least it's pure synthetic.

Thanks,
John

smitty901 · Jun 26th, 2009, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud White

Good oil will help for sure even if it doesnt cool it down it has a lot higher thermal break down

I am a syn oil user and big believer in it. But I would not go along with saying it makes engine run cooler. It does not what it does do is stand up to the heat better.
The heat is there it is not going away, you can reduce some of it , NOT much but some with stage1 and oil cooler. Using a 100% true syn engine oil for a quality company will help protect it from the heat

PS: IMO and others SYN 3 is not on the quality list

Flashback · Jun 26th, 2009, 09:30 PM

it's a motor vehicle ride it and enjoy it it was made for everyday riding. A little heat aint the end of the world. If you are stopped say for an accident for an extended period of time shut it down other than that just enjoy it it will be fine.

smitty901 · Jun 26th, 2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashback

it's a motor vehicle ride it and enjoy it it was made for everyday riding. A little heat aint the end of the world. If you are stopped say for an accident for an extended period of time shut it down other than that just enjoy it it will be fine.

Well put and I agree

B-1B_Guy · Jun 26th, 2009, 10:39 PM

I don't live in a big city but when Sturgis rolls around and I'm backed up in traffic I do worry about my oil temp. I just ordered an oil cooler (the HD one) and will let you guys know what results I see. p/n: 26155-09

joel · Jun 26th, 2009, 10:55 PM

Hey John, I know my situation is alott different than yours, but for my trip home I found that if I leave work before 5:30 traffic is a mess, but 5:40 and it is more friendly. This is on the side streets and the hiway is simular, by waiting a few extra minutes the traffic cleans out enough to enjoy the ride better. Again smaller city here but play with the idea, of course you may be looking at 1/2 hr to 45 minutes, but if the final arrival time is close and less stress from those in a big hurry is what you want, this may help.

walleye · Jun 26th, 2009, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Tank

If that were me, I might do a bit of revving the engine when sitting in that slow of traffic so that the oil pressure were maintained (higher than idle pressure) to allow the oil to cool the engine. Revving would help but moving faster than 5 mph would also and that is your problem. Problem with revving is the cagers think you are trying to be cool by making noise and that is not the case in prolonged stop and go traffic.

The other problem with revving is it will cancel the ETIMS.

Is this accurate? Revving the engine while in parade speeds or stopped will cool the engine? I thought the opposite. Not trying to dispute, just learn. I understand the reasoning about higher oil pressure circulating oil, but won't doing this while stopped with no air flow just increase heat? I want to know this answer for sure. Thanks all.

Hobbit · Jun 27th, 2009, 12:02 AM

if you like me all reving it will do is keep the oil pressure up - watch the guage when your stationasry it drops from 36 to about 10 meaning the top end is probably not as well oiled as it could be, meaning it gets hotter still so reving it would to an extent keep it cooler but not like you think, also if you have the ETMIS system turned on, the reving will cancel it out.
Rmember HD have added the ETMIS system to stop the heat from the rear cylinder affecting the rider and there will be enough of an oil film to keep it lubricated

NEWHD74FAN · Jun 27th, 2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

My 09 Road Glide is my first air-cooled motorcycle and I'm a little paranoid about heat. I understand that changing to synthetics helps because of their higher tolerance to heat, and you've done that. An air cooler is often recommended but they are only effective if you have some airflow across the radiator fins. I plan on getting an air cooler but in the meantime I installed a Lenale air fan (H-D also makes one) for those times when I am stuck in traffic jams where there is little or no movement. If all else fails then you will just have to rely on pulling over and turning the motor off or getting off the freeway for a while to let the engine cool down.

Most oil coolers expell the heat even with bike not moving due to slight convection cooling (heat rises) even in "still air" AND because of the internal fins that provide turbulence in the oil so more of it is exposed to the tube surfaces at ONLY 100 degress F (a lot cooler than 250 degrees F plus the circulating oil is at) so your oil cooler is working even in the rather "still" open air.

Also, if the traffic is stopped in California anyways, lane splitting is legal (keep her under 35 mph) and only subject to officer's descretion of what is considered a "safe pass".

Jun 26th, 2009, 08:35 PM	#12
Stormrider51 Contributor$ Ride: 2009 FLHR Join Date: Nov 25th, 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 152	Re: Need advice about riding slow in high heat Thanks for all the advice. I'm probably worrying more than I should but as I said this is the first time I've ridden this slowly for this distance in this much heat. I've always managed to avoid living in really big cities until now. It's insane to have thousands of people hitting the roads at the same time every day but that's the insanity we live in. B-1B_Guy...no, I'm not running Syn-3. I haven't run plain old oil or a blend in a very long time. When I went in for the 1000 mile service (at 850 miles) I had them put in Amsoil. I wanted Mobil-1 V-Twin but Amsoil is what they had so I went for that. At least it's pure synthetic. Thanks, John __________________ Life is an adventure, don't miss it.

Jun 26th, 2009, 09:30 PM	#14
Flashback Contributor$ Ride: 1946 Knuclehead Join Date: Feb 27th, 2008 Posts: 307 My Mood:	Re: Need advice about riding slow in high heat it's a motor vehicle ride it and enjoy it it was made for everyday riding. A little heat aint the end of the world. If you are stopped say for an accident for an extended period of time shut it down other than that just enjoy it it will be fine. __________________ Flashback 1946 Knuclehead,1996 Sportster,2008 FLHT If you have to ask...go buy another SUV

Jun 26th, 2009, 10:39 PM	#16
B-1B_Guy Community Star Ride: 103" 2009 Ultra Classic Join Date: Apr 15th, 2009 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 559	Re: Need advice about riding slow in high heat I don't live in a big city but when Sturgis rolls around and I'm backed up in traffic I do worry about my oil temp. I just ordered an oil cooler (the HD one) and will let you guys know what results I see. p/n: 26155-09

Jun 26th, 2009, 10:55 PM	#17
joel Play The Throttle Ride: 2008 Ultra Classic Join Date: Jul 27th, 2008 Location: Wa. St. Posts: 288 My Mood:	Re: Need advice about riding slow in high heat Hey John, I know my situation is alott different than yours, but for my trip home I found that if I leave work before 5:30 traffic is a mess, but 5:40 and it is more friendly. This is on the side streets and the hiway is simular, by waiting a few extra minutes the traffic cleans out enough to enjoy the ride better. Again smaller city here but play with the idea, of course you may be looking at 1/2 hr to 45 minutes, but if the final arrival time is close and less stress from those in a big hurry is what you want, this may help. __________________ Always keep 2 feet away, from your shadow

Jun 27th, 2009, 12:02 AM	#19
Hobbit Retired Moderators Ride: 09 CVO Ultra Classic Join Date: May 18th, 2007 Location: The Shires UK Posts: 8,863 My Mood:	Re: Need advice about riding slow in high heat if you like me all reving it will do is keep the oil pressure up - watch the guage when your stationasry it drops from 36 to about 10 meaning the top end is probably not as well oiled as it could be, meaning it gets hotter still so reving it would to an extent keep it cooler but not like you think, also if you have the ETMIS system turned on, the reving will cancel it out. Rmember HD have added the ETMIS system to stop the heat from the rear cylinder affecting the rider and there will be enough of an oil film to keep it lubricated __________________ :good Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. >>Self Help Information and Tips<< click me!

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Need advice about riding slow in high heat

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