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How hot is too hot?

3K views 18 replies 13 participants last post by  Smokey 
#1 ·
Will be doing some riding this week and temps are forecast to reach 110 in some areas. I know what I need to worry about (hydration, etc) but at what point do I need to worry about the motor? My bike is an old timey, air-cooled 2010.
 
#4 ·
When I am riding in 100 degree plus weather @ 70-75 mph for extended periods on the highway I typically see oil temperatures in the 210-220 degree range. Nothing to worry about with dino oil. One the other hand if I get caught in stop and go traffic I will see upwards of near 300 degrees. When in that situation I need to be running synthetic oils.
 
#5 ·
YOU need to be well-hydrated. The bike needs to keep moving to stay cool. If in doubt for either yourself, or the bike, take a break at the nearest restaurant for a big, iced soda and let the engine cool itself off outside! You both with be happier!
 
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#7 · (Edited)
100+ is insanely hot..especially if its humid.

Bike (ultra) has fuel moto ceramic pipe, high flow AC, powervision. Also see 210-230, slow traffic maybe 250ish?

Thought about trying to mod the rear fan thing from the M8 bikes...my thigh does get warm if not on the highway pegs...

for me....When its that crazy I use an airhawk pad, Frogg Togg Chilly Pad Cooling Towel and gatorback with water...and a light colored mesh jacket.

If your arms/skin arent covered you are asking for trouble!!!!.

Airhawk gives me a little airspace between the seat..some folks use beads....

Chilly towel is incredible..sorta like the cooling vest from above, but placed around your neck and shoulders, which has a large amount of blood flow; soak it, leave it wet and it will cool you down, and evaporate over time...rinse, repeat.

The camelback keeps me hydrated, and i use it to re-soak the cooling towel while riding. I have a large capacity camelback, and fill with water and big ice cubes........

Trust me here..on breaks look for (organic) coconut water..its the best...

Oh, and if you have a choice, ride on the lane that is in the shade...really...

good luck and stay cool!!!!
 
#10 ·
I would not worry about it. I used to live in Palm Springs area. 120 plus. As long as you are not stuck at idle not moving for 15 minutes or more the bike will be fine and if it does start to over heat you will be able to tell by the way the engine is running. The biggest concern is yourself. Get a white towel to cover the seat when parked. I have a Compcooler vest that I got from amazon which makes a huge difference.
 
#11 ·
Bike don't care. As for the rider Physical condition, experience in hot weather are all the madder numbers on the thermometer are not a limiting factor
 
#16 · (Edited)
I’m back after riding almost 800 miles in above 100 temps. The air combined with the engine heat made it really fucking hot.
I ended up buying a vest. Made a huge difference (I usually wear a leather jacket).

So if anyone is reading through this, here is the answer to my own question: 117 seems fine on the bike as long as you keep moving.

Vest, chaps, a cotton T-shirt and jeans. Drink a lot of water. Make frequent stops, etc for yourself. The will hold up fine.
 
#17 ·
Last year on the way to SW, it was forcasted at 100 or above the entire way. I used an airhawk pad and a mesh jacket. Honestly, I believe the jacket made all the difference. I used a cooldry type tshirt under it and never felt crazy hot. The big thing was keeping the sun off my skin. I also stayed hydrated with water at every stop. I have a 30ish oz yeti knockoff cup mounted where I can easily reach it. 9/10 times the water and ice refill were free along the way. I would make myself drink it all before refilling. This worked well for our 3k mile trip.
 
#19 ·
I rode from So Cal to Vegas a couple weeks ago. It was 115 degrees on 2/3rds of the ride and 118? on the strip in Vegas. It felt like I riding into a blow dryer. The bike faired well without any issues at all. Me on the other hand, not so good. Lots of stops to pour cold water over my head and down the back of my neck was the best relief. If you know your going to be riding into hot weather my advise would be to prepare yourself, pack a small cooler with some cold water, and take a lot of breaks along the way. As far as the bike goes, avoid stop and go traffic and keep it moving when the engine is running it will be fine.
 
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