So I was out today for a 4-5 hour ride, about 45 minute or so in stop and go traffic...the temp gauge was pretty high until I got moving again. How do you guys deal with the heat issues in the south? We barely got to mid 70's And I was bumping the top of the temp gauge. Is the fix a better fan, or two fans or just avoid the traffic?

When I rode down to central Arkansas last summer, my breath inside a closed helmet was cooler than the outside air blowing in. The heat coming up off the pavement as I rode into Little Rock on a Friday evening was nearly unbearable. I had on mesh jacket, mesh pants and mesh gloves and I still nearly passed out from the heat. The only thing you can do is not ride in it. When you're trying to get someplace, that's not an option. All you can do is make sure to drink plenty of water. The next day, when we rode up Mount Petit Jean (Pettyjean) is was 30 degrees cooler up top than it was in the valleys.

* Last updated by: Danno on 6/12/2013 @ 4:33 PM *

My cooling system is full of Engine Ice, and I've never pegged the heat needle.

I'm good for myself, but I don't like the bike running so hot, reminds me of the thermo bob in the klr. So the engine ice is substantially better than standard antifreeze? Other than the klr all my other bikes are air cooled so I am not thoroughly schooled in liquid cooled beasts....yet.

I use Mo-Cool in mine and that seems to help. Last year I would ride in traffic with the temp just below the top one, always worried it would peg out. This year so far I ride at hottest a bar less than last year, though our temps have only gotten into the low 90s so far. (I really hate bars as temp gauges, btw)

C

Yup I agree, I may look into a temp gauge. I am also intrigued by the oil filler caps with temp gauge o them, seen one on a buddy's thruxton...but I think his was for pressure.

Shnitz racing has a fan you can put on and wire it into your factory fan, put a Muzzys aluminum cooling fan in place of the stock fan, this along with engine ice should keep you very cool.

The 14r has an additional fan keeping things cool!
wman

Thanks for the info guys...

So the schintz fan is an additional one and the muzzy one is replacing the stock one for a total of two fans?
I have also heard of 'water wetter' being used in track bikes etc. same as engine ice or just less slippery for the track wipeouts?

Water Wetter, or it's brother Redline Coolant and Engine Ice work much the same; they break the surface tension of the coolant liquid and allow it to absorb and carry away more heat than other products. Just draining the catch tank and filling it with Water Wetter will drop temps noticeably. I have heard of guys adding a second fan, but haven't found it necessary myself.

Thanks Danno, now bookem! (sorry couldn't resist, still miss Mcgarrett and his LTD).
Can these additives be added to antifreeze or do you need to drain and refill with water and the magic potions?