| Author | Message | ||
     Dmuz |
Hope y'all don't mind my starting a separate thread on this. I love my XB, but am always wondering if just a little more capacity at the oil cooler wouldn't be a good thing. Cooler is always better. I was looking at my oil cooler (radiator) and it couldn't be much taller and still fit (and look right). But I think the radiator could be a bit deeper (outside of bike to inside) and maybe wider (front of bike to back of bike). Also, it might be a good thing if the scoop of the bike was slightly over-sized to force more air volume through at speed. Nothing so drastic that it would upset the look of the bike, but I can't help but think this would be an obvious mod for someone to come out with. Wondering if anyone knows of a bolt-on replacement oil cooler radiator / shroud combo like that. I like bolt-on mods that don't require more than hand tools and the cost of parts. Does anyone think that's just a waste of time? Always glad to hear other's opinions. | ||
| Dmuz |
Folks, I just gotta' add that I've been on message boards before, but I RARELY participate. This is a really great site and I've already learned SO much more about XBs than I already knew. I appreciate everyone's information and opinions very much.  Thank you | ||
| Smadd |
DMuz... Before I would even worry about extra cooling for the oil, I would take the oil's temperature after a "typical" ride. I have a used a decent meat thermometer (calibrated first)to do this. Are your rides always fairly long? The worst thing you could do for your motor is have too cool of oil, particularly on short rides. But that's a whole other topic! Heat off the exhaust or motor doesn't necessarily mean it's running too hot, or that the oil is too hot. Steve | ||
| Glitch |
I read somewhere, on this board I believe, that with the oil cooler/swingarm combo of the XBs, that it needs no more cooling. But, if ya gotta do something. The carbon fiber scoop is slightly bigger, I think. | ||
| Skully |
Guys, I've used Blake's digital IR thermometer to measure my oil temperature in my XB9S after riding in 95dF temps. The oil temperature was less than 170dF. This may be even a little on the cool side. I think the oil temperature must get up around 200dF to burn off moisture for one. It's averaging 95dF here in Texas in the afternoons. I'll monitor my oil temps a little more closely and report back. Keith | ||
| Smadd |
Yes... definitely check the temp first. You might be surprised at how low it is. My S3 runs a Jagg cooler... and I keep it covered in all but the longest and hottest rides. You can grab and hold my oil filter when the Jagg is uncovered and the filter only feels warm to the touch! I don't know about the XB, but it takes a *long* time for my oil to get up to a good operating temperature. BTW... I *know* there are some good discussions somewhere around here (knowledge vault?)regarding optimum temperature for oil. Do a "keyword" search... great feature!!  | ||
| Glitch |
This is where and what I read. Thanks Smadd, sometimes I just need someone to point out the obvious... | ||
| Smadd |
Isn't this board great??!! A *wealth* of information is available here!! | ||
| Skully |
Glitch, I agree with most of what it says but I think it may be a bit outdated for synthetic oils. They typically oxidize at much higher temperatures. If needed, I'll be glad to dig up supporting documentation. Keith | ||
| Glitch |
I think I get the point. Oil don't work none too good if'n it cain't get a bit warm. But if it's no trouble, I'm always up for learning something new. | ||
| Dmuz |
Guys, Just got back online to see this discussion. Thanks for all the input. I've never suspected the bike of getting close to over-heating, and I was more concerned for comfort than anything. I did not know about a minimum temp to burn off moisture, but that's great info. I can say one thing for sure, my minimum ride time is a least an hour because I don't commute. My bike takes quite a while to come to operating temp as well. Guess I should stop crying about the heat and just deal, eh?  | ||
| Steve_a |
Harley engine engineering insisted that oil coolers be fitted to the XB's as a real belt-and-suspenders-and-velcro-and-a-few-stitches-just-in-case type of thing. The only time the stock cooler is needed is during extended flat-out running in summer desert heat. In other words, if you don't run through a tank of gas bumping off the rev limiter in August across Death Valley, you probably don't even need the stock one. And unless you're getting a lot more than stock horsepower from your XB, you certainly don't need a larger cooler. | ||
| Blake |
Yep, I agree. Thanks Steve. | ||
| Dmuz |
Thanks guys. I wonder if Eric has intentions of turning out an XB12S-L?... | ||
| Noface |
I don't know who this Eric guy is... But maybe ERIK Buell might consider building an XB12S-L. Maybe mid-year? all in fun. Jody S. | ||
| Dmuz |
Oops! | ||
| Englishman119 |
At the risk of boring everyone – I race my XB9R. That means basically running it flat out 90% of the time. Even in temperatures of 105 at my last race weekend, the cooling fan stayed on no longer than it used to for a ride down to the mall on a Saturday afternoon in March. Use a good quality oil (Synthetic is a must), keep the level correct and it will all be OK. Mark | ||
| Skully |
Earlier in this thread, I said I would monitor my oil temps and report back. Here is a snapshot: Most afternoons, the temps here in Texas are around 95dF. I measured my oil temp using Blake's digital IR thermometer and found it to be around 180dF after a 13 mile ride home. Yesterday, I covered my oil cooler, ran a hard 20 miles that included some 80 mph time, traffic time, and even stopped and did some poor wheelies. The oil temp with the same IR thermometer measured 200dF. Right where it should be and definitely not running hot. I'll continue to monitor this and report back. I hope this clears up some of the fears of XBs running hot. Keith | ||
| Glitch |
Thanks Keith, I guess I'll be covering the oil cooler this winter. I had to on the Bandit as well. If I didn't, I'd warm it up in the morning before work, and as soon as I would take off, the wind would cool off the oil so much it would start running like $#!t. | ||
| Dmuz |
Thanks Skully! |
