[dbrock950]

I took my bike (V STAR 950) to work this morning at a balmy 72 degrees which was real nice. Only problem was the time of day. 6am. By 4:30pm the temps were 105 and I'm sure 120+ 12"
from the asphalt. My ride is in town with lots of stop and go. Question... how hot is too hot for the bike? For me, it was over the top. I don't plan on riding again until it cools. Something about a convection oven blowing in my face for 40 min just isn't fun.

The entire ride I kept thinking about the bike and if there was a chance to do any damage to it due to the excessive heat.

I know there are those of you who think 105 is just a cool breeze (like Phoenix) so what are your experiences with riding in this type of heat?

 

[stuckathome]

Thats air cooled for ya. Here in OHIO we get 90's with high humidity and my 950 gets pretty hot as well, its fine, they can take it.

Mike

 

[04ctd]

my old HD's oil ran ~280 degrees.

the heads on the new bikes run ~350 or so (from internet rumors)

harbor freight has thier infrared thermometer on sale, $39.

the bike should be fine.

but yes, the riders cant take it.

it is just not enjoyable to me, to be soaked in sweat when i arrive at work.

 

[Funk]

Keep in mind the 950 will turn off if it gets TOO hot.

I ride 120 miles round trip to work everyday and it is always over 100 where I live and I have had zero problems.

You can rest assured that the bike will run long after the rider has passed out from the heat.

 

[dbrock950]

Thanks all. I feel a little better about the heat, especially knowing I'll shut down long before the bike does.

FYI.. It's going to be 107 today so I drove the truck. Why do I feel that I just cheated on my bike?

 

[Funk]

Because you DID~!


Don't let it happen again or I will be forced to tell.

 

[bevo1981]

cheater.

i live in Austin, TX and we've had about 40-50 days so far over 100 degrees this season (i lose count). the only thing that keeps me off my bike is the prospect of rain. your bike doesn't care if it's 90 or 110, except maybe the seat when you get on it after work. i find the 75mph wind refreshing on my ride home each day.

 

[Flattop]

We get a few days of 110 in a row here in summer, i haven't ridden in summer yet but i have to say i'm not looking forward to that kind of heat....
I have solar heating on my pool, feeds off tubes in the roof, the first day of 110 i use the pool to keep the roof cool, day 2 i'm using the roof to cool the pool, basically i'm pumping hot water everywhere at that point.
Thermal transfer is a funny thing because there is a tipping point where things work in reverse.
Anyhow as long as the bike moves then air will help cool the engine, it's the stop start that raises the temps, but remember these are engineered to work hard, the oil and engine are made to work hard, man is made to work until his wife turns her back....

 

[Oddcrow]

The 950 does just fine....

Keep in mind the 950 will turn off if it gets TOO hot.

I ride 120 miles round trip to work everyday and it is always over 100 where I live and I have had zero problems.

You can rest assured that the bike will run long after the rider has passed out from the heat.

Funk, you are right!
Here on the island of Curacao we have temps of 90 and up all through the year, and the asphalt even feels hotter. No problem for the 950, though!!
I just love this bike.....

Ride Safe