Hot oil temperature

[BCarr]

We are converting our 2008 FLH with a trike kit. We have a 1584/96 motor and 6 speed transmission. We are concerned for high oil temps. Has anyone experienced this? Is there anything that can be done to improve it?

 

[Gorilla]

We are converting our 2008 FLH with a trike kit. We have a 1584/96 motor and 6 speed transmission. We are concerned for high oil temps. Has anyone experienced this? Is there anything that can be done to improve it?

The conversion itself will not raise your temps a lot. Some trikes will hold the air in somewhat in front of the rear fenders but not enough to make a great difference. If your bike was good before I suspect it will be good after. I did an 07 and it did not make much difference at all.

 

[Lee H. Mann]

We are converting our 2008 FLH with a trike kit. We have a 1584/96 motor and 6 speed transmission. We are concerned for high oil temps. Has anyone experienced this? Is there anything that can be done to improve it?

I suggest changing the compensating sprocket from a 33 tooth to a 30 tooth. It will change the load on the engine reducing engine temp and oil temp. It will also provide better power at a lower speed, for example 65mph in 6th gear and you want to pass without downshifting, and better fuel mileage.

I agree with the above that an oil cooler is a must on any trike conversion since you are adding 300 pounds, like a big passenger, to the weight overall.

 

[Phu Cat]

You can worry yourself nuts about oil temperature. If your run synthetic oil and keep it changed regularly you'll be fine.

OK, so yer gonna ask, "What's regularly"? About 12,000 miles ago I sent an oil sample in to Blackstone lab for analysis after 5,000 miles and they told me I could go 7,000 miles between changes. I thought that seemed kinda long and changed the oil at 6,000 the next time and they again recommended going to 7,000 miles for the next oil change. Right now I'm sitting at 2,000 miles and thinking I really want this engine to last, I'm not trying to win an award for extended oil changes. If Blackstone thinks I could go to 7,000 but I'm changing my Mobil 1 15W50 at 6,000 I'm sleeping well at night. Hope that helps ya, but then, it's your bike, go for what makes you feel best. Fresh oil is the cheapest insurance there is.

Phu Cat