Looking for advice

[mw1151]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>TaylorMcStrat</strong>
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<div class="message">I would take a slightly different tack. I want one because they are the only large-scale manufacturer with a trike. Along with a funky machine, I also get plugged into the whole Harley/HOG network, and can get service darn near anywhere. <br />
<br />
I know it's a foolish expense, but my wife and I have worked very hard for our money over the years, and now we feel like pi$$ing some of it away before we get too old to enjoy it. Hell, the government takes nearly 50% of it away from us every year, and I told the kids I wasn't working to store up an inheritance for them.<br />
<br />
I love the history, the sound, and the vibe of the Harley. The MoCo isn't stupid. They make a metric crap ton of money selling doodads, add-ons, and bling. There is also a robust after-market industry from Kuryakyn to Cap'n Itch. Everybody's making a buck off our little hobby. In a few more years, the Harley air-cooled V-twin will be a collector's item, and a thing of the past.<br />
<br />
As a former Honda owner ('80 CX-500, and 60's CB-100) I never had a service issue with my Hondas .

In fact, I have two Honda cager vehicles in my garage as I type this. But they are so - well - sterile. I don't care if my cars are boring, but not my trike. I don't want to whisk around silently on a Goldwing while hooked up to every high-tech device available. <br />
<br />
I want to dress up like a pirate, make a bunch of noise, get bugs in my teeth, and cruise the American highway on a classic before I die. I want kids on street corners to point at my bike. I want other guys my age to ask about it and get jealous, while their wives are staring daggers at them. I want my kids to shake their heads and ask what's gotten into us. I want the neighbors to hear us leave the garage. I want people at gas stations to ask about the trike.

I want to sit around and tell stories about it when I'm old, and too feeble to ride anymore. I want the memories. That's all I will take to my grave. For some reason, a BMW, Honda, or Yamaha just doesn't get me there. I am not sure why.<br />
<br />
Taylor</div>

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A hearty high five and a resounding "Right On"!!! :beerchug:

 

[TaylorMcStrat]

In a related vein....<br />
<br />
My guitars are all scratched, worn, and over-played. They have worn fretboards, grungy headstocks, and sketchy pickups. I have three gits from the 30's - played by my dad in places like Bumfark, Iowa, and Memphis, TN.<br />
<br />
All my amps have tubes. A new, solid state model can make my guitar sound like an oboe or an organ. My blackface Vibrolux Reverb sounds like Jimi and Stevie Ray.....<br />
<br />
My guns are old Smiths, Colts, and even some elderly SigSauers. They are worn, abused, and all shoot dead nuts accurate.<br />
<br />
Guitars, guns, scoots, cars, and women: All need to be ridden hard, sweated over, and caressed afterwards. This ain't a farking museum. It'll all be someone else's when I'm gone. ...even my missus. <img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" /> I going to do my best to wear it all out before I go.<br />
<br />
Take it from an old dude....

 

[Guido Gonzeaux]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>TaylorMcStrat</strong>
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<div class="message">I would take a slightly different tack. I want one because they are the only large-scale manufacturer with a trike. Along with a funky machine, I also get plugged into the whole Harley/HOG network, and can get service darn near anywhere. <br />
<br />
I know it's a foolish expense, but my wife and I have worked very hard for our money over the years, and now we feel like pi$$ing some of it away before we get too old to enjoy it. Hell, the government takes nearly 50% of it away from us every year, and I told the kids I wasn't working to store up an inheritance for them.<br />
<br />
I love the history, the sound, and the vibe of the Harley. The MoCo isn't stupid. They make a metric crap ton of money selling doodads, add-ons, and bling. There is also a robust after-market industry from Kuryakyn to Cap'n Itch. Everybody's making a buck off our little hobby. In a few more years, the Harley air-cooled V-twin will be a collector's item, and a thing of the past.<br />
<br />
As a former Honda owner ('80 CX-500, and 60's CB-100) I never had a service issue with my Hondas .

In fact, I have two Honda cager vehicles in my garage as I type this. But they are so - well - sterile. I don't care if my cars are boring, but not my trike. I don't want to whisk around silently on a Goldwing while hooked up to every high-tech device available. <br />
<br />
I want to dress up like a pirate, make a bunch of noise, get bugs in my teeth, and cruise the American highway on a classic before I die. I want kids on street corners to point at my bike. I want other guys my age to ask about it and get jealous, while their wives are staring daggers at them. I want my kids to shake their heads and ask what's gotten into us. I want the neighbors to hear us leave the garage. I want people at gas stations to ask about the trike.

I want to sit around and tell stories about it when I'm old, and too feeble to ride anymore. I want the memories. That's all I will take to my grave. For some reason, a BMW, Honda, or Yamaha just doesn't get me there. I am not sure why.<br />
<br />
Taylor</div>

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</div>Well said.

 

[Roundabout]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Traveler</strong>
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<div class="message">I have had my 2011 Tri Glide for a couple of months now. 5k+ miles.<br />
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However, I just replaced the air temp gauge with an oil temp gauge about 1200 miles ago. I am shocked how hot the oil is running.<br />
<br />
Also the EITMS kicks in pretty much every time I stop after 20 minutes or more of riding.<br />
<br />
It climbs pretty quickly to 230* and then within 30-45 minutes of interstate riding it will get up to 290*. If I stay at 60 MPH or below it won't go above 290*, but if I am going 70 mph or more it will climb to 310.</div>

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</div>That is entirely too hot! I have heard others say their 2011 TG's are also running hot but I'm not sure what temps they were seeing. My 2011 TG has a little over 6K miles and has not had any heat-related mods installed. I did change out the air temp for an oil temp gauge at about 5K miles. I'm in Texas so during the summer I try to do all my rides during the morning hours before it gets above 85* outside. So far my hottest oil temp has been just under 260* and that was after 2 hours of up and down riding in twisty hills (1800-2500 ft. elev.) in 75-85* weather.

Once I got on the straight away and going highway speeds it went back down to 245* which has been the norm. In 70*-75* weather it takes at least 20 min. of 60-70mph driving to exceed 230* oil temp from a cold start. If I were seeing temps like you have I would think something was wrong, but that's based solely on my own experience.<br />
In any case, you should always use synthetic oil in your TG. Don't even think of using regular oil unless you just like changing your oil. Here in Texas and in the summer that could be after every ride.

 

[TaylorMcStrat]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Roundabout</strong>
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<div class="message">I'm in Texas so during the summer I try to do all my rides during the morning hours before it gets above 85* outside.</div>

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</div>Geez, dude, explain this to me. I am planning to drive my trike from NC over to Nashville in early August, then to Michigan in late August for a wedding. Then I have a few rides planned with colleagues at work to go through the Appalachians. I want to take mine cross country later in the year to see friends in California.<br />
<br />
All your rides in the morning around your home? Do you just use your trike to go the deli for a coffee? How did you get 6k on the odo?

 

[Roundabout]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>TaylorMcStrat</strong>
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<div class="message">Geez, dude, explain this to me. I am planning to drive my trike from NC over to Nashville in early August, then to Michigan in late August for a wedding. Then I have a few rides planned with colleagues at work to go through the Appalachians. I want to take mine cross country later in the year to see friends in California.<br />
<br />
All your rides in the morning around your home? Do you just use your trike to go the deli for a coffee? How did you get 6k on the odo?</div>

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</div>I average around 150 miles per ride. Not sure how you arrived at your conclusions but maybe I should have stated that it does not get above 85* here in the hill country till around noon. That's several hours of prime riding. I suppose some ride more, some less. It's all good.

 

[TaylorMcStrat]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Roundabout</strong>
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<div class="message">I average around 150 miles per ride. Not sure how you arrived at your conclusions but maybe I should have stated that it does not get above 85* here in the hill country till around noon. That's several hours of prime riding. I suppose some ride more, some less. It's all good.</div>

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</div>OK - not trying to be a dick. Just trying to figure out what I'm going to use my trike for...<br />
<br />
Thanks!

 

[Traveler]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>eagle1</strong>
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<div class="message">how noisy is the jag assist fan?</div>

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</div>Got no idea, but no matter how loud it is, nobody would hear it over my exhaust. lol<br />
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That said, I spoke with Rob at Ultra Cooler and Marvin at Jagg and went ahead and ordered an Ultra Cooler. Should be here in a few days.

 

[Traveler]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Gorilla</strong>
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<div class="message">Traveler, A tuner is necessary. YTou have leaned the mixture out by doing all the stuff you have done and not did the last step. You NEED the tuner to richen the mixture to cool the bike down. You need it now because you maybe hurting your ride running it that lean. I believe you have gone beyond what the narrow band O2's and the CPU can compensate for.</div>

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</div>Yeah, I think a tuner is going to be ordered in the next few days. I was hoping the VIED's would do the trick...the X14IED's had done a perfect job for me on the sporty.

 

[Traveler]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>1550vt</strong>
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<div class="message">Unfortunately......the heat comes with the package and you do need to get it to a good tuner. Isn't it great to learn you have to spend 2-3 grand on a new trike to make it rideable.</div>

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</div>Nope, but if I woulda known, at least I coulda rolled it into the package when I bought it. Shame of me for not doing more research prior to purchase.

 

[Traveler]

Jamie at FuelMoto is the answer....

I like Jamie, done business with him in the past when he used to sell Rush pipes. Good guy. I do like the idea of a TTS or SERT that seems to have more control over the ECM than the PC's. Although the PowerVision is tempting, it is also expensive.

Although if anyone here has some specific experience/#'s they could share in using a Power Commander I would like to hear them...temp drop and MPG.

TIA

 

[Traveler]

I agree a tune is in order, those oil temps are way to warm. I could see 250 - 260 caught in heavy traffic but 290 - 310 is way to warm.

Yeah, I had NO idea it was running that hot before I got the gauge. It has been parked since I got back from my trip...only riding the Sporty right now til I get the temps under control on the trike.

 

[Traveler]

I believe a stage one air cleaner and a tuner will make a very noticeable difference for you, it sure did on mine.

What tuner did you get, and what kind of temps are you running now? Also, what speeds and MPG?

 

[Traveler]

a S & S cam will richen up the fuel mixture. i did this and the exh. smokes a bit on
start-up. and the bike is really a different ride with the cans. also you have to watch the stock cam shoe for wear. i switched mine at 11k, and the shoe was making a imprint
into the block.i do 95% freeway ,and rarely take it into town. no hot-rodding, but i don't baby it. i put a 10 row andrew oil cooler in the left crash-bar. & used NAPA
high pressure hose and PEX clamps on the oil cooler male fittings after butter lubing them with automotive sealant. just a thought. enjoy the ride. lb

Really would like to stay away from a cam change for a variety of reasons.

All my other rides I have always put a cooler on the left crash bar...but with this serious of a heat issue I wanted to get one with a fan.

 

[Traveler]

Am I to understand from this thread that I paid $30+K for a motorcycle that has an engine that will get too hot unless I ride it really slow or invest more money? I need to start reading these forums before making a purchase. Just wondering....

Yeah, that seems to be the case.

I don't blame Harley...the gubmint is out of control...but that is another subject.

Harley is in a tough position...they gotta comply with EPA, but they don't want to lose market share by straying far from the traditional look. After all, I think the average Harley is ridden something like 2K miles a year. That is their customer, so it makes sense that is who they build for.

Although, as I type this, I realize they certainly could/should have put a larger oil cooler on the tri glide...so maybe I do blame them some. lol

 

[Traveler]

Well, it seems like the way with the twisted relationship between the MoCo and the EPA. I have heard some who don't notice the heat, but we decided to have the performance mods done before taking delivery. I ordered the Kuryakyn Perfect Storm kit with true dual head pipes, Crusher mufflers, a new air cleaner, and the TTS tune to run a richer mixture. Near $2K with installation. I hope this set-up helps. It gets mighty warm here in NC.

Yeah, pretty much stays between 95 & 105 here for most of summer.

 

[Traveler]

you might try removeing the lowers. they only have 3 adal clamps that holds them to the crash bars; , and are easy to remone. on HD TALKING guys that race bikes and are builders say the lowers restrict a large amount of air-flow to the engine. so while its still hot weather you might try removeing them and see how much a difference in the oil-temp it makes. also ensure the air defectors are open on the front fairing.just a idea you may have already tryed.

Yeah, forgot to mention that. I removed the lowers the day I got it. Don't like em. Took them off the Ultra also the day I got it.

I have soft lowers that I have used on my last 4 bikes and been plenty happy with them in the winters.

On the faring deflectors I have tried to adjust them to send max air flow over the engine.

 

[Traveler]

At a minimum, ditch the cat converter and richen the mixture. The EPA has seriously hamstrung this bike. I have a SE air cleaner, no cat, Vance & Hines mufflers with quiet inserts and a reprogrammed ECM (also SE, I think).

I pull a Bushtec trailer and with my 105lb wife on the back can cruise effortlessly even w/ the '09 gearing. A cam change is not necessary but adds power if you want more.

Go buy one and enjoy it; it's a quality piece.

What kind of oil temps are you seeing with your set up? Also, what kind of MPG?

TIA

 

[Traveler]

all I have is the nighrider XIED and stage 1 air cleaner and pull my escapade trailer with no problems.

Man, that is what I was hoping for myself! You have a Tri Glide or a conversion?

 

[Traveler]

That is entirely too hot! I have heard others say their 2011 TG's are also running hot but I'm not sure what temps they were seeing. My 2011 TG has a little over 6K miles and has not had any heat-related mods installed. I did change out the air temp for an oil temp gauge at about 5K miles. I'm in Texas so during the summer I try to do all my rides during the morning hours before it gets above 85* outside. So far my hottest oil temp has been just under 260* and that was after 2 hours of up and down riding in twisty hills (1800-2500 ft. elev.) in 75-85* weather. Once I got on the straight away and going highway speeds it went back down to 245* which has been the norm. In 70*-75* weather it takes at least 20 min. of 60-70mph driving to exceed 230* oil temp from a cold start. If I were seeing temps like you have I would think something was wrong, but that's based solely on my own experience.
In any case, you should always use synthetic oil in your TG. Don't even think of using regular oil unless you just like changing your oil. Here in Texas and in the summer that could be after every ride.

It has never been down to 75* since I got the TG, even at night time. My travels thus far on the TG have been in MS, TN, AL, LA, AR, IL, IN, KY, GA, and NC. Typical temps when riding have been in the high 90's.

Got Redline in the engine, redline in the tranny and HD Form+ in the primary.

Before I had the oil temp gauge I thought for sure something was wrong, took it in to the dealer...got the "Nope, they just run real hot" line. But they did check for a newer download and found one and put it in...supposed to have helped it cool down...I could not feel any difference.

After reading peoples experience here, like yours, I am thinking more and more that there is some problem with this one.

 

[trikermutha]

Man, that is what I was hoping for myself! You have a Tri Glide or a conversion?

Yes I have a 2010 Tri Glide. The bike will pull a trailer even without the few things I have done. But I wanted to cut down on the heat on the right side and it has helped.
If Fact it was over 100 deg yesterday and yes it was hot but the few things I did seems to have helped that right side heat. Just normal engine heat.
It runs even better it colder weather.

 

[Traveler]

Yes I have a 2010 Tri Glide. The bike will pull a trailer even without the few things I have done. But I wanted to cut down on the heat on the right side and it has helped.
If Fact it was over 100 deg yesterday and yes it was hot but the few things I did seems to have helped that right side heat. Just normal engine heat.
It runs even better it colder weather.

Thanks. My right side heat is greatly reduced now also since getting rid of the cat. I am more concerned about the engine grenading because of the crazy oil temps I am seeing.

I wonder why I am not having the same experience. I am assuming that the 11's are running no leaner from the factory than the 10's.

 

[trikermutha]

All I have done is the air cleaner and nightriders "XIED" setup. everything else is stock on the engine at this point.

By removing the cat I think you will need to richen up the air/fuel mixture. My experience by running a less restrictive system you would need to richen up the air/fuel mixture and will cut down on the heat issues. You maybe running way to lean now. The XIED setup may help and not cost a fortune to try it out.

 

[1550vt]

Traveler....did you ever say what MPG you were getting, or took a look at the plugs. Both these will give an indication of a rich/lean condition. If you're getting much over 31-33 (at best) at Interstate speeds on a trike.....that would sound pretty lean....and HOT.

I am down I-55 here in Summit. You don't live too far from some of my Tupelo riding buddies.

 

[Traveler]

All I have done is the air cleaner and nightriders "XIED" setup. everything else is stock on the engine at this point.

By removing the cat I think you will need to richen up the air/fuel mixture. My experience by running a less restrictive system you would need to richen up the air/fuel mixture and will cut down on the heat issues. You maybe running way to lean now. The XIED setup may help and not cost a fortune to try it out.

I have been running the Vied's since day one. Installed them the day I got the TG Spent quite a bit of time on the phone with Steve at Nightrider and he really thought they would be able to compensate...but they don't seem to be doing the trick.

My X14IED's have been doing a great job on my sporty for the last couple of years. It has open exhaust and A/C.

Thanks

 

[Traveler]

Traveler....did you ever say what MPG you were getting, or took a look at the plugs. Both these will give an indication of a rich/lean condition. If you're getting much over 31-33 (at best) at Interstate speeds on a trike.....that would sound pretty lean....and HOT.

I am down I-55 here in Summit. You don't live too far from some of my Tupelo riding buddies.

Have gotten as high as 35 mpg, but am averaging between 28-30 mpg. The MPG have not changed appreciably with the cat gone or the rush mufflers...might be 1 mpg better...maybe.

I have only had a few tanks that I got better than 30 mpg and they were times when I was 2 up and riding fairly slow (30-50 mph) on secondary roads. The weird thing is that it runs cooler at those lower speeds when it is getting better MPG. It is running hottest at 70 MPH when it has the most air cooling.

Yeah, am in Byhalia about 70 miles NW of Tupelo.

 

[Traveler]

I have ordered the Ultra Cooler, and today ordered a TTS tuner, and a Big Sucker A/C. Should have it all installed in the next 7-10 days and hopefully will have the oil temps down to a reasonable #.

I am planning on installing the Ultra Cooler first and then getting some miles on it to be able to document the difference between the stock oil cooler and the Ultra Cooler.

Then after the tune and A/C I will be able to document how much they helped above and beyond the Ultra Cooler.

Appreciate all the help, and am still interested in any other thoughts/experiences.

 

[1550vt]

It's all part of the package that is programmed into the ECU in the system, but the timing will advance with engine RPM. That could have something to do with it running hotter at higher speeds. MPG sounds about right for a trike and the number you gave is not indicative of a real lean condition. If I were getting 33-35 and better at 75 and 80....that would be a worry.

 

[iaff84]

I am an owner of a 2011 Tri-Glide. This is my second trike if I count the 60 sevi-car I had in the 80s, and the 8th Harley since 1971.
It runs on the warm side, so have my Ultras I have owned. I got a stock pipe with the cat gutted, wrapped it, put on an air cleaner and got a vision tuner from fuel motto with it programmed for my stock cat-less header, stock mufflers and air cleaner. I have less in this than one usually spends at dealer for their stage one setup, and seems most new Harleys always leave the dealer with a down load, slip-ons and free flowing air cleaner.
I feel the 30K bike I bought from Harley is by far the best investment I have made for a bike so far. I wanted a good bike for the wife and I to tour on and that is what I got. A great factory product that they must conform to federal standards, I feel they did a great job of it and I will not hesitate to purchase another one when the time comes. I am also proud to own a trike completely covered by one manufacturer.
Dennis

 

[screwball]

S T O P!!!

Everyone here is giving you advise to add this, take off that. If you bike is stock and running 300* temps out of the box SOMETHING IS WRONG! It should never get that hot. I live in the SoCal desert. 110* air temps are common. Running 70mph for extended times (30-45 minutes) up hill isn't uncommon, and my dash oil temp gage rarely gets above 230-240* range. My engine is stock, slip-on mufflers and stage 1 air cleaner only. Wife's 2011 Tri-glide runs at about the same temps. Before you do anything that could affect your warranty, go to your dealer and bitch a blue streak. Get it in writing on warranty claims that your bike is running way too hot.