Pipe burning my leg

[Ironhorsepilot]

Went to a Rally this past weekend and this is the first real warm temps we've had since I bought the bike. I could feel the heat on my calf, but once the temp reached 88 Degrees, OMG. Coming home I was so distracted because it felt like a hole was being burned in my leg. I put my leg up, stretched it forward, held my leg out away from the bike, anything to give me a break. What can I do so I can enjoy the ride this summer? I really don't want heat wrap on the pipe. This is serious burn and I have a huge red mark on my leg. Thanks.
_

 

[Tonyd]

the bike might be too lean... you can try a Power Commander to richen it up some or install a race tuner from Harley...change to all sny oil too
Tony

 

[Ozarkryder]

Here is a link to ultraboy's most excellent article:

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/dave-bickford-ultraboy/1192-heat-your-harley.html#post11381

I don't seem to have that problem with my HD, but then again it is a '90, and has a carb, easier to richen the mix. From what I understand, the Twinkies have always been a lot hotter running than the Evo's.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

It's probably her right leg where the back cylinder pipe runs down between the tranny and timing cover then turns to the collector.

Yep... got to add some fuel to cool her down.

 

[Ironhorsepilot]

The right leg...pipe on rear cylinder. And this was getting hotter by the minute at highway speeds. Of course, I did forget to open my lower fairing vent. I hurt so bad that I actually put my right leg up on the front of the set for a brief minute, like riding side saddle. At 65 mph. Then I figured I rather have a hole in my leg then do something stupid like that.

I do have synthetic oil in.

Dealer says rush slip ons, air cleaner (?) and something to make the fuel richer, at the tune of over $1000. OK, well and good, but says I will lose some gas milage and of course it may not work as well as I would like. (my words) I am going to put some sort of patch on the inside of my jeans and see if that helps until I decide if I want to spend $1000, plus labor.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

yep.. bring your trike down here. I'll install and setup your fuel management, even do a dyno for ya fer nothing. Just bring the parts with you and it will take a little over a half a day.

 

[Ironhorsepilot]

reksul....I would LOVE to. That is a very generous of you, but you are a little too far for me. Thanks, anyway!!!

 

[Mr.Wizard]

We have a guest house.. plan a trip. :yes:

Wifey is from MD and drives up there a lot to see her family. It's not a quick trip for sure.

What ever you decide to do it will be well worth paying the Harley tax that has been mentioned and you will have more seat-of-the-pants grins and giggles.

 

[Gorilla]

Ironhorsepilot,

Ultraboy is the expert in this field. He has years of experience and knows from what he speaks. I have read some of his contributions to different posting on several subjects and he is right on in my opinion.

My 2007 Road Glide Champion trike has a Big Sucker air filter. I went the true duals from Vance and Hines route. The Champion transition pipes fit perfect to V&H mufflers, after cutting the header pipes. I have a power commander that is tuned for the setup. I run syn oil with a factory oil cooler. I have an oil temp guage. My oil temp reads 190 degrees at cruise on a 85 degree Florida day. I get between 34 to 36 miles per gallon on the road. My only heat issues come when I have to sit at idle in traffic. The engine cools back down once I start moving again.

The heat issue will not go away until you make the changes suggested by ultraboy. I have been doing these changes to HD touring bikes for my friends since 2002, I do about 2 a year. The exact parts are the choice of the biker, but the steps are pretty much the same. More air in, better flow out and change the fuel ratio to cool things down. A plus is to get rid of that rear cylinder down pipe next to your leg. Yes it is expensive but it what has to be done to cure the problem. The work is not difficult. The hardest part is going to be adapting a true dual exhaust to the TRI-GLIDE, but using pipe adapters with the stock pipes from the transition area, it can be done. The dealer is suggesting slip-ons because they do not want to make a true dual adaption. You might see if there is someone locally that can do this for you and save you some bucks from what the dealer would charge. Ask some of your friends that have Harleys if they know of someone that works on them. Good luck.

Ted

 

[Mr.Wizard]

We may want to mention right about now.

Installing these duals and a EFI management system may void your HD warranty.

Now, will it if the dealership installs them? Guess that would be another thread topic.

Before I would go changing the trike to this extreme I would ride it again with the lower vents open for air flow.

 

[Dwight]

Ironhorsepilot,
Something a whole lot cheaper is to try some of the heat deflectors available. I use some on my CSC/Ultra, I'm from Kansas (a little warm sometimes!) and last year on a HOG ride with the SO on as passenger we rode in 96 degree heat all day. She was wearing sandals (??) and had no heat problems, neither did I. Mine are from a supplier off of the V-twin forums, I think RJS Specialties, but I'm not sure. These are not plastic, but alluminum covered with some kind of vinyl. Kind of spendy at about $150, and when I got them I figured it was a waste of money, but the things really work. I've recommended them to others and they were happy with them also. I'll see if I can find a link for them and post it later. It's worth a try before spending for pipes, tuner, etc.

Ride safe
Dwight

 

[Dwight]

Well, that's what I get for not paying attention! I didn't realize it was a T Glide.
This is what I used on my CSC: index.html

I never tried the stock HD shields but the RJS ones worked really well. I don't know if they would fit on the T Glide, probably not since the back of the shield tucks under the side cover.
So, am I going to have a heat problem with my new T Glide? Maybe I'll take the RJS ones off the CSC and see if they will fit. I don't have the T Glide home yet, maybe this week. By the way, is it the rider or passenger that's having the heat problem?

Dwight

 

[Ironhorsepilot]

Well, that's what I get for not paying attention! I didn't realize it was a T Glide.
This is what I used on my CSC: index.html

I never tried the stock HD shields but the RJS ones worked really well. I don't know if they would fit on the T Glide, probably not since the back of the shield tucks under the side cover.
So, am I going to have a heat problem with my new T Glide? Maybe I'll take the RJS ones off the CSC and see if they will fit. I don't have the T Glide home yet, maybe this week. By the way, is it the rider or passenger that's having the heat problem?

Dwight

Dwight..it is me, the rider. Some people are not feeling what I am feeling.
It may be because I am 5'1 and have short legs that put me in a different position than most. I also realized that I didn't have my lower vent open on that hot day. That could also have been a problem. Haven't had a chance to ride again since Sunday to see it if was. I am going to get some half chaps in leather also. I am trying everything before I spend more money on a fix that may or may not work. I believe the true duals would work, but not sure it won't void my warranty on the triglide. Hubby has been very clear that he does not want to chance voiding that warranty and I don't blame him.

 

[Dwight]

Hey guys,
I just checked RJS originals and they do have a set of heat guards for the T glide! Their prices range from $129 - $149. I'll try a set of these on my T Glide if I have any problems. By the way, no affiliation with them, just happy with their product.

Dwight

 

[dwiht]

I am sure you could put on a pair of screaming eagle slip-on pipes and a bigger air cleaner (big suckers), stage one download, and that would probably help with the heat issue somewhat. It certainly help cool mine down some and I rode in 100 degree heat last summer with no problem. Then as money and time became available, you could add the other stuff that has been recommended. Good luck.

 

[tis]

I installed a set of heatshields from Kuryakyn, they seem to do the trick. These were put on my '04 Ultra with Hannigan kit. I did notice they changed the style on them this year. I do know the feeling from having a really hot leg, you almost want to get off the Bike.

 

[Angelbymyside]

This may sound crazy, but a friend of mine rides a V-rod and she actually straps a teflon pot holder on the calf of her leg to keep from being burned by her pipes. She started doing this about 4 years ago when we were on a road trip to South Texas and ended up with a pretty bad burn. Of course she now gets a generous supply of potholders for Christmas every year.

 

[BinIdaho]

First time riding in 85 degree weather Saturday (17 miles)...the heat off the pipe was uncomfortable on my upper right leg. Had to have leg on highway peg to keep the heat off. Only have little over 600 miles on my TG.

 

[BlueTrinity]

B,

I bought a set of these about five years ago when they just started and I absolutely wouldn't ride without them.

www.rjsoriginals.com

Harley and others have the plastic ones, but these, with the leather look, just look like they belong there (IMHO).

 

[Ironhorsepilot]

Those wouldn't help the calf of my leg. I ended up buying tall boots that fit under my jeans. Haven't ridden in 85 degree temps yet,though.

 

[BinIdaho]

Those wouldn't help the calf of my leg. I ended up buying tall boots that fit under my jeans. Haven't ridden in 85 degree temps yet,though.

Now maybe that's why I don't feel any heat on my calf....just bought a tall pair of HD boots on Ebay.

 

[BlueTrinity]

Sorry B, thought you were talking 'bout the heat from the rear pipe.

If the front is running that hot I'd say it's most likely in the fuel management. With only 600 on the clock, I'd rag on the dealer to flash the maps.

If you haven't done so, also consider investing in the pipes (The Rush pipes are the best economy units on the market) and a high flow air box. Those will do instant wonders for the performance of your TG.