Question on winter riding w/DK oil cooler and mighty mites

[TWISTED1]

I have been reading about oil temps. running to hot and running to cold. I am probably over thinking this but here is what I do depending on ambient temperature. When 50 degrees and colder I close the lower fairing vents and no fans. 50 degrees up to 60 I open vents still no fans. 60 degrees and over vents are open and fans are on. I am extremely happy with the fans from Papa Zook and the oil cooler/relocation kit (and other items to cool the oil down) from Dk Products in the summer time. I was just wondering what others are doing during the winter months. Am I on the right track or like I said in the beginning just over thinking the whole thing.

 

[Jack Klarich]

IMO, there are a lot of variables to this

The biggest I can think of is how many miles are you riding in cooler weather?

Engine oil needs to reach optimum temperature to burn off moisture and to clean and lubricate

 

[DK Custom Products]

Yep, what Jack said.

In cooler weather 50* or lower, non-stop n go, it can take 25-35 minutes to warm up the oil. So I would leave the vent to the oil cooler closed if riding less than that in one shot.

But in stop n go, it might take only 15-20 minutes to warm up the oil.

I always run the fans, unless I'm riding at speed for less than 15 minutes. That rear cylinder will warm up really quickly, regardless of ambient temps.

The temp of the oil lags far behind the temp of the heads and cylinders, both in heating up and cooling down.

Kevin

 

[TWISTED1]

IMO, there are a lot of variables to this

The biggest I can think of is how many miles are you riding in cooler weather?

Engine oil needs to reach optimum temperature to burn off moisture and to clean and lubricate

Hi Jack, Thanks for the response. I never ride less then 25 miles to the closest larger town up here canyon. All at highway speeds. If Mary and I go out and about it would be about 100 miles or greater. Man you are right there are a lot of variables. I am just trying to figure them out.

 

[TWISTED1]

Yep, what Jack said.

In cooler weather 50* or lower, non-stop n go, it can take 25-35 minutes to warm up the oil. So I would leave the vent to the oil cooler closed if riding less than that in one shot.

But in stop n go, it might take only 15-20 minutes to warm up the oil.

I always run the fans, unless I'm riding at speed for less than 15 minutes. That rear cylinder will warm up really quickly, regardless of ambient temps.

The temp of the oil lags far behind the temp of the heads and cylinders, both in heating up and cooling down.

Kevin

Thank you Kevin. It is because of reading your test results that I have this question. I have read a lot about the cooling when it is hot. I cant find much on what to do when it gets cold. It was much easier with the older bikes I have owned. Just ride. Again thanks for the help.

 

[GARYD]

All I do is change to 10-40 syn or syn-blend motorcycle oil for winter riding. We do not ride less than 40+ miles each way. Normally in the 30's or colder (hopefully). The last few weeks we've had pretty warm temps = in the 40's....so not much fun.