Having mechanical problems? Need some help from fellow bikers from all over the world. Join: Harley Tech Talk
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Magazines containing various articles and photos ( contains
adult content, must be 18 yrs old)
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OIL COOLERS
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OIL Coolers- Do they Work?
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With Winter coming upon us you would think oil coolers would be the last thing to talk about. But first lets answer the question. Do oil coolers work. Yes they do !! My bike used to run around 225 degrees and would get hot as 240+ when pulling a trailer and riding two up on HOT days. After installing the cooler my temperatures dropped down to 175 to 180. My Trip to Laughlin this year sure proved a point. The temperatures during the Laughlin River Run were over 109 degrees. During the event while riding two up the temperatures never reached 200 degrees and mostly stayed in the 190 range. Results will vary from bike to bike, but I'am sure pleased on how it worked on mine. When the engine runs cooler you get less wear and tear on your engine which comes longer engine life.
Most oil coolers do not come with a by-pass valve to cut off the oil going to the radiator during the cold months. By failing to cut off the oil cooler during the winter cold months it puts strain on your oil pump and the oil does not reach good operating temperatures. Most riders will cover the oil cooler with a leather cover or with other form of cover. I installed the Jagg #4000 By-Pass Valve which is great. During the cold months all I do is reach down and turn the valve off or on as needed.
Installation of the oil coolers are fairly simple. If you are mechanically inclined. If not then leave it to your favorite shop or Indy.
Hot Bike Magazine had a good article on Oil Coolers and the installation. To review the article
For more information on Jagg Oil Coolers Click Here
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DOES THAT NEW BIKE FIT
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Most Husbands or boyfriends spend hours trying to make that happen. But how do we do that. First- Don't saddle up more than you can handle.
If you weigh 95 pounds, avoid that 750-pound Bagger. Get something lighter and more manageable to your size and weight. Even if you want that bigger bike it might be better to start off with something smaller. You can always get a larger bike down the road after you gain confidence and experience.
OK you have found that perfect bike that you want, but it still does not fit you like you want it to.
Start with the little stuff first. Changing the seat to a thinner or smaller seat might be enough, to reach the level your after.
Another small and easy change is to adjust the Handle bars forward or backwards to meet your arm length to give a more comfortable position in the saddle.
If you tried that already then you will have to go to more drastic measures. Next would be lowering the suspension. Most will start by changing the rear shocks first. This is a pretty simple change but does require some wrenching. When lowering the suspension it also has some dangers as well. If you lower the shocks to much then the rear fender consider lowering the front to match. (Example: if you lower the rear one inch then the front should be lowered one inch). Changing the front suspension should be done by someone with some knowledge and experience or a dealership or your favorite mechanic. By not lowering the front suspension it will change the handling characteristics of the bike. It also makes the bikes front end feel like it wants to flop over to one side or the other at low speeds or stopping.
A good example was on my wifes bike. We did all the above except lower the front suspension. The bike fit here physically but she kept complaining that it wanted to flop over or felt top heavy at low speeds or stopping. Because of this she dropped the bike 4 times (Standing Still, think god) and yes as long as you ride you will drop your bike whether your a woman or man. Just some will do it more than others. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise. After we lowered her front suspension to match. All the problems went away that she complained about. I also noticed that she handled he bike a whole lot better, and she has not dropped the bike since. (Yea)
Another option is to change Handle Bars to a totally different style that will fit you. While this is a option its could be a expensive one. Since it may require changing throttle, clutch, and wiring harnesses, depending on what handle bars you choose.
The ideal option is to buy a motorcycle that already fits you where no changes are required. But that does not happen very often.
Making that bike fit you makes your ride more comfortable, manageable and more enjoyable to ride-- Ride Safe!!
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During the winter months cold weather riding can
have its challenges. Keeping warm is probably on
everyone's list. If your like me and don't have the
pleasures to own a full dresser with fairing lower
heard them called different things. Engine Guard
Chaps, Rain Chaps, Engine Guard Covers ,
Elephant Ears, Lowers, Pac-A-Derm, Desert
Dawgs (TM) or Dawgs ( Not the four legged kind).
They are great covers that go over your engine
guards to protect you from the elements. Some
come with pouches to store your goodies in.
1. They keep the cold off your legs by preventing
updrafts.
2. They keep the water and Road grime off your
legs and engine area.
3. They help keep the bugs off your legs and your
bike.
4. They do not stop engine cooling in cold
weather.
5. They do not effect bike handling.
If your a winter rider and want to keep the cold
wind and weather off your legs then these will do
the trick. MotoSport.com and J&P Cycles both
carry these items. They can also be purchased at
most major motorcycle shops. Or you can do like
I did. My Wife, Denise made the one above by
using a template off my brothers set. They can be
made out of any water resistant material, like
Cordura or heavy nylon material that is water
resistant and washable. If able to sew leather or
vinyl then they can be made out of those as well.
Rain Chaps/Engine Guard Chaps
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Biker News, Ride Photos, Events, Plus more for Fallon and Northern Nevada
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