Big bugga

.020 Over
Joined
Oct 17, 2009
Messages
41
Location
Pilbarra - Australia
Seeking some advice on cooling.

I am in a very hot part of Australia, where our summer temps can reach 50deg :eek:celcious (122 Fahrenheit) and can stay around that mark for weeks on end.
Now I wont be riding too much during the high heat as it is simply to uncomfortable to stand on the road as the road temp is even higher, so riding is down right nasty.

BUT, I do want to be able to get out now and then.
So I would like some advice on the best way of keeping my R3 cool.
Best coolant for example.
And any other hints that may work.

I dont have a cooling problem, had a nice long run today in about 38deg cel(105f aprox) and ran like a dream
I am just trying to make sure I am doing all I can to help the bike keep its cool.

And just so you know helmet laws are in force here, so loosing my skid lid isnt an option.
 
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I used to ride in FLA during the heat of the summer (upper 90'sF) and I used 'water wetter' in my radiator and it helped keep the engine cooler. I have it in my R3 rad because she would 'pee green' after a frisky ride.

I forget who, but someone on this board fab'd 'deflectors' for the air coming off of the raditator so that it wouldn't blow on his legs.

You can try to cermaic coated your exhaust, some have said that it reduces the 'felt heat' on their legs.

As for the heatsink you'll be sitting on, you're out of luck.
 
You might check with your dealer. Our dealer carries a brand that supposedly runs cooler. I don't recall the name of it, but it's blue in color. It might be the wetter water stuff mentioned above for all I know. Point is check with your dealer.
 
I'm guessing Daryl is talking about Engine Ice. I have run the factory fill, straight distilled water with Water Wetter, and now Engine Ice. Using a Scangauge to monitor temperatures I've seen very little difference among the three. Engine Ice and straight water probably cool down a bit faster but they have little effect on the peak running temperature.

Ambient temperature has a lot to do with operating temperature. At ambient temperatures over 110F or so I've seen constant running temps of 215+ at 65+ MPH and temps hit 230 at idle before the fan starts to pull it back down. At no time has the temperature warning light come on.
 
Actually, in terms of the best BTU transfer per given volume, distilled water is the best. However, it has no corrosion inhibitors and it freezes at 32 deg (f)(0 degrees c.).

It's also the cheapest. Ethylene or Propylene Glycol (antifreeze) because of it's chemical makeup is less effieicnt at transferring heat but don't freeze until wll below any temperature you'll encounter when mixed 50-50 with distilled water or you can buy pre-mix.

I'm not a fan of additives like water wetter and the such. All it does is make the antifreeze solution slippery. A couple ounces of Potassium Permagnate in sollution does the same thing for much less.
 
Actually, in terms of the best BTU transfer per given volume, distilled water is the best. However, it has no corrosion inhibitors and it freezes at 32 deg (f)(0 degrees c.).

It's also the cheapest. Ethylene or Propylene Glycol (antifreeze) because of it's chemical makeup is less effieicnt at transferring heat but don't freeze until wll below any temperature you'll encounter when mixed 50-50 with distilled water or you can buy pre-mix.

I'm not a fan of additives like water wetter and the such. All it does is make the antifreeze solution slippery. A couple ounces of Potassium Permagnate in sollution does the same thing for much less.

Freezing is not a problem around here.

Thanks for the answers too, all this in put helps
 
During them hot times you should work on getting the proper fluids in yourself, and if you do it right you will be too drunk to ride:D
 
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There is a problem besides getting tipsy. What goes in must come out so one has to stop often and find convenient bushes.:eek:

That has its own problems here, we on the edge of a desert and most bushes come up to about knee level. I will save the drinking for home where the amenities are a little more private.

Dont drink and drive (ride) you might spill some:p
 
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