Does Tool bag on dowtubes impede cooling?

[shovelcowboy]

Does anyone know if a tool bag increases engine (oil) temp or if it affects voltage regulator life or performance?

And if there is a preferred place on the down tubes for the tool bag (most put them low in front of reg and oil filter.

Shovelcowboy

 

[Moespeeds]

I've had mine down there for 2 yrs, no problems here. My regulator is low enough where it doesn't block it, and it sits just below the filter.

 

[WB Cycles]

I've had my tool bag in front of the VR/Oil Filter since 04 without any trouble. Then again I have a separate cooler on my downtube as well.

There is at least one other thread on this that I remember seeing.

 

[shovelcowboy]

I've had my tool bag in front of the VR/Oil Filter since 04 without any trouble. Then again I have a separate cooler on my downtube as well.

There is at least one other thread on this that I remember seeing.

Sorry, I didn't find that thread before I started a new one.
Thanks

 

[Gas Man]

No ill effects.. mine has been there for 2 years!

 

[slowrower]

I will test it out and let you know. I have an IR Laser Temp Gun and the tool bag which I mount below the headlights. I will move it down and take a few readings before and after having the bag there. Its 93F+ here in Florida which is why we need all the cooling we can get. Most folks here have dual oil coolers which do help.

 

[shovelcowboy]

That,s a cool idea. I guess I could also run with the bag on a hot day and then check the oil temp on my dipstick temp gauge (or better yet use something like you have). And then repeat the same trip without the bag and record. (Of course air temp, wind speed, and wind direction would have to be the same). I have been told that even on a very hot day and without air rushing past the engine (such as stuck in slow stop and go) that a good engine (oil pump) and a good quality oil (such as Mobile 1 v-twin) will not hurt the motor even if the oil pressure drops to nothing (not sure that I believe that). Once at Sturgis we were caught in traffic for all the way thru town headed for the Full Throttle over 100 degrees mid afternoon and pressure dropped to "no reading". So was my buddie's, but didn't seem to damage anything. That was in a harley evo on my 98 heritage springer.

Has anyone with a Big Dog (without cooler) had this happen (either no pressure if you have a gauge or lite come on)? And has anyone had motor damage?

Shovelcowboy

 

[Raywood]

I don't have any technical evidence but I will tell you that I put 24,000 miles on an 03 Mastiff and then over 40,000 miles on an 05 Chopper while living in Southern Kalifornia and commuting 100 miles a day.
This area and into Arizona and Nevada has some of the hottest temperatures in the nation. I've rode through 120 degree temps in Death Valley. Over 110 in Blythe, Laughlin, Vegas and other areas and never had a problem with the motor on either of my bikes.
YOU have to experience riding at 100 mph in 110 degree temps. It's like riding in a blast furnace. I would soak my dew rag and face mask at gas stops and within 2 minutes they would be dried out!
I run my tool bag down between the fwd controls and it's below the VR and oil filter and I don't think it blocks any airflow over the motor.
I run Amsoil 20-50 motorcycle oil and run a pressure gauge and my motor is still going strong with over 50,000 miles on it now.

I would think that if the motors needed an oil cooler they would come from the factory with them.

Just my two cents,

:zz2cents: :zz2cents:

 

[shovelcowboy]

I don't have any technical evidence but I will tell you that I put 24,000 miles on an 03 Mastiff and then over 40,000 miles on an 05 Chopper while living in Southern Kalifornia and commuting 100 miles a day.
This area and into Arizona and Nevada has some of the hottest temperatures in the nation. I've rode through 120 degree temps in Death Valley. Over 110 in Blythe, Laughlin, Vegas and other areas and never had a problem with the motor on either of my bikes.
YOU have to experience riding at 100 mph in 110 degree temps. It's like riding in a blast furnace. I would soak my dew rag and face mask at gas stops and within 2 minutes they would be dried out!
I run my tool bag down between the fwd controls and it's below the VR and oil filter and I don't think it blocks any airflow over the motor.
I run Amsoil 20-50 motorcycle oil and run a pressure gauge and my motor is still going strong with over 50,000 miles on it now.

I would think that if the motors needed an oil cooler they would come from the factory with them.

Just my two cents,

:zz2cents: :zz2cents:

I agree with all you say Ray (I ride to Laughlin and Vegas quite a bit and no problems). I only wonder about in gridlock traffic where there is NO or very little airflow over the jugs.??

 

[Whistler]

Personnally, I wouldn't place anything in front of my engine or voltage regulator that could, in any way, impead air flow. However, if you believe the improvement in looks outweighs the minor restriction in air flow, then go for it!! I like the studded tool bags located on the front forks.

:2thumbs:

 

[BBChopper]

I have had mine there for over a year and a half with no issues. Just keep it low but dont block the VR.

 

[Fibersnake]

I have mine low on the front down tubes and there has never been any problems. It is a 05 Mastiff and the bag actuall sit below the VR and provide no restriction whatsoever.

On the Oil Cooler, they can not hurt nothing unless you allow too much cooling in like cool weather and do not allow for a by-pass thermostate or a Chacha custom cover. That said, for most situation do not see a great need for them either, even in hot areas as Raywood has pointed out.

Have rode mine in few times last summer when the temp got over 100 and had no issues. If the traffic conditions get to where I can not keep adaquate flow over them, try to find an alternative route, a place to sit and enjoy a cold one, or just pull it over and let it cool down for awhile. Only ran into that once due to wreck on interstate that shtu down with me between exit for 4 hours.

 

[LARS]

Repeat quote: my tollbag has been in the same place @ the bottom of the downtube for 40 yrs now,and except for a little chafing on hot days no prob.

 

[shovelcowboy]

Repeat quote: my tollbag has been in the same place @ the bottom of the downtube for 40 yrs now,and except for a little chafing on hot days no prob.

Hey Lars! Good one! That's a "GOTCHA" on all of us!!

Shovelcowboy

 

[Gas Man]

granted, but i think he actually rides his bike!

May be True... I have spent more time wrenching than anything. That coupled with a shitty spring... I definately don't have the miles I would have liked....

 

[BubbleHead]

I'VE HAD MINE DOWN LOW IN FRONT OF MY VR FOR QUITE A WHILE NOW AND HAVE SEEN NO ILL EFFECTS AT ALL EXCEPT FOR THE "CHAFING" AND BETTER THAT BAG THAN THE ONE I CARRY AROUND ALL DAY :roll:

 

[BubbleHead]

THAT MAY BE TRUE GAS BUT... WHEN YOU DO RIDE YOUR DEFINITELY STOPPING TRAFFIC AND TURNING HEADS WITH THE PHOENIX :2thumbs:

May be True... I have spent more time wrenching than anything. That coupled with a shitty spring... I definately don't have the miles I would have liked....

 

[Gas Man]

THAT MAY BE TRUE GAS BUT... WHEN YOU DO RIDE YOUR DEFINITELY STOPPING TRAFFIC AND TURNING HEADS WITH THE PHOENIX :2thumbs:

Oh it WAS doing that on Saturday. Everytime I went near it parked there were people around it. Riding... people on the side of the street pointing and taking pics.