this is not really a tec question just looking for some long time ironhead riders opinions. my bike is a 71 it is a bobber.no gagues,bells or whisiles.I have always rode metric water cooled bikes so it ia taken some time to get used to this ironhead,not to freak because it sounds a bit like a thrasher at full throtle as I read on another thread. so now my new thought is operateing temps ,this baby gets hot, but no problems the hoter it is the better it runs ,today I rode it at highway speeds for about 40 miles and when I put her back in the shop I noticed that the oil tank was almost hot enough to cook on,is this normal. I know this is pretty stupid question but I have never riden a bike this old or a ironhead but I would not trade it for a newer biker ,these bikes or a kick to ride,like Mick says Ironheads Forever

 

I have a 75 XLH and yes the oil tank does get hot enough to cook on!!! My leg sits on top of the oil tank and have the burns to prove it. Wrap your leg before any ride longer than forty miles or you be trying every uncomfortable riding position you can think of just to make it home!

 

Yep! Normal for an Ironhead. It seems normal for just about every Sportster I have ever had the pleasure of riding now that I think about it. S P O R T S T E R S R U L E !!!

 

Yup. They get hot. Most of us old ironhead riders are pretty bow legged from trying to avoid the oil tank.

 

Typical oil temperature is around 200`F. I run this oil cooler on mine. It takes about 25`F off.

 

What weight oil are you using? Many years ago ( I have a 1970 XLCH that I bought new), In my infinite wisdom, I decided to try some 10-40 Valvoline racing oil in it instead of H-D 50 weight, was spring time and not too hot in Virginia then. This is a bored and stroked motor (77 Cu. In). I rode it about 10 miles around town and came home and changed the oil, didn't hurt the engine but got about twice as hot as usual. Hot enough that I could feel the difference, Not good.

 

like the oil cooler mick,Iam running 60 weight gunnut I live in central Texas pretty warm here,thanks for the response .