hi guys, i've been riding harleys for a few years now, and i just picked up a 2001 FLHR a couple weeks ago. i just had its oil (primary, engine) oil changed as with the oil filter.

now, there is a strange and intermitted sudden surge in heat that is experienced mostly by my pillion's right leg, but also on the back of my right thigh. i could be cruising at 60mph with no problems, and then all of a sudden my pillion will complain of high heat coming from the right side of the bike. sometimes i feel the excessive heat too. the bike runs fine, and i don't feel any change in handling, engine smoothness, etc.

then a couple of minutes later, the heat seems to go away. so far it has happened about 4 or 5 times. its not linked to my throttling, because it happens whether i'm cruising or moving off.

i've never experienced anything like this with my sportster.

its really strange ... have you guys any idea what could be the problem.

this is my virgin post here, great stuff guys!

 

Just wanted to say welcome!

My guess is some sort of exhaust leak.

 

My guess would wind currents.
You move your leg the slightest and less "cool" air gets to your passenger, or even prevailing wind direction can make the heat come out in a different way.

 

I would guess wind currents, too. If the wind shifts and moves from left to right you'll feel it on your right leg, and vice versa. I notice this often.

 

Wecome! My first thought was also an exhaust leak at the rear head. Wouldn't hurt to check it out. But, after giving it some thought, it might be wind current. Makes since since when you have a passenger, they shift during the ride, so maybe. Does it ever occur when riding solo? If so, I would go back to an exhaust leak. When riding solo, we tend to shift less often than a passenger would, so if you feel it alone, check your rear exhaust manifold.

 

hey guys,

thanks for the warm welcome and the suggestions.

Yup I did think about exhaust leak, and i tried getting off the bike, letting it idle for a bit, then throttling on and off and putting my hand to feel for any gush of hot air from the sides of the exhaust. but while i was doing it, there didn't seem to be any leak. also, if there was a leak, wouldn't i feel a lag when i'm throttling?

Paptravis: no man, i don't feel it when i'm alone. i do feel it getting hot, but not unusually so.

i'm not too sure if its the wind current too cuz a couple of times when i stopped by the road to check, even the side boxe on the right side, and its guard rail was really hot to touch! with my ungloved hand, i couldn't hold on to it for too long. and my girlfriend's calf was really warm too! i think if i carried on, it might have burned her. is that unusual?

i'm thinking its a general overheating of the engine and then the wind currents carry it to the side? i'm concerned that the bike is running too hot, and perhaps too rich.

gonna take it to the tech on monday to have a look. i'll see what he says and get back to you guys.

thanks for the help nonetheless!

ride safe fellas

 

A trip to the tech may turn up an answer. You didn't mention the type of oil you used. I have read that the use of a good synthetic will cut down on friction and produce less heat. Just a thought. Also, although not a look for me, a lot of guys also switch to a 2-1 exhaust. The rear head pipe is swept away from the passenger, plus, I have read, it provides much better performance than a 2-2 or the stock y rear exhaust. If it is a look you like, try that out. Although, for me, I would have to add a dumby pipe to the left side to maintain the dual look.You have driven harley's before, so you know they are air cooled. But if the heat seem excessive, you have to change something up. Maybe an oil cooler??

 

Hi guys, after sometime I managed to get to my tech (Singapore is a small island with not too many harleys, and few workshops that specialise in HDs).I explained to him my problem, and he said that it is characteristic of Road Kings. He also did say that my bike is running a little rich could be because my air filter is stock and my set-up isn't getting enough air for the pipes that Iam using. (background: I ride a 2001 FLHR with Vance & Hines 2-2 Pipes, everything else stock other than cosmetics and cables).

So he suggested changing my stock air filter with a K&N air filter with no changes to the breathers, backing plate, etc. Just the filter. Just after the change up, the bikes seems to run a little smoother, and less hot (but then again, its a damn hot day outside today).

I'm taking my bike 2-up on a weekend ride, I'll see if it really makes a difference!

updates then