Rode my trike down to Charleston, SC yesterday. Once we got into town, stop and go traffice, the heat from the engine was really, really hot...and it was only 70 degrees. Now I have an appreciation for what all have said on that subject. Glad I am going to install the 2" floorboard spacers on the right and left, but the heat really bothered my upper thighs. Not looking forward to that on a 85-90 degree day.

 

Dawg,
Now you are seeing what the more experienced posters have gone through. Just did the heat reduction mods on mine and installed the SE 255 cams. Wiz installed a TTS calibration for me. The bike goes up to Doc's Performance in Clermont on Thursday for the V-Tunes as we have no dyno available. I'll report back once I get some miles on the tune and give the ECM time to adjust.

 

You are really making me jealoue being able to go to Doc's for your tune. Know him from V-Twin days when he use to post out there often.

 

The floor board extensions will provide you with a little “creature comfort” but they don’t address the real issue of “engine life preservation”. Unfortunately; for that you, you have to spend some real money.

Jim

 

Mike,
We are also going to his school to learn how to use the software and learn how to do the V-Tunes. My trike is our test bed, we are looking forward to the trip although it will be a PITA to trailer the trike up there on a borrowed open 12x6 lawn equipment trailer.

 

Your goal should be for the EITMS not kicking in on a 85-90 degree day during long idle times in traffic. Mine will run about 240-245 in traffic on 95 degree days, not bad with synthetic oil! Some of us are worried about extended engine life when running over 300 deg F for extended periods of time.
There is a difference between heat control for rider comfort and heat managment for engine durability! When you do both you get a Tri you can sit on during the summer months.

 

I can remember those days, what I remember the most is the searing pain as my right leg did a slow roast. At one time I used a IR temp guy and found the surface of my right pant leg at 140 degrees on a 73 degree day. I can remember my first trip when the temp hit the high 80's all I wanted to do was stop and get off, this was while traveling 75 mph down the freeway.

 

I was also riding M3 TG as he wanted to hurry up and get 1000 miles on it so it could be serviced before his trip. Well I can tell you I could not keep my right leg from burning no matter what I did. I couldn't wait to get back home and off it and it was only 75 degrees outside. I thought mine ran hot until I got on his.

 

Read your latest hog on twelve reasons to love the V-Twin.

 

Back before I got rid of my Tri-Glide I rode from Orangeburg S.C. to Cherokee NC with my Uncle (who also owns a Tri-Glide) and the engine roasted my leg so bad that I had to stop in Maggie Valley and buy a set of half-chaps to keep from burning my leg. My Tri-Glide was an 09, so it wasn't even close to the 10's and 11's as far a radiated heat. If you plan to keep the beast you ought to take the advice you'll get from the folks on this forum and do the heat reduction modifications.

Bubba