Overheating

[chapindad]

I think what you MEAN to say is that you cannot SPLIT lanes LEGALLY. 

That was what I meant. 

How many state is the US can split lanes legally?  I am just curious, it may be something I try and get passed.  If other states are doing it, then it would make it a little easier to convince.  I know a lot of cities have motorcycle/car pool lanes, but not a single one in South Carolina that I know about.  This could be a cheap fix for the state, especially since more bikes are becoming commuters as the price of gas stays high.

[rktmanfj]

How many state is the US can split lanes legally? 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_splitting

[FJmonkey]

At one time I did not own a car and only rode 2 wheel only. I went to Arizona to visit family and friends and got stuck in traffic in hot weather. I was on my 86' Honda Hurricane (CBR) 600 and I could hear and feel the coolant boiling under my seat. I naturally started splitting lanes (a California guy) on the freeway. Got pulled over $##@! It was way too hot to be sitting even if I only had jeans and my less than safe light weight but leather jacket. The LEO asked what I was doing so I explained my overheating issue and having read up on the traffic laws in AZ being the same as CA. The laws at that time were almost word for word. He agreed on the wording but told me they are not interpreted and enforced the same. He must have thought I was genuine and honest and let go with only a verbal warning. Nice guy, he was right, I had no idea. I pulled off the freeway and made better time on side roads. Thinking back...I could have had a real animal in 86' and have the bike I have now, an 86" FJ.

[wakdady]

i guess now is a good time as any to pose this question. ..

I am planning a trip to death valley may 20th-23rd. It's going to be hot. Not super hot, but 100 to 110 degrees F.
I currently have the stock oil cooler and have no idea if my bike overheats. with the super poor fuel economy (150 miles/tank) it must be running super rich, so therefore it must be semi cool.

I have two options, buy a cheap ebay oil cooler (they run about $50) or stick with the stock oil cooler.
Comments?

[Dan Filetti]

As long as you're moving and not sitting in traffic, the air cooled lump does just fine.  Having said that, a new, bigger oil cooler is always a kind thing to do to your machine, but If I were you, I'd wait to see what Randy comes up with -seems to me he's got something in the works.

Dan   

[wakdady]

i would buy Randy's kit, given it was a fair price. I know you get what you pay for, but let's be real, if i had the funds i'd be cruising around in a BMW, not a FJ1200.
I've only put 1k miles on the FJ, and to be honest, I absolutely love it! i really enjoy riding it. but air cooled and carbs do have their downfalls.

anywho, assuming Randy's kit doesn't cost $200+, i would purchase it in a heartbeat.

but for now, since i am going to death valley, I'm guessing she'll do alright with the stock cooler, right?
Really I just need some validation from others so I don't feel guilty about doing it.

[Fudge]

but for now, since i am going to death valley, I'm guessing she'll do alright with the stock cooler, right?
Really I just need some validation from others so I don't feel guilty about doing it.

If you can stand the heat so can the bike.  Personally i would recommend you use a good synthetic oil in the crankcase and keep the bike moving.  I've ridden in the desert with an '86 FJ and it was 100 plus and the bike was fine.

[SkyFive]

I suspected my FJ was overheating based on the heat my legs were feeling duriwhile riding last summer. I bought a IR thermometer and checked the cylinder head temp at various places, as I recall it was in the 400° range.

[Pat Conlon]

Yep, I agree with the others. Good oil and good gas and you'll be fine. Death Valley in late May is fine, not too extreme.
Randy is scrambling getting his last minute chores done before the WCR so I don't think he will have his new trick coolers ready in time for your trip. Your stock oil cooler is fine.

So that takes care of the bike, how about the rider? Take your Camelback. Start your hydration before you start your ride.
We all know of the Wind Chill Effect, but the inverse is also true, we call it the Blast Furnace Effect: Riding at 70mph in 100* is equilivent to 110*
Hydrate accordingly and enjoy the desert!

Cheers!  Paddy

[Klavdy]

Don't be tempted to strip down to a T-Shirt either.
Not for Safety Nazi reasons, no, it's so you don't rapidly dehydrate.
You'll be cooler (as long as you are moving) with protection from the sun & wind.
Pat & I know a thing or two about riding in extremely hot conditions.
I've ridden Death Valley, it;s a fantastic ride, I even broke down in Death Valley.
It was just a fuse but still,.
Take plenty water, grease your face and lips up with moisturiser and chapstick and don't drink sodas instead of water.

[FJmonkey]

The best thing I did riding across the desert between LA and Phoenix in the summer was wear sweat pants over jeans, two or three sweat pull overs and wrapped a towel around my neck. All soaking wet of course. Stop for gas and re-soak helmet and all parts of gear that will absorb water. I got some strange looks as I hosed myself down at the gas station. Not good protection from falling but I stayed quite comfortable between fill-ups. It was almost too cold first thing after a fill-up. The evaporative vests work on the same concept, just not as long. I did not need to pump water in as most of what evaporated was not from my skin. A well vented jacket and wet under clothes might work just as well. I now have a vented jacket so I will learn what works to keep me comfortable this summer.

[RichBaker]

i guess now is a good time as any to pose this question. ..

I am planning a trip to death valley may 20th-23rd. It's going to be hot. Not super hot, but 100 to 110 degrees F.
I currently have the stock oil cooler and have no idea if my bike overheats. with the super poor fuel economy (150 miles/tank) it must be running super rich, so therefore it must be semi cool.

I have two options, buy a cheap ebay oil cooler (they run about $50) or stick with the stock oil cooler.
Comments?

I ride with a stock cooler in the heat of Tucson, 100+ every day after June 1st.... No problems, just don't get stuck in traffic.....
Hottest day last year was around 115, typical is 105.

[wakdady]

thanks for the tips guys.

I used to work for a major japanese car manufacturer's research and development arm. we went to death valley to test brakes during july. we were intentionally trying to melt them and collect data. IT WAS AWESOME! i've wanted to go back ever since.

[FJmonkey]

The best time I had in Death Valley was riding my motorcycle through our camp site, rider on the back armed with water balloons, and getting pelted by enemy water balloons. I miss my young and foolish days. The older I get, the Faster I was.....My new mods should slow that effect down just a little bit. See you WCR!!!

[jykkeh]

JET IT and open your exhaust