Can hot weather hurt your bike

[cswett]

I did 180 miles yesterday in temps ranging from 98 to about 110. Mostly freeway speeds, though a bit of stop and go. Wonder if the bike is made for that. I didn't notice any problems, but I'm always paranoid about hurting my bike. And without an engine temp gauge, who knows what's going on in the innards of the beast?
Any thoughts

[harveyrawn]

You should be OK. These oilheads are ridden in and around Death Valley at higher temperatures without apparent damage.

[boxermania]

cswett

To ease your mind......dino (organic oil) is good to 300F, where it looses it's lubricity, Synthetic is good to 400F. It's not unusual to see temperatures above
240 F on the oilheads at high speeds or stop and go traffic. Personally, I always like a 50 F margin of safety.

In your case and for peace of mind, I suggest a switch to Synthetic and enjoy the ride........

[cswett]

Since I still haven't even hit 4,000 miles on my 2004 r1150r, I'm not sure I want to use syn, giving what everyone says about it not being best for low-mileage bikes.

[taosports]

Want to swap bikes for a bit? My 04 has a few more miles than yours (60,000)...you can put all the syn you want in it. Meanwhile, I'll put some miles on yours and when I return it, it will be thirsty for syn!


Know what you mean about the temps recently here in NorCal. Reached 109 yesterday in my town...fortunately it's a bit cooler today.

[combustor777]

Since I still haven't even hit 4,000 miles on my 2004 r1150r, I'm not sure I want to use syn, giving what everyone says about it not being best for low-mileage bikes.

That is an old wives tale bunch of garbage with no basis in fact. I've gone into great detail about why in other threads. Just put syn in it!

[AirForceDirt]

I ride mine around In tucson all the time, in temps up to 115 degrees. Never had any issues and the bike doesn't seem to care. Now, I think it's gotten used to being hot and doesn't like to be the least bit chilly. Finicky beastie, but she's never failed me. 34,000 miles and counting.

[Grey Thumper]

I'm curious about this myself, especially since I'm from the hot and humid tropics. Good to know it hasn't really been a problem for most.

[combustor777]

well its "only" been in the mid 90's here in GA and the only complaining my '02 does is pinging at high rpm when passing the line of slowpoke cages. Already using 93 octane. might try some leaded 100/130 octane just to see what it does. It's never acted overheated, but I've used synthetic since day 1.

[NoRRmad]

One tank of leaded gas will completely screw up your catalytic convertor.

[combustor777]

One tank of leaded gas will completely screw up your catalytic convertor.

Fortunately I don't have a transmission cooker on my bike.

[Canyon Runner]

+1 on not thinking it is a problem. I am cooking mine in Phoenix, and have been for close to two years now. Even have to store her outside (well, covered by a fabric cover and under a partial day carport shading) She doesn't seem to mind a bit.

[ProductUser]

I've been riding my 1150 in and around Phoenix for 72k miles with no problems at all. I do use synthetic for some added protection in stop-and-go traffic, though.

[Boxer]

Well, if it stays out in the heat too long, it could have a "two-stroke".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jki4OQA5D4