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Is engine heat a rider comfort issue?

  • Rarely (or never) an issue.

    Votes: 5 25.0%
  • It’s noticible but not a problem.

    Votes: 11 55.0%
  • It’s sometimes an issue, but I deal with it.

    Votes: 3 15.0%
  • It really sucks, un-rideable sometimes.

    Votes: 1 5.0%
  • I sold (or going to sell) because of it. Horrible.

    Votes: 0 0.0%
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Hi all, I posted a similar question on the HD forum. I’d like to get some rider experience with PA engine heat.

I’m especially interested in feedback of those that have owned other Harley products, KTM too. How does the PA engine heat compare?

I’ve had some bikes that were very uncomfortable to ride in warm weather (>90 degrees). I’d rather not go back there.

If engine heat is (or was) an issue, did aftermarket mods (shields/fan shrouds/de-cats/etc.) work?

I’m excited about the PA, but some reviews and owner experiences have me a little concerned. I’m sure the (prior) BMW peeps are noticing it, what about other PA riders, your thoughts?
 

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Some people put a deflector on the fan side, but I've ridden every week without fail from 115 deg in summer to 32 deg in winter, and the heat isn't that bad at all. Especially if you're wearing decent pants. I feel like i get more radiant heat from the pavement when I'm stopped at lights. Probably depends on your level of tolerance too.
 

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It is noticeable when I get stuck in traffic when it's hot out. Harley needs a 2 pass radiator option big time so I won't add deflectors to the tiny radiator fan because I don't want to compound the problem. When a 190 degree thermostat is installed and your bike hits 230, that is a problem.
Fortunately I don't hit traffic much so the only bitching I do is to the service manager at my dealership
 

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22 PAS, 13 Dyna Wideglide, 2001 Honda XR650R, 2007 KDX 220, 1994 ATK 604 E
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I have to say, my vote might be a little off, I have only riden in low temps, I mean, my fan cam on the other day and freaked me out! Lol
I rode home from work one day this week and it hit 70°f
(Add on) My other bikes, 17 RGS: too hot to do parade rides! '13 Dyna Wide Glide: only an issue when stopped and idoling in the heat of summer. Both of these bikes have over 40k miles on them
 

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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
I have to say, my vote might be a little off, I have only riden in low temps, I mean, my fan cam on the other day and freaked me out! Lol
I rode home from work one day this week and it hit 70°f
(Add on) My other bikes, 17 RGS: too hot to do parade rides! '13 Dyna Wide Glide: only an issue when stopped and idoling in the heat of summer. Both of these bikes have over 40k miles on them
That's good info. I was looking for some feedback from someone who also rides a HD cruiser like a Dyna or RG. I can totally handle HD heat. I ride in 90-100 degree weather for about 3 months every year, so it gets hot where I'm at. After reading some negative comments about engine heat, it gave me enough pause to ask others about it. Sounds like it hasn't been a big problem for you. Thanks!
 

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22 PAS, 13 Dyna Wideglide, 2001 Honda XR650R, 2007 KDX 220, 1994 ATK 604 E
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That's good info. I was looking for some feedback from someone who also rides a HD cruiser like a Dyna or RG. I can totally handle HD heat. I ride in 90-100 degree weather for about 3 months every year, so it gets hot where I'm at. After reading some negative comments about engine heat, it gave me enough pause to ask others about it. Sounds like it hasn't been a big problem for you. Thanks!
On the Pan Am, you need to watch the rad hose by the header pipe, some get hot and scorched, you can do a search on the fourm about that
 

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All these Euro5 complaint engines seem to run hot. My KTM 890 runs hot as well. The Pan Am seems to radiate more heat through the fan and headers. Like several others, I only notice it in hot weather in heavy traffic. I added the deflector on the left and it seems to help a bit. I also plan to JetHot coat the headers which claims a 40% reduction in heat lost through headers. I wouldn’t pick either Euro5 bike for commuting in heavy traffic in summer.
 

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The heat issue for me is just slightly more than on my 2018 RGU 2/Stg 2 kit - I have done some long rides on both in 90+. Both bikes I use highway pegs where I can, obviously not in stop and go traffic. Both are a bit uncomfortable for me without highway pegs. Not good in stop/go for more than 10 blocks or so. I have ordered heat shield fan side for PanAm but not yet used it. My prior ADV bike was the GSA800 Beemer where it was a non issue, not sure as to the 1200.
 
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