I've recently had this thing about heat. I don't like it and that's why I made this thread. I just sold my ZX14R because it was a furnace in the summer time. I also believe heat production and heat management are two different things and that's also why I'm considering replacing it with another fully faired high performance bike before giving up and going naked.
Here are some of the bike I've owned and how I felt about them.
Blackbird- Terrible
2009 FJR- Excellent
VFR800- Tolerable
ZX-14R- Terrible
919- Non-existent
I use to have hayabusa before my vfr and the heat management was awful, the heat would go directly to my legs. it was really good in the winter though
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i find that the right ankle and calf get some heat but it's livable
The VFR1200 has the best heat management off any large displacement motorcycle I've owned.
So far so good... I haven't noticed any discomfort as yet and the fan tends to cut in as soon as the heat gets to half way (or there abouts) on the display.
The VFR1200 has the best heat management off any large displacement motorcycle I've owned.
+1...........I have ridden in 106 temp range, and not a problem with heat coming off the bike. I think they did a magnificent job of getting rid of the heat. Although I have not owned another large displacement motorcycle, but the 3rd gen with headers will roast my right leg and the seat gets really hot after awhile - uncomfortably hot!
i slotted the bracket for the Ohlins remotes because it disrupts the airflow and made the seat get hot
[image: ohlins bracket.jpg]
I haven't had the opportunity to give it the real test, which is the dead of summer here in Phoenix at about 110-115 degrees but its been high 80's around here lately and I have been in stop and go traffic for my commute and if this says anything, I never even thought about it being hot.
On the VFR800 I found that a catless and ceramic coated header really helped with heat management. Furthermore, a manual fan switch (you guys can just get a lower fan setting with a reflashed ecu) and a properly tuned fuel map (again done with an ecu reflash) should solve your issues or at least bring the heat out put to a more tolerable level.
On the VFR800 I found that a catless and ceramic coated header really helped with heat management. Furthermore, a manual fan switch (you guys can just get a lower fan setting with a reflashed ecu) and a properly tuned fuel map (again done with an ecu reflash) should solve your issues or at least bring the heat out put to a more tolerable level.
+1 on going catless and ceramic coating the exhaust headers. That made a huge difference. On my Gen 5.5 we also cut the heat shield plate and installed an air filter mesh cover that seems to have helped with air flow. The heat is not trapped behind the plate now cooking your right calf.
I've had a few bikes on your list.
2003 919 - Agree with you. No problems with heat... AT ALL.
2004 FJR - Found the FJR to be horrible. One of the reasons I got rid of the bike.
2010 VFR1200 - While moving, it's great. If stopped in traffic, I can feel heat on my ankles when the fan kicks in. But I'm not cooking my 'Family Jewels' like I was on the FJR.
The only issue is while driving in heavy rain, as You stop your bike, the engine temperature makes a cloudy fog out of pouring water coming out. That looks like something happened to the cooling system.
Personally, I don't care as driving in rain is challenging for itself. Despite that I find VFR12 the best heat management machine I have ridden.
Ceramic coating the exhaust and wrapping the rear down pipes greatly reduces under seat and leg heat on my 5th gen... heat is a non-issue.
Although the fan does cycle in traffic, I've never been bothered by the heat. I'm with MotardMenace and will report back when the temperature is 110-115.
Excellent info guys. My only concern is that I'm just a sissy because so many others have said the ZX14R has excellent heat management but I found it to be the complete opposite riding through Nevada in 100 degree temps.
I did feel it was great up to about 80 out, as good as my FJR, then above that it's like they are directing the hot air right to your lower legs and by FAR the hottest bike I've had. This was my 25th.
Are you not wearing jeans/Leathers and boots?
the Guhl reflash lowers the fan threshold and makes a noticeable difference,....the richer air fuel mix helps it run cooler too
My bike is modified (Ohlins Rear, revalved and resprung forks, flashed ECU, Full exhaust with no cat, tuned) and either stock or modified, heat was never something I've experienced, thought about, etc. I always ride in either a 1pc or 2pc leather suit, or a Roadcrafter with full over the calf Sidi boots. Maybe some people are riding in shorts?
I'm thinking shorts and sneakers