Air Cooled Bike in Houston

[Apone]

I live a little north of Houston in suburbia and I am a little concerned about owning an air-cooled bike in a hot, suburban/urban climate. A friend of mine has a Honda and warned me not to buy a Harley, Buell, or any other bike that is air-cooled as he claimes to have witnessed many Harleys broken down on the shoulder of the road from overheating.

I would really like to buy a Buell for commuting and cruising, but I don't want something that is going to leave me stranded. My commute is about 30 minutes overall, includes 10 miles of freeway, and rarely results in stops greater than 3-5 minutes. Could a Buell handle this type of riding in South Texas heat?

[buellosaurusrex]

First of all, how does your friend know they broke down due to overheating? Likely he just assumed they did. 30 minutes is not a long cruise, even for an air-cooled bike. If you're really concerned, add an external oil cooler such as the Jagg (available from American Sport Bike) www.americansportbike.com
The administrator of the BadWeb, (www.badweatherbikers.com) Blake, rides an air-cooled M2 and hails from Texas. Haven't heard him complaining about overheating breakdowns. Sounds like old wives tales to me....but that's just me.:D

[clockdaddy]

When sitting in heavy traffic, simply shut off the engine. It'll keep it from overheating (which I don't think will be a problem) and it'll save gas. Even with water cooled engines there's the possibility of overheating in heavy traffic! Why do you think so many people shut off their car engines when sitting so long in one place in traffic? If you don't have air flow, anything will overheat eventually.
CD

[Bullzaye]

I have driven my BMW R1200C (which is air cooled) all through the summers here in Phoenix. I have a 33 mile commute mostly on freeways, but I go to work during the afternoon rush hour so I often am going 5 miles an hour or slower for sometimes 15 or 20 minutes. I've never had a problem. I think your friend is slightly misinformed.
Tim

[Zack]

I grew up in South Texas and never had any trouble with overheating.
If you're worried, make sure you have or get an oil cooler.

Get a Buell, you'll love it.

[Apone]

Thanx, all.

[Blankspot]

So then North Texas should have no effect. Good, I'll keep that in mind.:cool: