Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Oil coolers Oil coolers
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Feb 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Posts: 10
Oil coolers
I have a CJ750 (Chinese copy of BMW R71) which I am prepping for hard and hot travel in Africa. Other than a deep sump, is there an aftermarket oil cooler that I can fit to the rig? I not too fussed about aesthetics - in fact, the uglier the device, the better it'll look on the bike. Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Feb 2001
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
I think I'd have a look at an automotive wreckers, there's bound to be something for a small car that would admirably, and very cheap. Fittings to make the oil connections should be possible from there as well. Choose one from a popular around the owrld small car and spares should be easily obtained on the road.

Good luck, and let us know how you go!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Mar 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Posts: 10
Hi Grant,
Thanks for the advice - it's kind of along the lines I was thinking. However, I have been told by someone on the Ural America technical forum that the the CJ's low-pressure oil pump won't be able to cope with the extra quantity of oil. Does this mean fitting an external (and electrically-driven, presumably) pump as well?
There's a whole new world of stuff to learn here - after years of XT500 ownership and dodgy explorations of Mozambique and Zimbabwe, I reckoned I was a bush mechanic. But now I'm not so sure... we'll see.
Great site BTW - it is a great antidote to all the other bollocks on the 'Net.
cheers
Paul
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Mar 2001
John Ferris's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Reno,NV,USA
Posts: 560
On the BMW R100GS's alot of people removed the oil coolers from the bikes because of failures. The BMW dealer in Reno Nevada recommended removing the oil coolers for anybody doing desert riding because of the high chance of damage to the cooler or hoses.
It is much more important to keep the oil in the engine. With a boxer engine you have the best cooling possible on a aircooled engine.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Mar 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Posts: 10
Hi John,
Yeah, mulled over that in the sleepless hours of the early morning - just something else to go wrong or break. As the wise ones say, "if it ain't broke..."
Guess I'll put on a deep sump, then.
cheers
Paul
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Mar 2001
tom tom is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: london
Posts: 26
on this topic ive just bought a 1990 dommie and im going to spend along time in india (heat) and wondering if i need to modify the oil system. i cant give any tech details but i know the oil circulates around the frame.
thnaks for any advice tom.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Mar 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Padova Italy
Posts: 130
In Effect BMW'S R100 GS oil cooler are a proof of the worst way to mount oil coolers ! very exposed and just over heat sources ! - I instead will use an SAE 50/80 Oil ...if will overheat - it will be easy to find it in hot places!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Mar 2001
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
Note that it IS possible to mount the cooler on the R80 series, and probably the R100GS as well, well up just below the steering head.

I did it on my R80G/S, and it's excellent. Just needs longer hoses and a little imagination with the mounting brackets. The brackets are off the R100S ca 1985. Virtually a bolton. I even used the fiberglass protector, with a mesh screen over it. In this position it's invulnerable, although the hoses aren't, so I put a little plastic curly covering on them. DON't use braided steel lines, they are too stiff and will crack the cooler. btdt 2x. For more see the page about our bike.

The cooler is worthwhile on all airheads in very hot climates, it keeps the temp well down, and does prolong engine life.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:06.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top