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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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 13 Feb 2001
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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.
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  #2  
Old 28 Feb 2001
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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!

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  #3  
Old 1 Mar 2001
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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
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Old 2 Mar 2001
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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.
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Old 5 Mar 2001
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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
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  #6  
Old 7 Mar 2001
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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.
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Old 7 Mar 2001
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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!
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  #8  
Old 8 Mar 2001
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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.

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