Bad News about the HEAT

[DWJ Honda]

On my 2005 ST, with only 3,000 miles on it, I have been discouraged by the heat issue and finally installed the Fairing Deflectors and pulled out the inner cowls.

Went on my first test-ride with the changes, a 30-mile evening ride with temps ranging from 68-72 degrees. Yeah I know, pretty "cool" weather for the summer.

The ride did not go well.

Even in those conditions I noticed heat on my ankles and feet that distracted me from the enjoyment of the ride. Will go on a longer ride Friday in hotter conditions to confirm my conclusion.

Looks like a Honda 919 or Suzuki V-Strom 650 may be in my future. Any thoughts about my situation, or comments on either of those bikes?

Thanks.
Dennis

[RxCritical]

Sorry to hear of your issues with the heat. I also have a 05 with more than double your miles and I just haven't noticed the heat being an issue. Maybe because I am always in boots. Or maybe because my last bike was a Bandit 1200 (air cooled) but I just haven't noticed any more of a heat problem than my Bandit had. And most of that time being in SC (hot and humid). A co-worker has a 06 and he talks of the heat issue also. It is hard to believe that one ST13 could be so significantly different than another to cause such a variance in heat emitted. I can't help but think that it is mainly a individual tolerance for heat issue. But that's just me and my opinion!:eek: Good luck with your decision.

Paul

[Mean]

Are you wearing boots? Not saying that you should have to wear boots to protect you from bike heat but I am curious.

BTW, I think the DL650 is great but your legs are out in the elements. That would shorten the riding season for me. I would rather suffer the heat and be able to ride when it's under 50 outside without having to bundle up like an eskimo like I do on my ZX-6.

G

[Bones]

I'm one of those guys who's never had a heat issue. I've spent time and money on ways to add heat so I can ride earlier in the spring and as late into winter as conditions allow.

One question I have for you, Dennis, is what do you wear on your feet when you ride? You mention getting heat around your ankles, which makes me wonder if you wear boots that cover your ankles. If you don't, a proper set of boots may cure your "heat issue" while adding some protection in case of a get-off.

My $.02.

[DWJ Honda]

Thanks for the responses so far.

I always do ride with motorcycle boots. No riding pants, just jeans, but always good boots.

I wear Cruiser works, a pretty tall boot that goes up about 12 inches. I do have an old pair of BMW boots that have thicker leather. I'll try those on Friday's ride but am not optimistic.

I agree that this probably is an issue of individual tolerance (ie: one person in the car thinks its way too hot, the other way too cold)

Other insights/suggestions?

thanks again all, Dennis

[Finewest]

After reading tons and tons of posts about the "heat" issue I have finally experienced it...

I have never noticed it too bad since purchasing the bike about two months ago. Sometimes I felt it, most of the time I didn't. It seemed to me at those times of feeling it no worse then my previous Concours. Mostly felt it at stops. Like I said most of the time it was never a problem, so I never jumped in on the discussions... Until yesterday. I went for a ride in the back-country of San Diego County. Some you locals around here know the route. Up the 78 to Ramona to Santa Yesabel (spelling) and then down the 76 home to Oceanside. This was my first mountain twisty ride with the ST and it did real well. Nice.

Well it was hot up there! Really hot! Sorry I went in fact. I hate riding in the heat. Old man I guess. Anyway on the way up it started getting hot. In fact I have never seen the ST's air temp read-out go to 108 before! Wow! That's hot! I don't know how some you guys in Arizona do it! And the heat around my lower legs started up. I mean really hot! HOT HOT HOT! Almost burning hot! Hell it was burning hot. I started getting visions of my jeans catching on fire! That hot! I was impressed and bummed! Is this going to be the issue that kills Veronica. Nah! It's just really hot out here and it's amplifing the bike's heat around my legs. So I tough it through and got home. Won't ride that route again till it cools off for sure!

So there it is! The ST has a heat issue under certain conditions. It gets hot hot hot! Can't wait for Winter! Sorry back East guys. But Winter out here in So. Cal is dream riding!

[hobo57]

I have an '05 ST1300 with about 2,000 miles on her. It has always seemed hot to me, but this is my second bike (the first 30 years ago and my mind was very cloudy back then). I'm planning to get some taller boots, perhaps insulated. I am looking forward to the heat as the weather gets cold. Right now, if it's over 85, I think twice before going out. It is just too frustrating for this beginner.

[Pred8tor]

...a 30-mile evening ride with temps ranging from 68-72 degrees.

Even in those conditions I noticed heat on my ankles and feet that distracted me from the enjoyment of the ride.

Dennis, I hate to say this, but I think I said it before. If you can't enjoy your ride in 68-72 degree weather, you never will. I start to get cold at those temps.

There is absolutely nothing you can do to the bike to cool it down THAT much. Even removing the thermostat won't remove enough heat. I was afraid you wouldn't find satisfaction with the fairing extensions.

Maybe a unfaired bike will do better for you. I find watercooled bikes will run warmer than the air cooled bikes I previously owned - may want to test ride some air cooled models. At least you won't have radiator warmed air to contend with.

We've discussed riding gear already. Sounds like you have decent boots. I wear boots and jeans with mine with no complaints - especially at temps less than 90 degrees.

I guess sometimes it's just a personal tolerance issue - sorry you aren't comfortable on the ST. Hope you find the bike that matches your tolerances.

[jbim]

Really, I don't think it's a tolerance issue. There is real heat. I get heat on my right ankle. If I wear just jeans, the heat gets intolerable around 60-65 MPH. If I wear my 'stich, I don't feel it. Hence, the clothes you wear could make a difference. I'm guessing it's caused by the airflow going through the engine and escaping through an incidental conduit created by how the parts fit together. My two cents.

[sickchilly]

Guess what's by your feet guys. Twin catalytic conveters. You know those things get up to about 900 degrees F, right? Let's hear from the aftermarket pipe guys. Are your ankles toasty?

[Tor]

Sorry it didn't work for you, Dennis. I really don't know what to tell you, but I will agree with Jeff. I've also got at 05 w/ about 20K on it. Wearing tall Oxtar Infinity boots. Never had a heat problem. Yes there is plenty of heat coming off the bike on 95 degr days sitting at a red light, but nothing I can't tolerate. If you are uncomfortable in 65-70 degr., I really don't think you'll be able to remedy the problem enough to where the bike will be tolerable for you, regardless of what you do.

[ironox]

Dennis,

The Honda dealer meeting is next week. Wait for news, then decide. I PM'd you.

[jdpfms]

After reading tons and tons of posts about the "heat" issue I have finally experienced it...

I have never noticed it too bad since purchasing the bike about two months ago. Sometimes I felt it, most of the time I didn't. It seemed to me at those times of feeling it no worse then my previous Concours. Mostly felt it at stops. Like I said most of the time it was never a problem, so I never jumped in on the discussions... Until yesterday. I went for a ride in the back-country of San Diego County. Some you locals around here know the route. Up the 78 to Ramona to Santa Yesabel (spelling) and then down the 76 home to Oceanside. This was my first mountain twisty ride with the ST and it did real well. Nice.

Well it was hot up there! Really hot! Sorry I went in fact. I hate riding in the heat. Old man I guess. Anyway on the way up it started getting hot. In fact I have never seen the ST's air temp read-out go to 108 before! Wow! That's hot! I don't know how some you guys in Arizona do it! And the heat around my lower legs started up. I mean really hot! HOT HOT HOT! Almost burning hot! Hell it was burning hot. I started getting visions of my jeans catching on fire! That hot! I was impressed and bummed! Is this going to be the issue that kills Veronica. Nah! It's just really hot out here and it's amplifing the bike's heat around my legs. So I tough it through and got home. Won't ride that route again till it cools off for sure!

So there it is! The ST has a heat issue under certain conditions. It gets hot hot hot! Can't wait for Winter! Sorry back East guys. But Winter out here in So. Cal is dream riding!

I have a couple of comments. I have an 04 model with fairing deflectors, and I have only a moderate heat issue. I do find that wear jeans very little but wear dedicated riding pants or overpants mainly due to the fact that jeans offer almost no protection in a get off and allow more heat to be noticed. I also find that when conditions are hot, the fans come on and there is noticably more heat due to the fans running. I also find the MCL highway blades a big help to get the feet out in the wind. Before selling the bike, I'd recommend either the header treatment already mentioned or stripping off the tupperware and using an insulation of some kind. Here is one I found for automotive use. Good luck.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10002&catalogIdentifier=Jegs_Direct&categoryId=20801&parentCategoryId=10261


JDP

[AZST]

+1 on boots.

I have never been uncomfortable on my ankles while wearing my JR Revolutions....even when I rode recently for about 1.5 hrs in steady 117 degree heat.

However, if I wear just shoes....I can feel the heat. It's there...but still, bearable in regular temps (anything less than 105 degrees)

--Bryan
04ST1300A
:04biker:

[willd]

No complaints on the heat. After having ridden in Arizona for 6 years, I doubt I'll ever complain about the heat coming off of anything.... :D

But I do find that a good pair of boots and riding pants make a big difference.

[Kempo-STer]

Dennis,

George likely has the answer here for you. Depends how far you want to go to solve it..Someone had their pipes coated and man they looked beautiful.

If you can get up to CT I would love to swap 05s with you and see if there is any difference whatsoever. I am very curious..I ride with boots coming over my calf 100% of the time and riding pants 90% and Jeans the other 10.

I do feel there is a tolerance issue..chances are the bike puts out the same amount of heat but I don't sense it. Once it a great while I will notice but then I consider it warmth and not heat.

Good luck.

[chiller]

i find that the solution for heat seems to be what you wear, if i'm tootling around in sandals and t-shirt and shorts, i really feel the heat but once i go into full gear, even my mesh with real boots and stuff, the heat seems to go away, i still feel there is heat but my gear blocks me from the direct heat...

[MeiSTer]

Can't wait for Winter! Sorry back East guys. But Winter out here in So. Cal is dream riding!
You don't have to rub it in...

[Kempo-STer]

You don't have to rub it in...


Yeah no kidding...Last year though I never parked it...16 degrees and riding baby:D

[racer1735]

I always wear 'racing style' boots that go halfway up my calf, as well as textile riding pants. As such, they insulate me enough from the heat that I don't notice the bike being any warmer than what I am simply wearing this outfit on a hot day.

Regarding the deflectors contributing to the heat, you have modified the airflow in the sense that you have created more of a boundary of still air around the bike. That will cut down on the amount of cooling air passing over you; therefore you will be in a hotter pocket of air.

[MATTHEWS]

Heat + High humidity is part of life here in Houston Texas. I believe this a personal tolerance issue also. Sure there is heat, remember that you are riding a motorcycle. The only heat that is bothersome to me is sitting in a long line of traffic with no airflow where the sun is baking my brain. The black fullface looks cool but it sure is HOT! My tolerence to heat is very high otherwise I would not be able to stand living here. I ride sometimes with street shoes and never notice heat from the bike. Since I am able to ride all winter I actualy appreciate the heat coming off the bike and use it to warm my hands :) Do what is right for you...

[Danny C]

I'm also riding an '05 and while I have only owned it since May 1 of this year.......I can't say that the heat has been an issue for me to this point. Rode in 118F heat on way down to Laguna Seca back in July. Sure it was hot but not because of the bike itself. My view on this may change in time but so far boots and riding pants and even jeans seems to provide adequate insulation from the heat. Sorry to hear that it is in fact such an issue for some.

[U-Turn]

I've recently put the stock mufflers on the bike and it does seem warmer(when above 90 degrees)...nothing I can not tolerate though. I wear cotton pants with Joe Rocket mesh pants, along with Oxtar Matrix Gortex boots.

:04biker:

[GAST1300A2004]

Sorry to hear about all this heat, I have an 04 and it is not an issue.

Sounds like you need to go here :o4:

[Tor]

Sorry to hear about all this heat, I have an 04 and it is not an issue.

Sounds like you need to go here :o4:

:crackup

[Actionfigurejoe]

I wear BMW Santiago pants and insulated Gore-Tex Rocky boots. I've never had trouble with the heat. Sometimes after a long ride in 90+ degree heat my thighs are a bit red after removing the pants. I think everyone has their own heat sensitivity level.

[ST1300 Alicia]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I don't usually have any problems with too much heat on my 05, except the other day. I went ridding in cut-offs and flip flops and almost ended up with blisters. For me the ridding gear and good sneakers is enough to ward off the heat. I'm hoping it might help me keep warm this winter and extend my riding season.

[ligito]

And, by boots, we don't mean tennis shoe type boots.
Although I occasionally wear hightop hiking boots for local jaunts.

Any long trips should require good pants and riding boots.

I wear leather pants and Sidi boots, with no heat problems, even on our hottest days:04biker: .

[forgitaboutut]

Guess what's by your feet guys. Twin catalytic conveters. You know those things get up to about 900 degrees F, right? Let's hear from the aftermarket pipe guys. Are your ankles toasty?

I bought a pair of used two brothers racing 3 weeks after I got my ST..not aware of the heat problem at that point (I always ride with my work boots on - Steel toed,waterproof and insulated....)
I just didn't like the sound of the bike...
all I can tell you about the pipes is they don't get that hot! The clamp goes around the muffler and is insulated with a soft rubbery material - kinda like a hot water pipe insulation...that's as hot as the pipes get! about 180 F...you can't even burn your leg on them (I'll miss that so much :p: )

Those stock pipes are heavy too! the bike looses 30 - 40 pounds!
Only problem is they are a little too loud for my taste, it took awhile to get used too....

[805gregg]

I never had a heat problem, but in the interest of performance I covered my headers with header tape really helps, or tape a couple of frozen burritos to your shins and have lunch later.

[bobsblu]

I have had my ST for 5 months now and about 6K miles. One trip was about 3800 miles on Memorial day weekend up into the far NE (before the crowds and a whole 'nother story). Recently, I have owned an 1800GL, a 98 Valk (blue and cream), an Excelsior henderson that stayed at 280*-290* I have had others in the last 8 years, but those bikes all had "heat issues." Maybe i am just used to heat, but I am fortunate that I have no issues with obnoxious heat on the ST. It is definately warm but tolerable. I have ridden distances in 100* heat both here in VA and for years in West Texas. (It's a DRY heat, ya know!) I made the ST's inner cowl holier than thou and what i really notice is that the fairing pocket contents are much cooler. Maybe it's the color? <G> Unless they build these things differently with each bike, one has to conclude its a hypothalamus thing and heat tolerance. that doesn't mean someone is tuffer than someone else, either. I am a wimp when it comes to certain types of being uncomfortable and able to tolerate certain other things (Heat on the ST, GL1800, Valk?) I really feel for you guys and gals who suffer with this heat thing. I feel fortunate.

[squiett]

Maybe a cheaper alternative (and less down time) than the above mentioned header coating might be to use some of the asbestos tape some of the chopper riders use. I think that it would be ugly (if you could actually see the headers) but should accomplish the same thing. I bought my 06 ST just a few months ago and living near Dallas TX, have had a whole lot of 100 degree plus days of riding. The heat is there! But it was also there on my Harley Davidson Road Glide. I love riding but adopted a rule this summer...if it is above 100 I don't ride motorcycles or race bicycles...I stay in the AC...unless I am invited to ride with friends or I'm on another journey.

[ajpags]

Dennis...

I've worked through a couple of the issues, and now have my left ankle significantly cooler than my right ankle with a prototype mod. We've emailed in the past - drop me a note and let's get you hooked up.

Pags

[jamindoda]

Gentlemen,

This is my first post but have been a member since I bought my 04 in May.

I ride/work with two other guys that have an 03 and an 05. Each of us feels the heat to differing degrees. The guy that rides the 03 notices but it doesn't bother him much. I notice and am annoyed by the heat but mainly the heat on my legs which comes out by the battery and the shock adjustment, and the 05 rider is about to chuck the bike.

We all ride with good boots but in jeans, yes it would be safer with riding pants, but that is not how we want to ride.

We have done the inner cowels, and 05 has th holes by the adjuster and battery plugged. I have also experimented blocking of those holes and it makes a huge difference.

We all work for a private jet manufacture and are engineers, in fact I am a Test Engineer by training. I tell you this because we have measured the temps and looked at the airflow on the bike. The biggest issue with feeling the heat is the "dead airspace" be hind the cowling. No airflow, or really a slight vacuum pulls the hot air in from the wheel well and allow no flow around the legs to remove it from this area.

This may be similar to other faired bikes but it is not what we were used to or expected. The 03 rider's other bike is a Silverwing, mine is a Triumph America, and the 05's was an ST1100 (his wife has the 04 wing).

The heat issue IS personal, but it IS there.

If you are botherd by it, it will not go away with a simple mod but can be mitigated.

If you are not bothered by it, you just read a really long post for no reason, sorry about that just been a little frustrated with the problem for a few months.

Just thought I would throw my worthless, two cents in.



Here is what we are riding:

:03biker: 03 Non-ABS - Bone Stock except for Corbin Close seat, Windshield in Low Position.

:04biker: 04 ABS - Inner Cowling cut, fairing strips incl. mirrors. Sargent, MCL risers, MCL peg lowerers front and rear. ride with screen down

:biker: 05 Non-ABS - Inner Cowling gone, fairing strips. Sargent, Heli risers, ride with screen up.


Johnny

[RibsST1300]

Here is what we are riding:

:03biker: 03 Non-ABS - Bone Stock except for Corbin Close seat, Windshield in Low Position.

:04biker: 04 ABS - Inner Cowling cut, fairing strips incl. mirrors. Sargent, MCL risers, MCL peg lowerers front and rear. ride with screen down

:biker: 05 Non-ABS - Inner Cowling gone, fairing strips. Sargent, Heli risers, ride with screen up.


Johnny

I can tell you that the "screen up" position sucks a whole lot more heat into the knee and thigh area. Have your buddy try it with the screen down- or lowered part way.

[Lloyd]

This summer, I was ridining in temperatures of 42 degrees C (107 degrees for those south of the border). Heat on my legs was the least of my worries. Wearing boots and pants is a must. Pants take the sun off the legs - boots put something between you and the engine.

As a suggestion, should you find the heat down low getting unbearable, move your feet out to the edge of your pegs and pull your knees out from the tank. the extra air you grab can help.

[curmudgeon]

This thing puts out some heat, but if it feels hot to you at 72 degrees you better be looking for something else to ride. Hot at 72 degrees is just ridiculous. I wear jeans most of the time , and have lately been wearing ankle high boots. I don't have a problem up to 111 degrees experienced traveling to Laguna Seca. Which is why it's crazy to say it isn't a tolerance thing. Of course it is! If some of us aren't bothered by temps around the 110+ mark, and you are bothered by 72 degrees then isn't it obvious it's a tolerance thing. maybe my old skin has lost it's nerve endings.

Phil

[Rob Hephner]

Honda does have an answer for those who do not like the heat of the ST1300.

It does have a little less horsepower, but should be more comfortable.

[hobo57]

My other Honda is a Fit. It has 200 more cc's, but weighs about 2,400 lbs empty so it is much slower on the pickup and my ST. The Fit is more convenient to ride for running errands and carrying passengers, but not as exciting for a solo trip. My Fit cost less than I've invested in my ST w/farkles!!

[ajpags]

Folks,

Can I please ask a simple favor? If YOU don't have a problem with the heat, please stop telling those that do that it's a matter of tolerance, etc.

Naturally it's about tolerance. Firewalkers have a greater tolerance for heat than I do too. MY bike, and Dennis' bike have a heat issue - perceived or otherwise if that makes you feel better. We want to share ideas on how to alleviate the problem.

We all love the bike - some of us want to make it better for us. If you don't have a problem, bypass these threads.

Thanks...
Pags

[tccox]

Folks,

Can I please ask a simple favor? If YOU don't have a problem with the heat, please stop telling those that do that it's a matter of tolerance, etc.

Naturally it's about tolerance. Firewalkers have a greater tolerance for heat than I do too. MY bike, and Dennis' bike have a heat issue - perceived or otherwise if that makes you feel better. We want to share ideas on how to alleviate the problem.

We all love the bike - some of us want to make it better for us. If you don't have a problem, bypass these threads.

Thanks...
Pags


OK , Its a deal as long as those WITH heat problems quit saying its a design problem with the bike. It's not. Some STs apparently produce more heat than others.

[Pred8tor]

OK , Its a deal as long as those WITH heat problems quit saying its a design problem with the bike. It's not. Some STs apparently produce more heat than others.

I agree, with the exception that I don't believe it's been proven that some STs produce more heat than others. As far as I can tell, from the factory all STs produce identical heat.

If your ST feels "too hot" to you, while my ST does not, the issue is not the bike, but the individual rider. Obviously the bike does produce heat. The majority aren't bothered, while others are.

Seems to me not allowing this point to be expressed disallows the most logical explanation of the whole "heat issue". In a post complaining about the heat, that's a substantial limitation to discussion.

[curmudgeon]

I agree, with the exception that I don't believe it's been proven that some STs produce more heat than others. As far as I can tell, from the factory all STs produce identical heat.

If your ST feels "too hot" to you, while my ST does not, the issue is not the bike, but the individual rider. Obviously the bike does produce heat. The majority aren't bothered, while others are.

Seems to me not allowing this point to be expressed disallows the most logical explanation of the whole "heat issue". In a post complaining about the heat, that's a substantial limitation to discussion.

Correct Jeff, the only test I can remember is one done by Mark Lawrence and NormanPCN. Norman was bothered by the heat and Mark wasn't. Here are the results as best I can remember:
They instrumented both bikes with temp sensors and swapped bikes. The results were no difference between the bikes.
Norman is you see this post and can add or correct what I have said please jump in.
Unless anybody can prove otherwise I will continue to believe there is no difference between individual ST1300's.

Phil

[Bob Hughes]

I bought my '05 with 4,000 miles on it from a great guy and numerous bike owner who thought that it was very hot. He had insulated under the seat and removed the inner cowls and he planned on doing more to solve his problem if he kept the bike.

I rode it for a few 2 hour rides with the cowls out and the insulation in and found no heat for me. So I removed all of the insulation and reinstalled the inner cowls and took it out for 4 or 5 hours with a short stop for lunch and was never bothered by heat at all.

Same bike. I do ride with the seat all of the way up and he rode with it lowered. That's all the difference that I can see between us. Go figure.

[Rob Hephner]

Folks,

Can I please ask a simple favor? If YOU don't have a problem with the heat, please stop telling those that do that it's a matter of tolerance, etc.

Naturally it's about tolerance. Firewalkers have a greater tolerance for heat than I do too. MY bike, and Dennis' bike have a heat issue - perceived or otherwise if that makes you feel better. We want to share ideas on how to alleviate the problem.

We all love the bike - some of us want to make it better for us. If you don't have a problem, bypass these threads.

Thanks...
Pags

Why? When we could possibly help...

If you look through my posts you will find that I at one point had an issue with heat and thanks to others who had work arounds I no longer do.

[doveboat]

Not to muddy the waters here, but is there any correlation between Air Fuel (AF) ratios and the amount of heat ? If a bike is running lean it will run hotter. Maybe those with the new FPR's will chime in and comment if that change had an effect on heat.

I have an 04, with no more heat than I expect from a bike, but then I have two teenagers at home which may make me more tolerant and numb.

My mechanic neighbor has an HD that he has traced his heat issue to running lean after a pipe change but no fuel injection re-map.

[sherob]

I have a FPR installed... no difference in heat, but I never notice it anyway :) I now notice nice grunt factor in lower gears... :cool:

[Don-STOC237]

Just got done reading the new Motorcyclist magazine, wherein they had an article about 4 writer/riders riding 4 different liter sportbikes on a trip to Laguna Seca this year. As you remember, it was quite hot that week.

I found it interesting that at least 3 out of the four riders had a sentence complaining about the heat the bikes gave off. The funniest one described the heat as akin to "sitting on a George Foreskin Grill.":eek: :D

[jdpfms]

OK , Its a deal as long as those WITH heat problems quit saying its a design problem with the bike. It's not. Some STs apparently produce more heat than others.

Well, this may be true, but Yamaha must have thought the heat issue was a design problem in the FJR since they redesigned the bike so there is less or no heat issue on the 06 model. I think some people think Honda possibly could do the same. They won't but is it possible?

JDP

[olie]

Well, this may be true, but Yamaha must have thought the heat issue was a design problem in the FJR since they redesigned the bike so there is less or no heat issue on the 06 model. I think some people think Honda possibly could do the same. They won't but is it possible?

JDP
+1, :clap2:

[fifer]

I am a new ST rider and while I find the heat to be welcome on the 25 mile ride to work before sun up about 50-60 degrees . I find it a bit annoying at 4:00pm going back at 80-100+ degrees over a 6000ft mountain pass.
I wish I had a way to use it or lose it at will.
I am considering wraping the headers.

Mike

[whittlebeast]

I have a 2005 with headers wraped. The last few days it's been about 60 degrees. I own a digital readout infared temp gauge. My aluminum chassis right next to my foot brake is runung about 120 degrees now. I can feel exactly when the radiator opens as the air coming out from the triangle in front of the heads instantly goes up about 50 degrees as it does. When the fans turn on, the air goes up to about 140. After about an hour even in jeans my shins start to sting even after I get off the bike. I could take a temp on my shins/jeans next time.

Now what I did that really helps. I went to Sports Authority and got what they call Softball base runners pads. It appears to be a black foam rubber leg/knee protector. They are sold for one leg in a bag so you have to purchase two. They were $12 each. They cover from just above a low top shoe to just under your knee. Take your riding shoes with you when you go. They will fit under jeans and are unnoticable. They are about 1/2" thick and and about 14" tall and go around far enough to really help.

AW

[whittlebeast]

Has anyone tried blocking off the two triangle vents that are in front of the heads and then removed the lower fearing that goes around the oil pan. This would make most of the hot air exit low.

AW

[MrClean]

Have you done anything for the heat ??

[bass_on_tap]

Just a thought. How about a poll to survey all riders about the heat issue. It would need to be done by someone with a little more computer experience than myself. What I envision is an extensive, detailed poll, first asking a basic question like "do you perceive a heat problem with the St1300". The poll would then split into two separate columns. Those with a heat problem and those without. Then, the poll-ee would go down the proper tree and answer questions about modification they may have done, accessories, windshield height, seat height, fairing modification, fpr etc. Then we might come up with some quantitative proof that one thing, modification, accessory, adjustment, you name it, really effects the heat issue on the bike. There would be on-going results and those with a heat problem might get more "scientific" evidence they seek. I read a lot of possible cause, ideas and fixes for the heat issue. I would like to see a specific place to go for heat related issues and answers. Thanks for listening, let throw it around and see what others think. Just a thought.

[whittlebeast]

MrClean

What are you asking? Did I do anything to make the heat worse. Like change the can timing?.... nope

AW

[Imrubicon]

I have an '05 ST1300 with about 2,000 miles on her. It has always seemed hot to me, but this is my second bike (the first 30 years ago and my mind was very cloudy back then). I'm planning to get some taller boots, perhaps insulated. I am looking forward to the heat as the weather gets cold. Right now, if it's over 85, I think twice before going out. It is just too frustrating for this beginner.


Wraping the headers are the project for this spring

[Liam Comerford]

Just a thought. How about a poll to survey all riders about the heat issue. It would need to be done by someone with a little more computer experience than myself. What I envision is an extensive, detailed poll, first asking a basic question like "do you perceive a heat problem with the St1300". The poll would then split into two separate columns. Those with a heat problem and those without. Then, the poll-ee would go down the proper tree and answer questions about modification they may have done, accessories, windshield height, seat height, fairing modification, fpr etc. Then we might come up with some quantitative proof that one thing, modification, accessory, adjustment, you name it, really effects the heat issue on the bike. There would be on-going results and those with a heat problem might get more "scientific" evidence they seek. I read a lot of possible cause, ideas and fixes for the heat issue. I would like to see a specific place to go for heat related issues and answers. Thanks for listening, let throw it around and see what others think. Just a thought.

Thank you. This is exactly what we need. Real data to support some re-engineering.

My '04 ST is hot. The heat fixes I've applied are: inner cowl cutouts, fairing deflectors, wrapped pipes, Staintunes, FPR at 60#, and clear plastic film over all the frame/fairing openings around the feet and ankles (comes off easy when I want some winter warmth), and stuffing all the holes under the seat. I tried covering the vents under the tip over bar covers but it didn't help at all. Every other fix reduced the heat (and seemed to move it) but nothing really tamed it.

I ride in hiking boots (6") and jeans. When I wear my Sidi boots its a little better. I keep the seat at the top height.

The sum of it is that the bike isn't bad up to 85 degrees, but it starts to bite my legs after that. The ST is clearly a great bike (especially after I installed the FPR :) and I'd like to keep it. I bought it to give me a longer riding season, but I'm starting to think about a second bike for the summer, just when I want the touring goodness the ST offers. I'm getting really interested in how the reviews come out on the 1250 Bandit. Maybe a set of Gerbing clothes would make the Bandit into the ride-till-the-ice-comes mount I want. The ST is my first non-naked. If I go for the Bandit, it'll be my first non-Honda.

Liam