Hot Days,Hot Engine...

[eightmann]

Hi guys,
I am brand spanking new on this site .

I will probably have alot of questions about my new/old 1999 R1100RS.

I have been riding in very humid and hot weather with hardly any wind.

The other week I noticed that I was leaking battery acid.

I mean I really didn't take notice untill it was already dry on some of my bike's plastic and frame.

Obviously my bike would like a cooler day to ride.

No real damage was done but here is my question:

Is there a after market radiator that can be added ? to avoid this to happen again?

I do understand that I can buy a gel battery that would prevent my battery form leaking but how about keeping that engine cool?

[Ed Miller]

Was the engine getting too hot, or was it just the battery that boiled? If it was just the battery, then I'd check your charging system to be sure that it is not overcharging. Also, there should be a vent tube on the battery to drain any spillage out to the underside of the bike so it does not get on the shiny bits. If the acid was leaking out the top of the battery case, then it is probably cracked and should be replaced. The engine should not heat the battery enough to boil it. I've had my engine to the top bar of the RID once while stuck in traffic, and had no adverse effects (not that I want to repeat the experience).

As far as extra cooling, there is nothing available for that as far as I've heard. There was talk once about fitting a fan from an RT police bike I think. Aside form that, there is not much else you could do. Just run good quality oil of the appropriate weight. I prefer synthetic for its high temp properties.

Oh, and welcome to the group.

[BillE]

All that Ed stated is correct. The engine is not your problem. My guess is there is NO vent on the battery. The reason I chimed in on this thread is to say... if you need a new battery, seriously consider an Odyssey. They are absolutely wonderful. No ABS faults.. gone... cold start excellent, still with no ABS faults. Sat for two months through the winter (pseudo test) still started with no faults. Plus it should never leak. Gel batteries are great, but the Odyssey is absolutely wonderful and the cost is reasonable.

[eightmann]

Thanks guys.... That all make plenty of sense. I will check out. Already this site is AWESOME. :Beer: