ExtrEmE riding 101 - Harley

Imagine riding to the Sturgis
Rally on a 95-degree day. Or
idling along a parade route
during a steamy 4th of July
weekend. Or just riding in
heavy stop-and-go traffic on
your way out of town. These
are the types of extreme
riding conditions that most
Harley-Davidson Touring
riders will encounter at some
point during the course of
their summer riding season.
But you can beat the heat
and ride more comfortably
in these conditions. Check
out these strategies for
keeping your cool when the
mercury rises.
Extreme Riding 101:
Beatthe
Heat
Cooler at Slow
Speed & Idle
If your goal is to feel less engine heat at idle
or during parade duty speeds on TC96, TC103
and TC110-equipped Harleys, these options
work wonders.
New Mid-Frame Air Deflectors
Mid-Frame Air Deflectors (P/N 58022-07A)
attach to the frame below the seat and
direct radiant engine heat away from the
rider. Designed and tested for severe duty
and extreme temperature applications, the
black GTX thermal deflectors are painted
to match the inner fairing and fit 2001-later
Touring models.
EITMS Reflash
Harley-Davidson is offering a free, dealerinstalled software upgrade called the
Engine Idle Temperature Management
System (EITMS) for all 2007 and 2008
Touring models. On 2008 model Touring
models produced after December 3, 2007,
the EITMS is already installed and ready
for you to activate using a simple throttle
activated switch. When you are stopped
and at idle, simply push the throttle forward
(closed) to roll off position and hold. After
approximately 3 seconds, the cruise control
indicator will flash either red (disabled) or
green (enabled). Repeat the procedure to
toggle between the two.
During hot idle, or when the motorcycle is
off-throttle and running at hot temperatures,
EITMS shuts off fuel to the engine’s rear
cylinder, leaving it to idle on the front
cylinder only. Without combustion, the
rear cylinder and exhaust header will begin
to cool, bringing relief to the rider (and
passenger) soon after. Once the rear cylinder
cools to a predetermined temperature, or as
soon as the rider accelerates, both cylinders
resume operation. And by maintaining
constant rpm during rear cylinder
“shutdown,” transitions between one and
two cylinder operation are nearly seamless.
EITMS is purely for rider comfort. When it
activates and “shuts off” the rear cylinder, it’s
not because the motor is overheating. It’s
designed to reduce the heat radiating from
the rear cylinder to the rider.
Once an appointment is made, the EITMS
software reflash can be performed for free
by any H-D dealer, usually while you wait.
If, for any reason, the rider does not like the
EITMS, it can be returned to the previous
mapping for free.
For information on installation of EITMS,
see your H-D dealer.
Some later model lower fairings have
adjustable vents that should be opened
or removed to increase airflow. Or by
simply removing the lower fairings, you
can dramatically increase airflow to the
bike’s engine and rider, and keep cooler
in the process.
Men’s Mesh Jacket
98225-06VM
A new Detachable Fairing Lower Hardware
Kit (P/N 58146-07) is available for quick
removal of the lower fairings. And a new
Soft Storage Bag for Fairing Lowers (P/N
95983-07) helps protect the lower fairing
when it’s not in use.
Air Deflector Kit
Riders who own 1996-later Electra Glide and
Street Glide models can stay cooler in hot
weather with the addition of a Adjustable Air
Deflector Kit (P/N 57804-07A).
Mounted on the lower portion of the
batwing fairing, the deflectors can be
adjusted to direct airflow around the fairing,
or opened to maximize airflow to the rider
on hot days. A spring-loaded detent
system locks each deflector in one of four
positions, including a closed position. The
kit includes left and right deflectors, and all
mounting hardware.
More Tips for Staying Cool
Cover Your Legs
Hydration Vest
98350-08VM
A common misunderstanding is that
wearing only a T-shirt or even shorts will
keep a rider cool, when in fact doing so leads
to dehydration and dangerous exposure.
Veteran riders who live in the hottest
climates choose jackets made of nylon mesh
like the Women’s H-D Mesh jacket shown
below (P/N 98225-06VW) or perforated
leather jackets with lots of air vents to keep
their core cool.
Women’s H-D
Mesh Jacket
98225-06VW
Sturdy long pants and high leather boots
help protect the legs of the rider and
passenger from the heat that naturally
radiates from the engine and road surface.
Modular Helmet
A full-face modular helmet with flip-up
chin bar prevents wind burn at speed, while
allowing air flow during stops.
Stealth Flame
Modular Helmet
98216-05V
Cooler at Riding Speed
If your goal is to stay cooler at regular riding
speeds on select H-D Touring models, consider
these options.
Stay Hydrated
Steady hydration is critical for maintaining
low core body temperature. Stick with water
and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages,
which may actually speed dehydration. The
H-D Water Bottle Holder/Saddlebag Guard
Bag (P/N 91992-98) keeps water close at
hand, helping you stay hydrated.
Make Frequent Stops
When it’s really hot, stop frequently and
rest either in a shady spot or in an airconditioned building. This helps keep the
body core cool and the mind alert.
Remove Lower Fairings &
Air Deflectors
On FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glides, the
lower fairings and air deflectors block wind
from hitting the rider, which in many conditions
is a comfortable alternative. But when the
temperature approaches triple digits, that
reduced airflow can become uncomfortable.
and the mesh jackets allow for airflow while
adding protective properties.
Cool the Core
Stop Revving It
The Hydration Vest and Mesh Jackets are
actually meant to work together (the vest
provides the cooling / hydration feature)
Revving your engine while sitting in traffic
actually increases heat output. Let the bike
idle until you’re ready to accelerate.
©2007 H-D®. All rights reserved.
For a motorcyclist, cold weather can
be just one part of the ride experience,
like road conditions or what you
ordered for lunch. Or it can be the
defining experience that keeps you
from riding, prematurely ends your
ride or reduces the saddle time to a
miserable, bone-numbing slog. The
difference comes down to preparation.
With a few well-chosen gear
options and some well-tested riding
strategies, you can conquer the cold
and ride comfortably.
For Your Bike
Heated Hand Grips
Cold hands make any ride miserable
and can be a safety hazard because your
reaction time is decreased. In addition to
quality gloves, the best bet for keeping your
hands warm is heated hand grips from
Harley-Davidson. Connected to your bike’s
electrical system, these thermostatically
controlled grips offer variable heat settings.
The automatic temperature monitoring
adjusts to changing ambient temperatures,
so they remain at a constant temperature
regardless of conditions. Several styles are
available, each with a self-contained control
circuit and control knob.
Sun Ray Heated Seat
Extreme Riding 101:
Conqueringthe
cold
With a full-length, integrated heating
element that runs off the motorcycle’s
electrical system, Sun Ray Heated Seats
deliver exceptional warmth and comfort
in even the coldest conditions. Offered for
all Touring models, they feature dual-zone
heated rider and passenger positions with
separate high/low/off toggle controls for
personalized comfort.
Soft Lowers
Deflecting or softening the impact of
cold air against your body is a proven
method of combating the cold. Installed on
motorcycles equipped with engine guards,
soft lowers offer quick-attach convenience
to protect against the elements.
Windshield
A windshield is highly effective at reducing
wind chill, keeping you warmer and more
comfortable. Several styles are available,
including ultra-convenient Quick-Release
Detachable versions.
For Your Body
Even in moderately cold conditions, you
need protection from wind, precipitation
and low temperatures to stay comfortable.
That means dressing in layers, using
products with windproof and/or
waterproof properties.
Where the hands go, the body will follow,
so keeping your hands warm is a first
priority. Leather gloves like the men’s
Waterproof Gauntlet and women’s
Caledonia Gauntlet feature a waterproof/
breathable Gore-Tex® liner to prevent
clammy hands. Their over-the-sleeve fit and
draw cord seal out the cold.
Managing Moderate Cold
A mid-weight leather jacket like the men’s
Reflective Skull and women’s Vintage
Cruiser balance protection and comfort in
a wide range of conditions. Both feature a
removable liner for layering versatility.
Woman’s Vintage
Cruiser Jacket
98120-08VW
Adding wind protection to your lower half is
equally important. Available in many sizes,
Deluxe Leather Chaps for men and women
feature adjustable back waist lacing, power
stretch at the inner thigh and a double leg
zip design.
Heated
Jacket
Liner
98107-04V
FXRG® jackets and pants are ideal at
conquering everything from a moderate chill
to bone-numbing cold. The jackets come
with 2-in-1 Primaloft® liners that are as
warm as down but are thin, lightweight and
compressible, and that double as a separate
jacket. The pants keep your lower half warm
while offering side venting for temperature
control.
The lightweight, stretchable Bar & Shield
Logo Essentials Balaclava (98201-04V) adds
an extra layer of windproof insulation to your
head and face.
FXRG Midweight
Leather Jacket
98518-05VM
FXRG women’s gear
also available
Gloss Black
Midway ½ Helmet
98026-06V
Heated Gloves
98113-04V
Look for battery powered options
coming soon.
FXRG Leather
Over Pant
98524-05VM
An endless blast of cold on your head and
neck is a prescription for misery. A helmet
like the Midway Half Helmet will cut the
cold. It sports a removable, zip-off neck
curtain, a removable/washable inner liner
and an extended visor.
With increased loss of core body heat and
numbing of the extremities, extreme cold
poses the greatest challenge to maintaining
comfort. The solution: Heated Riding
Gear that puts the power of your Harley’s
electrical system to work keeping you toasty
warm. The heated vest, pant and gloves can
be used separately or in any combination for
customized comfort, and thermostats allow
you to set your ideal temperature.
Caledonia
Gauntlet
Gloves
98205-07VW
Adding a windproof layer like the Detour
Windproof Jacket under your favorite jacket
will increase your comfort in cold and windy
conditions.
Detour Jacket
98538-08VM
Extreme Cold
The FXRG full-face helmet is equipped with
a coated, anti-fog face shield and breath
deflector to prevent fogging.
FXRG
Full Face
Helmet
98217-05V
Riding Tips
In cold weather, tires can lose upwards
of 5 psi, so it’s critical to check tire
pressure before each ride.
It can take as long as 20 minutes of
riding for tires to reach their ideal
operating temperature. Until they do,
traction is reduced.
Autumn and winter riding means
ever-changing road condition and
hazards, including ice, salt, gravel,
wet leaves and pressure ridges. Adjust
your speed accordingly.
Ice can be treacherous, and it’s often
lurking in low or shaded areas, and on
bridges and overpasses. Tires make
almost no sound on ice. If it suddenly
gets quieter while riding, beware, you
might be on ice.
When you encounter areas of reduced
traction, minimize your speed and lean
angle, and balance braking pressure
between the front and rear tires.
©2007 H-D®. All rights reserved.
Stories of hell-bent rides
through pouring rain, riders
soaked to the core yet forging
ahead, might sound brave
and captivating, but the truth
is that such experiences are
pure misery. Soaking wet and
60 mph should never happen
at the same time.
If you ride a motorcycle,
sooner or later you will ride
in the rain. The question is,
will you have packed the
rain gear?
For Your Body
Light Rain
Extreme Riding 101:
Readyfor
Rain
If you’re riding beyond the forecast, be
prepared with at least a packable rain suit.
The Cambridge Rain Suit
is entry level, rain gear
suited for light to
moderate rain. It’s
available in both
men’s and
women’s,
and packs
small
for easy
transport.
Cambridge
Rain Suit
98246-06VW
Moderate Rain
FXRG Versatility
If you ride in moderate rainfall for longer
periods, you’ll appreciate a lighter, less
bulky rain suit with more breathability and
rider-friendly features. The Overpass II Rain
Jacket and Pant improve the comfort factor
via a zip-off hood, hand warmer pockets,
reflective piping (so others see you) and melt
resistant panels on the inner legs.
Renowned for its versatility, FXRG®
outerwear is designed to battle moderate
rain thanks to features like water-resistant
leather and Aquator® nylon fabric, waterresistant zipper systems, waterproof/
breathable liners and neoprene neck collars.
Equipped with a Gore-Tex liner, FXRG
gauntlet gloves deliver a secure hold on wet
grips and feature a water-seal cuff system
and built-in rubber thumb squeegee for
cleaning off your face shield.
Heavy Rain
If you prefer to embrace rain rather than
hide from it, the H-D Rain Jacket and Pants
with waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex®
Paclite® deliver the ultimate in dryness and
comfort. The jacket features a removable
hood and hand warmer pockets, while the
pants feature an anti-slip traction coating on
the rear and melt resistant leg panels.
Riding Tips
The first minutes after
rain begins to fall are
especially hazardous
because oil and other
residue on the road surface
combines with the first
raindrops to create a slick
FXRG Midweight
Leather Jacket
98518-05VM
sheet. Either avoid riding
during the first few minutes
of a rainstorm or greatly
reduce your speed until the
rain has had an opportunity
Paclite Rain Jacket
98306-07VM
to rinse the slick coating
form the surface. Be extra
cautious at intersections,
where surface oils are
most prevalent.
If the road is wet, ride
Paclite Rain Pant
98307-07VM
Full-Face Helmet
along in the tire tracks left
Many dedicated distance riders swear
by full-face helmets for riding in the rain
because of their comfortable protection
against the elements.
by vehicles in front
For Your Bike
where car tires have just
Stay Warm
passed, reducing the
The chill that comes from riding in the rain
is often worse than the wet, which is why
many experienced riders employ heated
hand grips and heated seats.
chance of hydroplaning.
Deflection
traction, which means
Riding through the rain at 60 mph can feel
like getting bead-blasted. A windshield
absorbs the worst of such situations, leaving
you better able to concentrate on riding.
you should minimize your
of you. Water levels are
likely lowest in the area
Rain means reduced
speed and lean angle,
and balance braking
pressure between the front
and rear tires.
©2007 H-D®. All rights reserved.