Keeping a Custom Motorcycle Engine Running Cool
We all know the American V-Twin motorcycle engine is designed and engineered for maximum performance based on the air-cooled principle. But in the process of modifying one of these motors, for either more power or for show quality looks, the theory of proper air-cooling can be thrown completely out of whack.
There are two ways the American V-Twin air-cooled motors stay cool and that is by convection and radiation.
These methods happen when the heat produced from an air cooled motor is removed by the movement or circulation of air over the cooling fins of the heads and cylinders. This process gives the "hot" parts of the engine an opportunity to lose or dissipate the produced heat quickly.
When you are sitting still, like being stuck in traffic, the ability to keep your engine from overheating obviously becomes impacted due to stagnant airflow. All that heat buildup needs to go somewhere and will begin to spread into other parts of your bike such as the engine cases, transmission, primary components, etc. and in some cases your pants and finally into the physical space you're sitting in!