Manual Fan Control for RSV4

[twordsdiverged]

All,

I want to poll the audience to determine interest in a manual fan controller for the RSV4. I have one installed on my CBR 929 and when sprinting stoplight to stoplight it will keep the engine temps in the Southern California heat around 190-195 instead of 220+. The switch allows the fan to be manually turned on, but on the CBR it doesn't bypass the computer so even if switched off it will activate if the threshold temp is reached. The solution is also in-line with connectors rather than something that needs splicing so it shouldn't void any warranties and isn't permanent if you don't want it to be. Since I find the RSV4 runs hot, though I'm sure in part by design, I figured there may be interest in this solution.

You can read more about the manufacturer at the site below:

http://www.xsboostperformance.com/ca...x.php?cPath=22

Currently, there is no setup for the RSV4, but their can be. I spoke with the site owner and he told me with a donor bike for research he would be happy to work on putting something together. If there is interest, I am willing to be the guinea pig.

The kits tend to run about $100 shipped and with an initial group buy perhaps something could be worked out on price. I am in no way affiliated with the site so I make no promises.

Before we get into a flaming war please be mindful of the following. I don't care how expensive this is for some wires and connectors. I like simplicity and cleanliness and am willing to pay for that convenience. Also, I know these bikes were designed as they are for a reason. These are essentially track bikes that I run more often on the street. With that said, I would like it to be more comfortable in the summer.

Again, before I dedicate a few tanks of gas, leave myself without my new beauty, and make arrangements for someone to drive me 60 miles home, please let me know if you are interested in this.

[mikef4uk]

I think you are trying to fix something that isn't broken, saying that in the UK it rarely gets that hot

[twordsdiverged]

Well it isn't going to be a problem for everyone, but the high deserts of California, Nevada, and some of the super humid areas would benefit. At least in my opinion. Heck, some people simply don't care. There is a $45 aftermarket part I found when looking at the KTM that triggers the fan at 190F instead of 220F. There is a market, my question is how big?

[JC120]

I just got back from riding mine out on the street and was thinking about how hot the engine gets when sitting at lights here.

Seems like a good idea,, and you can charge a cell phone off it from what I just read.. Hmmm I think I want one.

[twordsdiverged]

The power plate I believe is a separate item. When I got the fan controller it was a solo item.

[Jaguar]

My fans come on at 102C, which I think is about 215F. While the bike can get up to that temp pretty quickly in traffic in our summer temps (up to 45C, or 110F-ish) it rarely rises more than another couple of degrees once those fans kick in. So I'm thinking that, if the maker decides that's the temp where fans are needed - and the existing system can keep it virtually right at that temp - there is no problem to solve.

[twordsdiverged]

My fans come on at 102C, which I think is about 215F. While the bike can get up to that temp pretty quickly in traffic in our summer temps (up to 45C, or 110F-ish) it rarely rises more than another couple of degrees once those fans kick in. So I'm thinking that, if the maker decides that's the temp where fans are needed - and the existing system can keep it virtually right at that temp - there is no problem to solve.

What coolant are you using? I wonder how much a difference that would make. It was 100F around here with 0 humidity and my temps were 10 to 15 higher. My right leg was cooking.

[mikef4uk]

What coolant are you using? I wonder how much a difference that would make. It was 100F around here with 0 humidity and my temps were 10 to 15 higher. My right leg was cooking.

There was some one here a while back complaining the frame burnt his legs whilst riding in shorts....................I take it you have the 'right' kit and not shorts and trainers?

PS: MV had all kinds of over heating with the F4 range.............they sorted it on the 'new' model, one of the fixes was to remove the numerical temperature display and replace it with a 'bar' graph type display.

[GTracing]

Great idear I did this as soon as I rode the bike and came to a stop and notice it went from 78c to 105c in 1minute. Iput a handle bar switch and realay that turns on the fans and also installed a third fan on the oil cooler as that made a big difference to. I will not be getting into a debate again with anyone on this site. as I have not been on here for three years. But wanted to reply to intelligent criticism

[twordsdiverged]

Great idear I did this as soon as I rode the bike and came to a stop and notice it went from 78c to 105c in 1minute. Iput a handle bar switch and realay that turns on the fans and also installed a third fan on the oil cooler as that made a big difference to. I will not be getting into a debate again with anyone on this site. as I have not been on here for three years. But wanted to reply to intelligent criticism

Can you explain or provide some photos of the oil cooler fan setup? I might be interested in something like that. Thanks for coming out of hiding BTW

@Mikef4UK - Absolutely. I mock those that dress like squids

[JC120]

Great idear I did this as soon as I rode the bike and came to a stop and notice it went from 78c to 105c in 1minute. Iput a handle bar switch and realay that turns on the fans and also installed a third fan on the oil cooler as that made a big difference to. I will not be getting into a debate again with anyone on this site. as I have not been on here for three years. But wanted to reply to intelligent criticism

Ok I'm sold on one. The 3rd fan for the oil cooler seems like a good idea too.

[Jaguar]

What coolant are you using? I wonder how much a difference that would make. It was 100F around here with 0 humidity and my temps were 10 to 15 higher. My right leg was cooking.

I'm still on what came with the bike as it left the dealer, so no secret there I don't think.

[Jaguar]

To be a bit more precise: I think the max I've seen is 105C/221F.

However, my MV riding mate would see 110C pretty frequently on his previous-gen MVs. In fact, from memory, he reported to the importer that he'd seen up to 115C (about 240F) and was reassured that this was within the normal range and wouldn't cause any problems. He wasn't entirely convinced - and I'm not sure I would have been either - but I'm not sure that the fan switch will help.

Thing is, once the bike gets to 102C the fans come on - and will stay on all the time it is above that temperature. So all a fan switch can do is slow the time it takes to get to that temp. All the time the bike is above 102C, the switch makes no difference. And that's the area you're concerned about.

To the extent that you think there's an issue, it seems you need to improve heat dissipation at high temp - which implies either better coolant (marginal gain, I'd think, if any), or, better - larger oil or water radiators. Both expensive options, obviously.

Have you consulted your dealer/importer about normal operating temp?

[twordsdiverged]

@Jaguar - I mentioned it, but I also just got the bike and don't know whether it's had a coolant flush or anything at this point. Probably will do at the next oil change, if I have the cash.

On the Honda, in stop and go traffic, if I turn the fan on before the bike is already super hot, it will maintain a lower temperature and in really hot weather, prevent super high temp spikes between sprints. I have to imagine that even if the fan doesn't reduce temperatures significantly, reducing the fluctuation in heat cycles will reduce stress on the engine, coolant, suspension, etc. At the end of the day, If I feel less of the heat, I'm a happy camper. In Southern California, even with the ability to split lanes, the ability to get real airflow can be difficult with our traffic.

[robby-hk]

Great idea. I'd definitely buy one if I had my bike on the road, instead of up at the track.