| Author | Message | ||
     Marcodesade |
I have an 08 R. The frame gets really hot --- often hot enough to leave a read mark on my thighs. I know that in 09 Buell added a heat barrier to the inside of the frame, but after talking to a bunch of people (including Al at American Sport Bike) I understand that the Buell product doesn't provide much protection. So I bought the American Sport Bike product --- Thermotec Heat Barrier --- and am going to have my dealer install it at my 12K service, which is coming up in about a month. Can someone who has already installed this product tell me about the installation? Al gave me some pretty good tips (e.g. cover all surfaces facing the engine and especially the headers, including the bottom face of the frame on the header side), but can anyone add anything? Also, would anyone happen to have the template they used to cut the thing? I'm willing to trust the tech to shape it right if I have no other option, but I'd feel better if I was able to just hand him the precut piece(s) and be done with it . . . | ||
| 1_mike |
Yea...much like the fabled right side scoop on the XB's, I picked up some foam to model up a "left" side scoop to push cooler air thru the rear area of the engine. If it works ANYTHING...like the XB scoop, it should make a noticable difference to the heat of the fuel pump, fuel/frame, rear header, etc. Got it pretty much planned, just have to form it, then do the fiberglassing. Might be a while...too many projects. Though it WILL be done before next summer rolls around. Mike | ||
| Bob_thompson |
Mark, the best thing I did to my '08 1125R was to put heat wrap on the two header pipes both front and rear as far as I could reach into them. It really made a big difference. If your bike is naked, on the rear pipes, just go from as close to the ports as you can get to the rear heat shield. I have the Thermotec barrier on my lowers to keep muffler heat from scorching the paint from my muffler system and both make me a "cool runner" Al,(American Sport Bike) has the good stuff. Bob | ||
| Jaimec |
Gripskinz on the frame helps too... | ||
| Marcodesade |
Yeah, Jaime, I was planning to add that as well. I've heard there are a couple of choices available. Any advice? Maybe next year I'd like to also get the ceramic header coating as sold by American Sport Bike. Just can't swing the money right now. Bob, when you say you added "heat wrap" to your headers, are you saying you used the typical tape that I see on some older rat-style Harleys? Or is it something else? Mike, while your idea sounds interesting, I'm not sure it's really related to what I'm trying to do (other than the end result of cooling down the frame). The heat barrier is basically a reflective sheet that, when stuck on the inside of the frame, reflects radiant heat rather than allowing it to be absorbed into the frame. I would be interested in seeing the results of your project when you get it going though . . . Anyone else have advice or (dare I hope) templates for the Thermotec? Thanks! (Message edited by MarcoDeSade on October 30, 2009) | ||
| Whynot |
I searched on "wrap headers" in the 1125R forum and found for example: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/478590.html#POST1520988 I recall reading some other posts back in the summer with good descriptions and how-to advice on wrapping. I bought some header wrap from autobarn.com and plan to install it along with thermo-tec inside the frame. I have stompgrip knee grips on the outside of the frame. I had them on my Ducati and really liked the surface. I didn't see a pattern for the 1125R, but Honda RC51 was close enough. Will take some pics when I'm wrapping and insulating. -Kurt | ||
| Donutclub |
I installed the Thermotec Heat Barrier in my 08 and it made a world of difference in the heat. I noticed that this fixed the gasoline smell as well. Would recommend using this product. | ||
| Whynot |
Donutclub, sounds good. Did you use the self-adhesive thermo-tec, or use a spray-on adhesive or rtv silicone, or ... ? Thanks, -Kurt | ||
| Bob_thompson |
Bob, when you say you added "heat wrap" to your headers, are you saying you used the typical tape that I see on some older rat-style Harleys? Or is it something else? Mark, Wynot posted a good link to what I was talking about. I used some from Summit racing in black that you do not have to wet now. Much easier to apply. Better to keep the heat inside the pipes then try to reflect it to some other area, maybe your legs. Helps in scavenging also by keeping exhaust flow high. Using both really worked for me. Bob | ||
| Donutclub |
I used the self-adhesive thermotec material inside the frame. I didn't rotate the engine, I cut and installed pieces where I could access from above with the airbox removed. It's one of the single best things that I've done to the bike. | ||
| Sl33py |
I'd like to do this as well (thermotec or similar on inside of frame). Do the 09's already have it? I've gotten some gas through the tube and gas smell in the garage... if this helps i'd like to try it. Don't really want to wrap my headers if i can help it. Those of you that did the inside of the frame - on 08's or 09's? any pics? | ||
| Whynot |
Thanks, donutclub, that's what I was thinking for the frame. I'm collecting what I need for the next airbox removal. For the header wrap, I recall in one of the earlier posts one owner applied hi-heat paint over the wrap. Thermo-tec makes a coating (paint) "Thermo-Tec 12001 - Thermo-Tec Hi-Heat Coating" -- "Protect your exhaust wrap. This Hi-Heat coating from Thermo-Tec is a great way to finish off a clean and well-protected exhaust insulating wrap application. The coating will protect the wrap from abrasion and harmful liquid spills. Extra resins and binders toughen the surface, extend the life of the wrap by protecting it from friction, and seal the pores to minimize the penetration of harmful liquids. This coating also works excellently as a paint on metal surfaces." | ||
| Cfboss |
Ditto for me. I bought a larger sheet from Jegs and put it all around the inside of the frame. It's best to keep the adhesive covered while you install it. You can slide the sheet down the inside and get it into the best position. Once you have it where you want it, just pull the backing off while the sheet is in place. It will slide right out and you can use a wood mixing stick to press the sheet into the frame. Then you can come back and trim it to fit. Just be sure to clean the inside of the frame good before you install. The adhesive is very good on this material. After doing this and wrapping the headers, my bike no longer boils fuel or heats up the frame. Even on track days. |
