Topic: sitting in traffic

[txterror]

Hi guys. Finally commutting on the cb400f, and was wondering if its ok to be sitting in traffic. Sitting at lights (4) for probably 10 min or so. Should i look into a oil cooler or should it be fine?

[LesterPiglet]

I find my clutch overheats in traffic jams and becomes hard to find neutral.  CB550.

[Matt Chapter]

I see you're in Texas.  If you're still commuting this summer, I'd be more concerned.  The key will be to keep a careful eye on the oil quality.  As it deteriorates due to heat and use, change it.  Make sure you're using a high quality oil; I prefer dead dinosaurs to synthetics but it may be irrelevant.

A more specific and fun experiment would be to get a temperature gauge for your oil, either permanently mounted or temporary.  Record maximum oil temps coordinated with drive time temperatures, then consult detailed specs for your oil type and grade.

I have wondered the same thing, although I haven't commuted on my CB400F, I've done plenty of miles in stop and go over the past 5 years on my BMW.  I'm comfortable finding a different route with less stops and traffic, keeping an eye on the oil condition.  Definitely don't stretch or skip maintenance intervals. 

[lone*X]

Yep, they will heat up quite a bit sitting at a long light, train crossings, and traffic jams, etc.  When its 100+ F.  outside, the roadway can be a lot hotter than that due to the concrete or asphalt.  You can feel when it starts getting hot, remember heat rises and it will be right in you face.  If you are at a dead stop and traffic isn't moving around you then shut it down.  Just be sure it starts quick when hot.  Some will say don't do that as you may need to get out of the way of something but if you are circled in by cages that are stuck as well you are fairly well protected.   Your oil life takes the biggest hit.  I've changed dino with as little as 500 miles on it in really hot conditions.  Down here where it can get really hot I prefer a good 20-50 in the summer as well which holds up better to hot conditions.  Just my 2c.

[BobbyR]

You are talking about 40 minutes of sitting still if I read your post correctly. These are air cooled and really do not do well at all sitting still. You should think about shutting down. An oil cooler will only work when you are moving. When stuck in traffic you with other riders with air cooled engines we shut down. If we are on a hill we just coast along with traffic.
When you are timing or  synching carbs or anything you have to have the motor running you should put a box fan blowing on the motor.

[txterror]

Thanks for the replies guys. It take me about 30-40 min to get home which is 15 min back roads and than 15-20 min stop and go at lights down main road to my neighborhood. Longest ill sit at a light is probably 10 min, crawling my way through about 4 lights. today was about 80 so it wasnt too hot but on hot days should I take the truck? One of the reasons i got a bike was too ride to work, my truck likes gas. I have 20-50 in bike as well.

[Don R]

If it starts good just click it off while waiting. the best part of a honda is the electric start. I've been known to roll down long hills in traffic with the engine off.

[ekpent]

The best thing you can do for peace of mind is to make sure the engine is in good tune. Check the plugs for color.  If your running non stock parts like pods and pipes etc you could run the risk of already running lean. Gas along with good oil works in combo for cooling these air cooled engines. Make sure the timing is spot on also. Other than that think you will be fine.

[Bankerdanny]

I only had to deal with heavy traffic once on my 550 on a hot summer day when an accident turned Lake Shore Drive into a parking lot, and it was kind of scary. I could smell the engine it was so hot. I shut it off a couple of times, but then it srated to act up and not want to restart. At one point I pulled over to the side of the road and shut it down to cool off.

The only real plus my Goldwing has over the smaller and lighter 550 in urban commuting is the liquid cooling and the electric fan.

[lone*X]

I'm just the other side of town from you and I have had my 550 since it was new so that's a lots of hot days and stop and go traffic over the years as anyone in this part of the state has to put up with.   It isn't fully together right now but not due to the engine.   The 550 is not a sensitive weakling, it is a good engine design that cools just fine when moving and is very durable.   You don't have worry about using it as you intended, as a fun commuter.   Keep it tuned well for quick restarts and just shut it down when you get stopped in traffic. 

My biggest issue, and the one that keeps my bikes in the garage in 100+ weather, is sweat.  I can't show up at work wringing wet and smelly!

[txterror]

Thats good to hear, luckily my bike starts with a push of the button. So i have been turning her off when at a stand still at long lights. Got on the hardy toll road this morning  and hit 80mph. Was quite fun, but wont be doing that often. Just wanted to see how she performed when she was pushed. She needs more tuning but plugs look good. On the way home head wind was so bad, felt like i had a flat.