RT fairing

I am thinking about removing the lower sections (lowers) of the fairing on my R100RT in an attempt to improve cooling. I also wonder if this would affect handling. I have owned an R100/7 and never noticed heat from the engine on my legs to the extent that I do on the RT. Wonder if anybody has any info or thoughts on this idea.

I've taken off the lowers from my R80RT every summer as long as I can remember. I never noticed any handling changes.

Dave H
San Antonio, Tx

Have you put the summer lower panel on? There are two different varieties of center panel for the lower. Adding the heavily ventilated summer one helps quite a bit. They work on the RS too.

Red100RT said:

I have owned an R100/7 and never noticed heat from the engine on my legs to the extent that I do on the RT. Wonder if anybody has any info or thoughts on this idea.

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Apples and oranges.

You didn't state year of your RT, but chances are it has a nikasil engine which sheds heat much more than the iron engine of your 100/7.

Removing the lowers is tried by lots of guys--don't expect miracles.

Kent, my R100RT is an '81. And I do recall the vented center panel now that you mention it. I have a new, better I hope, side stand on order and when I receive it I will remove lowers at the same time that way I remove exhaust system only once. I figure removing lowers can't hurt the heat problem and if the handling is not affected great.

Interesting!

Interesting between the two metals used in cylinders and heat! I never thought about it much and wonder if in fact the newer engines do run hotter. Iron /7 vs. newer materials in cylinder. My /7 never seems to be an issue over lower leg, feet for heat. On hot,hot summer days, it does get a bit more noticable, but not bad. Its funny you mention taking the lowers OFF. I did this on my KLT1200 and I like it much better this way. The heat was not the reason, however. I struck an animal and broke the lowers. After removing them, the bike appeared to be better looking without them, imo. The KLT does seem to stay cooler in the engine department and I can SEE my engine. I like it this way!

Polarbear said:

Interesting between the two metals used in cylinders and heat! I never thought about it much and wonder if in fact the newer engines do run hotter.

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No, the new engines run cooler because they shed heat better. The rider runs hotter!

G/S would never have happened without Nikasil.

Old engines just put the heat in the oil. I have 70k miles on my '84 RS purchased new, and it's never required oil between changes. I hardly ever check it anymore.

Red100RT said:

I am thinking about removing the lower sections (lowers) of the fairing on my R100RT in an attempt to improve cooling. I also wonder if this would affect handling.

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I have an 88 R100RT, and I removed the lowers about a year ago, and haven't put them back on. I enjoy riding the bike more with them off. I do think it improves airflow over the cylinders with them off, and I haven't noticed any difference in handling. I find that I have more foot room with the lowers off. Also, I think the bike looks better with the lowers off. The lowers look like an after thought.