subframe heat/rear cylinder covers

kismetcapitan · Jul 16, 2015

so a DEFINITE source of heat is the subframe. once it heats up, it doesn't cool down. So obviously I'm going to get the subframe covers....but there's that 30-40 day backlog. Damn.

so I'm just musing on this...the rear subframe is bolted to the rear cylinder head, which is covered completely. I know Ducati did this early on, but it does make me wonder if the subframe is cooler with the cylinder covers off, which would let it radiate heat better, instead of funneling it all into the subframe?

Or does that just open a can of worms with heat spilling everywhere?

Anyone run without the cylinder covers? how was it?

sean999r · Jul 16, 2015

I've removed my ugly plastic cyl covers, I don't have any issues with sub frame heat it's too low to be of any significance, the pipe is by far largest heat source.

bitus899 · Jul 16, 2015

I took off my cylinder covers from my 899, i found slight more heat coming out from the cylinder, but it is unnoticeable. I found the heat from clutch cover (i don't know about the magnesium clutch cover tho) is hotter than the cylinder head.

I also change my exhaust to SC Project, it is no as pretty as the stocks, but those heat on our feet during the light, is now gone forever. That helps.

lamb00j · Jul 16, 2015

you should just remove the covers to look at that amazing magnesium work that is hidden below it if not for anything else! Pure work of art

bitus899 · Jul 16, 2015

lamb00j said:
you should just remove the covers to look at that amazing magnesium work that is hidden below it if not for anything else! Pure work of art

TRUE!! I got magnesium cylinder head on order, and need to save up some more to get the magnesium clutch cover.

bradp51 · Jul 16, 2015

kismetcapitan said:
so a DEFINITE source of heat is the subframe. once it heats up, it doesn't cool down. So obviously I'm going to get the subframe covers....but there's that 30-40 day backlog. Damn.

so I'm just musing on this...the rear subframe is bolted to the rear cylinder head, which is covered completely. I know Ducati did this early on, but it does make me wonder if the subframe is cooler with the cylinder covers off, which would let it radiate heat better, instead of funneling it all into the subframe?

Or does that just open a can of worms with heat spilling everywhere?

Anyone run without the cylinder covers? how was it?

My 2012 never came with covers on the heads. Thats how the bike was originally designed. It was an option to get them retrofitted but I think they look ugly so did not get it done. I have always thought the majority of heat comes from the exhaust. I think putting those covers on the heads must make the engine run hotter. And did I mention they are ugly. My 2 cents.

bp7178 · Jul 16, 2015

lamb00j said:
you should just remove the covers to look at that amazing magnesium work that is hidden below it if not for anything else! Pure work of art

I wish I could like this post more than once.

IMO, the heat I feel is from the subframe from being in contact with it while riding. The exhaust is hot. But, when you're moving, the convection of rising heat is negated.

The heat you feel from conduction...ie contact...can only be mitigated by insulating or reducing the heat source.

IE covers for the subframe.

navigator · Jul 16, 2015

don't take the covers off. I race and commute with my panigale. leave the black covers on. I have a new motoholders subframe on and my thighs freaken burn when i commute. Racing is different not heat issues.

fzr100098 · Jul 16, 2015

The bike definitively looks better without them, but it seems like the covers are more than just bolted on - for those that removed them, can you provide a couple of tips? thanks

bradp51 · Jul 16, 2015

fzr100098 said:
The bike definitively looks better without them, but it seems like the covers are more than just bolted on - for those that removed them, can you provide a couple of tips? thanks

Didn't know the Yamaha R1M has those covers.

kismetcapitan · Jul 16, 2015

subframe has to be pulled to remove the cylinder covers. if that weren't the case, it'd be easy to A/B test them on and off to see which was preferable to the individual rider.

kismetcapitan · Jul 16, 2015

I wonder if the Superleggera folks aren't feeling any conductive heat through their carbon fiber subframes...

wilkson · Jul 17, 2015

The heat has never really been the issue from the rear cylinder mainly from the exhaust . IMO the covers make the engine run hotter with covers I prefer a some air flow to be able to cool the motor down .
I think the covers were really just a quick fix to address heat complaints that was coming from the exhaust anyway .
The look cheap and ugly .

AKKutz · Jul 17, 2015

If you street ride, you will not want to remove these! My Tricolore didn't have them and my R does. On a hot day in traffic, you'd get burns on your leg riding the Tricolor.Doesn't happen on the R!

bp7178 · Jul 17, 2015

The comments about not removing the vertical cylinder heat cover when riding on the street are far fetched.

I only ride on the street, and I don't have the covers on. There are no tracks around here. My legs aren't burnt, there are no blisters or any other such .........

You do not have to remove the subframe to take off the covers. Simply remove the lower bolts and pivot it up an inch or so. You only need to clear a small stud on the cylinder head to slide the cover up and off.

Montfort · Jul 17, 2015

Had the covers removed at first service as I wanted to see that great looking engine. Heat isn't much of an issue as I live in the country and my rides only involve the open roads where pace can be maintained.

ghostdog6 · Jul 17, 2015

My '12 didn't come with the covers, got them from the dealer but never was bothered to put them on. I don't see a need - my 1199 isn't that hot. It seems to be a subjective thing - I don't mind it, others do. Street or track, it isn't an issue.

Gunny Fitz · Jul 17, 2015

EXACTLY MY POINT- This is another HUGE matter of "PERSONAL PREFERENCE" guys!

Didnt come on my Tricolore as well and did not go to have them installed as part of the Bulletin fix - how you had them "given" to you without having them mounted by a Tech ghostdog6 is very odd-as each dealer had to bill the labor for this bulletin to DNA and state that they were installed, not handed to anyone in a box.

However, you are correct at it being subjective - the heat was 100 times worse than on the former model Superbikes with the infamous under tail exhausts!

Gecko · Jul 17, 2015

kismetcapitan said:
I wonder if the Superleggera folks aren't feeling any conductive heat through their carbon fiber subframes...

Naaaa, no heat. The Superleggera transfers all fuel into kinetic energy, no heat

BTW with my new crash bike build I'll try the following: vertical cylinder covered with those plastic ...., exhaust loop covered with Ilmberger ceramics.

speedy14 · Jul 17, 2015

It looks like most of you guys either live overseas (not USA). Or up north from me where it is generally cooler and less humid most of the time. I live in Austin Texas area and it get HOT here. Also very humid sometimes so the heat issue is really subjective.. I think the bike definitely looks better without the covers however evidently the factory saw a need to install them. Anyone out there ( that lives in a hot humid climate) run without them? this time of year it gets from 90's to 100's Fahrenheit.

Speedy

subframe heat/rear cylinder covers

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