oil cooler

[scalded dog]

What are the advantages of an oil cooler for a stock XS, I know if you use the big bore kit it is recommended, that you install a cooler. TIA. Later 'Dog

[Jerry]

This topic comes up from time to time. In the US, only the '81H came stock with a cooler. It was a dealer option on some bikes, and standard equipment on most European models.

Best research I could find is that ithe cooler will lower oil temps by about 15 - 20 degrees F. This can be significant if you are riding in very hot climates, pulling a trailer or heavy load (2-up) or have other severe service conditions. As oils have improved over the last 22+ years, the need for a cooler on the XS/XJ seems to have diminished.

Adding a cooler is more of a 'piece of mind' thing than a necessity. I have one I am still waiting to put on my XJ, but have pulled a trailer in Arizona in the summer, done many long-haul trips of 600+ miles a day, and never had a problem with oil overheating.

[pgg]

I found the higher compression big bore kit definitely makes the cylinder head run quite a bit hotter. Measured with a temp gauge - my 1196 runs around 20 deg C hotter than an original (both oil-cooled.) Jetting influences heat too, but all said and done, an oil cooler can only benefit the motor - in hot weather at least.

[turbox79]

I run an oil cooler on mine unless I'm racing it than I take it off, diffrent sercomstances but just riding around without it on the street it loads up alot faster. so my sugestion is on a stok bike its not going to hurt only help even if you dont see the difference