Heat Issues for R3T?

I recently introduced myself on the new member section. I'm in investigation mode, trying to determine if the R3T is right for me. Many of the questions I asked about were addressed, but some of the replies I got raised another issue, the problem of excessive engine heat. I live in Manhattan and whenever leaving and especially returning home, there are often 20 plus mile back-ups with 20 feet forward and stopping, and continuing for 90 minutes or so. Since I've got a short inseam, my legs would undoubtedly fall fairly close to the engine heat. I'm considering an '08 R3T, has this issue been resolved and if not, is it fixable? I read about ceramic coating the headers, but is that an effective fix? I ride 12K a year and the summer temps at pavement level with back-up can be really high. I don't worry so much about over-heating since other listers have noted that it's not a problem. I'm thinking of the comfort factor. Usually I'm facing the stop and go traffic for long periods when returning from a 2-up trip, the last thing I want is a 90 minute bake towards the end of 600 plus mile day. I'd appreciate some insight on the heat issues and rider comfort. I wear proper riding gear, but if the engine is putting out massive heat, it won't help much. My Guzzi was never much of a problem with the heat, but the dry clutch protested with prolonged stop and go traffic.
cheers
scott
nyc

Stop and go won't bother the R3 much, but that long in traffic in 80-90+ degree days you're gonna feel the engine heat on the right side.

Just wear thick pants cause thin pants or shorts (which is insane on a bike anytime) wouldn't be the best unless you wanna wear some well done calves and inner thighs home. :lol:

Once moving you don't notice the heat too much. I don't personally do much town riding, but when I do . . . I don't pay much attention to the heat . . . I just slide my leg away from the engine and let the air pass between.

You might consider getting a nice scooter for commuting and garage the R3 for longer rides outside of Manhattan.

Happy hunting! 8)

I take my hat off to you riding in Manhatten - only ever driven a car there and that was enough!!

I have an R3T and commute every day into a city in the UK. Our roads are very much stop/start when you cannot squeeze through and filter. During the VERY ODD day of blistering heat, I noticed the engine heat boiling me up a bit. Most of the heat intriguingly seems to vent back from the radiator. It has never been a problem - just very noticeable given my last bike was a Blackbird and I wired up a heated jacket as the bike is a cold one!

Also, the fairing and screen (even the standard/summer and not the Roadster which I donot have) gives massive weather protection. I made one run up to the Squires on a hot day to meet some of the UK R3 owners and was dripping wet by the time I arrived as I couldn't get any wind chill past the screen!

But, in winter you will be so pleased for all of this!!! I wear boots and leather jeans for long runs, textile for shorter ones or the summer months - I'm never THAT uncomfortable.

Hope this helps

I don't think you want an r3 for stop and go traffic. Its too heavy and too hot. In the summer I usually only ride in the evenings. Of course in the winter its pretty nice sitting on top of a heat engine! My winters are low 50's.

There is heat... Big bike, huge radiator and fans blowing it back at cha!!
That said, it's not bad if you dress with long pants and boots.. If you ride like a Winger (flipflops and shorts) you'll be uncomfortable.. I think the heat is less objectionable than a HD Ultro or Dynaglide..

Manhattan NY or Manhattan KS?

i got stuck in rush hour traffic in portland or. it was about 90deg and we were stuck in the jam for about 30 minutes, no lane splitting like in california. i'm short also and did not experience any uncomfortable heat. now if i was on my scrambler my leg would have caught fire!

Heat Issues for R3T and MPG?

Someone asked if I was in Manhattan, KS or Manhattan, NY. NY, I don't think KS has all the choke points into the city (bridges and tunnels) like we do here, or 8 million packed in this little area. It's not bad riding in Manhattan, the riders get used to it, just more idiot cagers, but at least the flow of traffic is usually running between a slow crawl and gridlock so there is plenty of time to react. Drivers in the city really aren't that bad, excluding the taxi drivers who drive crabs, moving at 45 degree angles and won't think twice about triple parking or making a turn from a couple of lanes over--again there is the advantage of slower speeds so more time to react. A LOUD horn is mandatory, far better than loud pipes. Besides the heat issues, I wondering what R3T riders are seeing for city/hwy mpg. Thanks to all who wrote about the heat issues.

I ride an R3 Classic in stop and go tourist hell traffic in Southwest Florida. You get heat. Now I had read some guys talk about large amounts of heat.

I recently was able to ride a new R3T on a ride and found out what they were talking about.

The shield and lower air dams have been engineered to block the wind and cancel buffetting, too well. I felt the heat rise.

How to fix? You've got quick release shield and lower air dams. Take 'em off.

ATM

I ride around South Florida most everyday and the heat generated
is liveable and a lot less intense then my Harley. Removing the
windsheild when it is over 90 degrees makes a difference.