QuestionI've been doing some shopping around and comparing some bikes as next spring, I plan on getting my permit just before riding season would start. One thing that I've found is it seems like there are many bikes that are liquid cooled, but there are a few bikes (like all of the Buells except the brand new 1125R) which are air cooled. What type of difference is there between the two cooling systems beyond the obvious need for a radiator??
Also, any suggestions for potential starter bikes? I'm 6'1" and 188 lbs. My girlfriend said that I could borrow her Buell Blast for practice, but I have to sit back on the bike to use the foot controls.
AnswerAir cooled is old (yet trusted) technology. Water cooled is newer, tested technology. Water cooled bikes tend to be more reliable and last longer, though repair/maintenance is a slightly more complicated.
If you're stuck in traffic on a hot day, an air cooled bike will suffer.
Basically, a bike's engine is designed to operate best at a certain temperature. Water cooled bikes are better able to remain at that temperature, air cooled bikes rely on ambient temperature and wind (movement) to do so.
Think of it like trying to cook with an oven in which the temperature varied by 50-100 degrees from one minute to the next. Overall, your food would get cooked, but it might not come out as well as if it'd been cooked at the correct temperature the whole time.
Pat
