Heat Issues

[2005SM]

I am looking at purchasing either the Sprint ST or BMW 800 ST this year. My only major question I have concerning the Sprint is the "heat" issue I have heard about from the motor. I commute almost daily and in Texas summer heat coupled with a higher than normal heat blast from the motor would not make for a pleasant ride. I know that all engines produce heat but I have heard the Sprint does so more than other bikes.

Anyways, the salesman said that the heat issue on his ST was not bad and said the whole issue was blown out of proportion and exaggerated. He did admit to a little more engine heat than his Ducati but said that the 2007 improved ventilation so it should not be an issue. My question is, is he just being a salesman or is he right?

thanks in advance!

[oldndumb]

Originally Posted by 2005SM

I am looking at purchasing either the Sprint ST or BMW 800 ST this year. My only major question I have concerning the Sprint is the "heat" issue I have heard about from the motor. I commute almost daily and in Texas summer heat coupled with a higher than normal heat blast from the motor would not make for a pleasant ride. I know that all engines produce heat but I have heard the Sprint does so more than other bikes.

Anyways, the salesman said that the heat issue on his ST was not bad and said the whole issue was blown out of proportion and exaggerated. He did admit to a little more engine heat than his Ducati but said that the 2007 improved ventilation so it should not be an issue. My question is, is he just being a salesman or is he right?

thanks in advance!

Is he just being a salesman....? Well, that is his job isn't it?
Why don't you do test rides on both bikes and see which you like best?

[Simmo]

Have a good look at this forum. There have been plenty of posts about heat. It seems that fitting the accessory pipe (TOR) or fit something without the catalytic converter will remove much of the heat problem. I have an 06 and I have never had any problems with heat. I rarely ride in heavy traffic though.
Cheers, Simmo

[2005SM]

Originally Posted by oldndumb

Is he just being a salesman....? Well, that is his job isn't it?
Why don't you do test rides on both bikes and see which you like best?

Yes, it is his job which is why they call him a "salesman" but sometimes a "salesman" will stretch the truth or outright lie to gain a sale. I know it might be hard to believe but I have seen it before.

I plan on doing a test ride but usually all the quirks of a bike do not show themselves on a test ride. That is one great thing about HD, I actually was able to rent one for a day which revealed much about the handling and characteristics of the bike that 20 or so minutes on a test ride failed to reveal. Little "annoyances" I thought I could live with while riding for 20 or so minutes turned into major gripes by the end of 8 hours in the saddle.

For example, the “heat” problem I hear ST's have might not seem too bad during a short 20 minute test ride, but those that have the bike and ride it might be able to provide a good warning that a salesman will not give (because he is a “salesman”). Hopefully I hear the issue has been fixed in the 2k7 models.

[AlanNZ]

I rode a '05 ST with a TOR exhaust and got a quick hot blast of hot air every now and then, kind of like a hot hair dryer blasting at your right thigh for a few seconds. This on a cold day wasn't too much of an issue but on a hot summers day I don't know how pleasant it would be.
A '07 I rode after didn't have this problem.
My 2c worth

[sprintny]

Yes Rub On Some Oil For Your On Traveling Barbecue . I Have An 06 And Just Put Some Foam For Air Conditioner Kits In The Fairing And Behind The Seat ,works Well, Never Burned Even After 1000m Also Added Foil Tape Under Seat Which Made The Most Improvement, Or Just Buy The Tor Its Supposed To Work Well. After That No Worse Than Any Other Bike

[Medic09]

I have an '01 Sprint ST. I ride 600+ miles a week in New Mexico, so I know a little about heat (not humidity, fortunately!).

There have been occasions when I have noticed the heat coming up off the engine. It has never been worse than that; "noticed", but not significantly bothered. Whenever I'm moving at a fair speed, the heat just dissipates. Compared to my air cooled open '78 Honda it is noticeable; but not worse than that.

I can tell you that on cooler days (I ride until there's ice on the roads) it is a comfort! :-)

Anytime you get stuck in a serious traffic jam on a summer day in these parts, it won't matter what you ride; you will feel the heat.

[oldndumb]

2005sm, just do a search and you can read to your heart's content re the heat issue. Myself, I do not think there is a heat issue. Just a lot of whiners.

[BMWK100]

I have over 10K miles on my bike and just returned from riding around this evening in humid South Florida. With my Aerostich pants on, it was hot. I am saving for a Trident exhaust which I hope will alleviate this problem.

[Dylan]

Originally Posted by oldndumb

Myself, I do not think there is a heat issue. Just a lot of whiners.

I agree. I commute on mine in Sydney, about 40 minutes each way in traffic. gets hot here in summer too, but as long as you wear half decent protective clothing (I wear draggin jeans at the very least) it's not nearly as bad as people say IMO. Yes it gets warm when the fans kick in, but that's about it. Never a problem.

If that is your only concern get the bike, it's brilliant.