No matter when we ride in Texas, the summer heat is always on our mind. While The Motor Company assures us that our air/oil cooled Twin Cam engine can take the high temperatures, our roasted rear end and smoldering legs tell us it's too hot. One of the best devices to reduce engine fever is an oil cooler. However, many bike owners dislike the look of a big radiator in front of the engine. Then consider The Oil Bud because it's a stealth oil cooler. Yeah, how cool is that?
The Oil Bud Touring Model ($595.00) is an aircraft quality, extruded aluminum cooler plate that mounts under the motorcycle between the frame rails. It's virtually undetectable. The Oil Bud cooler plate differs from conventional radiator style oil coolers in that air passes over the plate and not through thin fins. The cooler is equipped with a temperature regulator that begins to open at 185 degrees Fahrenheit and is fully open at 205 degrees. Our kit came with everything needed for the installation including a Dakota Digital Round Oil Temperature Gauge.
We installed the Oil Bud and gauge on a 2006 Ultra Classic. We replaced the air temperature gauge in the instrument panel with the Dakota Digital oil temperature gauge. The install was easy with no fitment issues or special tools required. Our bike owner, Rich, performed the install in a couple of hours in the garage with the Ultra on the side stand.
While we didn't have stock operating temperatures to compare to after the installation was complete, on several rides afterwards, Rich's engine temperatures never got above 220 degrees, even at stops, and he can definitely feel the difference in cooler engine temps.
1. The Oil Bud Touring Model,...
1. The Oil Bud Touring Model, shown here loosely assembled, includes the cooler plate, braided stainless hoses, hydraulic fittings, oil filter adapter, temperature sender, and Dakota Digital gauge.
2. To begin the install,...
2. To begin the install, Rich removed the lower fairings from both sides.
3. Then he removed the nuts...
3. Then he removed the nuts from the regulator to expose the front motor mount bolt.
4. To provide clearance under...
4. To provide clearance under the bike for the cooler plate, Oil Bud recommends reversing the orientation of the front motor mount bolt. Here is the bolt with the motor mount nut up and with the supplied 3/8 inch locking nut (arrow).
5. Next, Rich removed the...
5. Next, Rich removed the oil filter and the oil filter threaded bolt, still installed here.
6. He then separated the...
6. He then separated the halves of the oil filter adapter and loosely installed the longer hose and fitting onto the inner half. A thin film of grease on all the o-rings eases connecting and helps create a better seal.