Air cooling in very hot weather (desert)

[shaz_uae]

Trying to find out whether an aircooled 2006 s2r1000 really does cope with really hot weather.  I live in Dubai, so it's averaging over 100degF, sandy and surprisingly humid.  The bike only has 2000 miles, so not sure if the guy is selling 'cause it's no good in this environment, or he just hasn't enjoyed his toy.      Comparing to a 2011 796 for around $1k less.  Thanks!!

[ungeheuer]

Both air cooled then. 

My air cooled M1100 (and my air/oil cooled DR650) both manage well enough in the heat of an Australian summer.

I wouldnt worry about it.  Buy.  Ride.  As long as you're moving.... the air flow will keep things cool enough.

In 40+ temps its not the bike I'd be worried about, your arse is gonna fry on the 796 (dunno about exhaust routing vs seat on S2R).

[stopintime]

It's not going to be a problem - unless you abuse it and/or get stuck in traffic.

Of course it's going to be warm, but as the engine temperature rises the relative air cooling effect becomes better. If it was me, I'd use at least 20-50 oil.

If you regularly read oil temperatures above 120C/250F... time for a larger oil cooler.

[ellingly]

Both air cooled then. 

My air cooled M1100 (and my air/oil cooled DR650) both manage well enough in the heat of an Australian summer.

I wouldnt worry about it.  Buy.  Ride.  As long as you're moving.... the air flow will keep things cool enough.

In 40+ temps its not the bike I'd be worried about, your arse is gonna fry on the 796 (dunno about exhaust routing vs seat on S2R).

Pretty much this. I've done 2 trackdays in 38+ degree temps and ok the motor got a few degrees hotter than usual (peak at 125 rather than 120) but it was fine. In really really really warm evenings here in Canberra - where we do get quite a lot of close to 40 degree temps - I will shut the motor down when stopped in traffic and generally filter through the traffic to keep some airflow, but that has worked fine with my s2r1k.

[memper]

What I have been wondering is: how much volume per minute is passing through the oil cooler and what's the degree drop?

I feel like oil coolers don't do much. I bet not a whole lot passes through the cooler per minute and it probably moves through so fast that there isn't enough time away from the motor to cool the oil any significant amount that would actually be helpful.

Perhaps a cooler with some capacity or dual stock coolers.

[cayman s]

It's not going to be a problem - unless you abuse it and/or get stuck in traffic.

Of course it's going to be warm, but as the engine temperature rises the relative air cooling effect becomes better. If it was me, I'd use at least 20-50 oil.

If you regularly read oil temperatures above 120C/250F... time for a larger oil cooler.

IIRC, recommended oil is synthetic 10-40.  Before you use something heavier, you might want to peruse this thread:

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=1912.0

In particular:  "Re the use of 20W-50 for the heat of summer. If the manual calls for a 10W-40 for your model, by all means, Mobil 1 MX4T. As we have discussed, the use of Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W-50 will actually create more heat as more energy is being expended in just churning the heavy 50W oil. As a very dramatic demonstration in clinics, I have folks churn a 10W-40 with a manual beater, then churn a 20W-50 and watch the looks on their faces.. The difference in "churn factor" is huge.. The same with our engines.. We are not going to be sacrificing film strength with the full synthetic."

FWIW, the DP catalogue claims that the oil cooler kit for the 620 (which looks like the cooler on the S2R) "increases heat dissipation by about 15%" and my guess is that's when the bike is moving.

[SpikeC]

 The factory recommendations should be ignored because Italy is such a cold climate that their recommendations are meaningless to anyone below the Arctic circle. If they knew what they were talking about they would be BMW. Now those guys know hot weather!!

[alibaba]

I rode a Triumph in 1967 the length of Italy and from Rome to Florence it was hotter than the Mojave desert in California.  Waves of blasting heat.

[SpikeC]

 Exactly!!! That is why they should make Ducatis' in Germany!!!

[jerryz]

in thailand it is reccomended we use 15-50w semi or fully synthetic  and change it regularly every 3000miles  due to heat and dust 

[alibaba]

Do the newer Ducati cams ride in bushings, bearings or directly in the aluminum head?  I know a lot of the newer cars do that.  Lots of chat on the internet that is one reason the lighter weight oils are recommended - especially in cold weather - to get oil quickly up to the head on start up when most wear occurs.

[Speeddog]

DS1000, 1100, 696, 796 are in the head on belt side and bushings on other end.

Earlier models are ball bearings.

[Skybarney]

In Dubai you could always hire a couple of Pakistani's to run in front of your bike (when in traffic with a couple of fans, might cost an extra 15 bucks a day 

[Howie]

How effective the air cooler is depends on cooler size, placement, ambient temperature and humidity.  Don't expect much stick in traffic.

[The Don]

Would it be possible to fit a fan behind the oil cooler? Or am I talking through my arse