Runeski's side covers

[G-Man]

I just got my side covers in the mail and threw them on the bike. What an easy install and they look terrific! The only thing I dread is having to take the right cover off to check my oil. But, my 19 year old daughter reminds me all the time that being beautiful isn't painless.

I called a friend of mine to tell him I got the covers to hide the visible parts of my engine and his response was "all four square inches of it?"

Great job on the product!

G-Man

[Blackwing]

+1 ... the covers look great!

[RuneSki]

Gentlemen,
Thank you for the compliment. Wear them in good heath.
Rich K ( Red Rune Ski )

[stewie]

:)

[dog]

R They bullet proof? dog

[RuneSki]

Dog,
They could take a direct hit from a F22 A Raptor Jet with you riding the motorcycle, and if you can detect any damage to them, I will gladly refund you your purchase price, even the shipping costs. :wink:
Rich K ( Red Rune Ski )

[stewie]

can someone post a pic of these? i would really like to see 'em....

[Skibum]

http://image1.frappr.com/pix1/i/20061127/5/a/6/5a688303a41d052c3180ff35a115646f0_large.jpg
http://image2.frappr.com/pix2/i/20061127/a/3/8/a3846126af057dc2cf97497ddf2293f10_large.jpg
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/507/4782CIMG3218.JPG
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/507/5079Hannibals_Rune1.jpg
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/507/2005pic024.jpg
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/507/6567Slide21.JPG
http://image1.frappr.com/pix1/i/20060614/b/7/8/b78cec324a19dd66ff7b3594f87d0b1d0_large.jpg
http://image1.frappr.com/pics0/i/20051112/c/d/4/cd4de6f7a25ada55a33d55fc7380229d0_medium.jpg
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/2981sidecover.jpg
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/6557bike_night-1.jpg
http://image2.frappr.com/pix2/i/20070415/6/7/d/67d5a2b2a83d4917d2d65ffe723330e60_large.jpg
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/5370/1836Right_Side.jpg
http://image2.frappr.com/pix2/i/20070408/3/1/5/315e77deeb0de8344d351887b5068ab50_large.jpg
http://image1.frappr.com/pix1/i/20070212/e/3/9/e3948df27d7548feafeb1f4384f6685b0_large.jpg
http://image2.frappr.com/pics5/i/20060126/b/2/e/b2ed0bcb750f7af0a73de43cf02776570_large.jpg

John,

Great post very well done. The photos are perfect especially the 3rd from the top what is that gorgeous machine behind the Rune?

Runeryder99

[RuneSki]

John,
You da man. I just received an e-mail from stewie to send him some photos of my covers, here you are AGAIN one, maybe two steps ahead of me. I owe you a brewski. :wink:
Thank you,
Rich K ( Red Rune Ski )
I can't quite make out that lil black one in the field, whoever took it doesen't know SQUAT about taking pictures. Will send a instructor down to Jupiter Florida to advise the poor soul how to do it :lol:

[Skibum]

I added the 2 new baggers
I was going to get rid of the small fuzzy one but I think I'll leave it just to antagonize our nemeses in swampsville.

If anyone else has them and has a good pic let me know and I’ll add it to the list

[Skibum]

John,

Great post very well done. The photos are perfect especially the 3rd from the top what is that gorgeous machine behind the Rune?

Runeryder99

That is a Rune on STEROIDS
You can tell by the shrunken tank on top and the massive muscle underneath
From what I understand it grew 2 more cylinders too.

[SiteData]

That is a Rune with hemorrhoids.

………………………….I am a bad man.

[runenix]

Hi Rich,
Joe brought the “Runeski” Side covers last week to Germany. I mount them immediately and it was very easy to install and now my Rune looks terrific!!! Thanks a lot for this great add-on :bow1: .

[RuneSki]

runenix,
Glad you like them too.
Chuck, you ought to be ashamed :oops: of your self. Bad Bag Lady :!: :!:
Rich K ( Red Rune Ski )

[RuneSki]

Only ONE set left.
Thank you ALL for your support :!: :!: :!:
Rich K (Red Rune Ski )r

[RuneSki]

Folks,
Sorry, gone. Will try to find another source.
Thank you all
Rich K ( Red Rune Ski )

[SiteData]

Having purchased the first set you sold, I think I can say on behalf of all who have your side covers, thanks my friend.

[RuneSki]

BUMP did-eee BUMP BUMP. :) :!: :!:
Rich K ( Rune Ski )

[DonnaM]

Me too! I love my side covers and thanks again for the free installation last year.

You will be greatly missed in Erwin this year! It won't be the same!

[JakesBoss]

BUMP did-eee BUMP BUMP. :) :!: :!:
Rich K ( Rune Ski )

So Rich... "BUMP did-eee BUMP BUMP" does this mean you are back into the side cover business :? :?:

[Dockery]

That's the way I read it.

[RuneSki]

Folks,
I am selling off the remainder of the batch that has small (pin point) marks in some of covers. They cannot be seen when they are mounted on the motorcycle, They are going for $220.00 delivered. I sold one set to a member of the board already. If he wishes he can tell what the quality of them are.
I bumped the post back to the top to show another member interested in them.
When they are gone, that will be "THE END"
Thank you ALL for making my venture truley memorable :!: :!:
Rich K ( Red Rune Ski )

[WIZ]

they have got my name all over them........
always like a deal.........
Rich........pm me your address again i will take a set........

i was always interested in them just never replied.......for that i am truly sorry,,, not intended that way........just got busy and put it off...........

[JakesBoss]

Folks,
I am selling off the remainder of the batch that has small (pin point) marks in some of covers. They cannot be seen when they are mounted on the motorcycle, They are going for $220.00 delivered. I sold one set to a member of the board already. If he wishes he can tell what the quality of them are.
I bumped the post back to the top to show another member interested in them.
When they are gone, that will be "THE END"
Thank you ALL for making my venture truley memorable :!: :!:
Rich K ( Red Rune Ski )

I'm in... how would you like payment :?:

How about a Skibum or Runeryder99 delivery in Erwin :?:

[Dockery]

how many sets are available?

[Finally Runed]

Runski, I'll take a set.

Jeff
Folsom

[Rune Giant]

Folks,
I am selling off the remainder of the batch that has small (pin point) marks in some of covers. They cannot be seen when they are mounted on the motorcycle, They are going for $220.00 delivered. I sold one set to a member of the board already. If he wishes he can tell what the quality of them are.
I bumped the post back to the top to show another member interested in them.
When they are gone, that will be "THE END"
Thank you ALL for making my venture truley memorable :!: :!:
Rich K ( Red Rune Ski )

If that's me your talking about, I think they look AWESOME...

[RuneSki]

Folks,
Doc, I have approx 20 sets available. If you are interested please send me a P.M and I will give you the information you desire.
Rich K ( Red Rune Ski )

[RuneSki]

Bump
Rich.

[RuneSki]

BUMP
For those who asked to see the covers.
Rich

[JakesBoss]

Man I just love this picture :P

Do guys ever give him a break :?: :lol:
http://image1.frappr.com/pics0/i/20051112/c/d/4/cd4de6f7a25ada55a33d55fc7380229d0_medium.jpg

[SiteData]

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/1836No_6-1.jpg
You posted a blurry picture, for shame! for shame!

[RuneSki]

Chuck,
Where da bags :?: :?: :?: :?: :?:
Rich K ( Rune Ski )

[SiteData]

The photo was taken before the abomination.

[RuneSki]

Post an updated one, I like it.
Rich K ( Rune Ski )

[RuneSki]

Dan,
I will look, thank you, again.
Rich

[dog]

Got me a set with incredible easy satisfying instructions (Which I never read) Going to modify with some( tacky dog mod) They are already powder coated to match my other stolen patented paint work from Somewhere in California! They look superb. Shipping was real quick,I even received extra instruction on preparing for powder coating. 'Talk about going that extra mile' Folks out this way whom have been gaw gawing over my Rune love the addition too! Thanks ever so much! dog

[tommyrgreen]

Does anyone have the Tel-Tru thermometer with these side covers? http://www.teltru.com/cart/detail.asp?subcat=138&product_id=4901602 I have a Valkyrie Interstate, and I have this thermometer on the Interstate. I just got my Rune last week, and the thermometer I ordered for it came in today. There would have to be a hole cut in the side cover to accomodate, but I'm wondering if any bracket that is part of the side cover would be in the way of the thermometer.

Thanks,
Tommy

[JolyRuneRider05]

No, I have the side covers, no bracket. The only thing you will need is a hole.

[RuneSki]

Tommy,
Hello, I have a '98 Valk with the tel tru for the oil temp. The Rune's oil plug is on such an angle you will not be able to read it like we can on the valk.
Plus, why would you want to have something jutting out of the side of the Rune and disturbing the smooth lines of the beauty.
Rich K ( Rune Ski )

[tommyrgreen]

Tommy,
Hello, I have a '98 Valk with the tel tru for the oil temp. The Rune's oil plug is on such an angle you will not be able to read it like we can on the valk.
Plus, why would you want to have something jutting out of the side of the Rune and disturbing the smooth lines of the beauty.
Rich K ( Rune Ski )

Rich, now that I've got the Tel-Tru home, I can't agree with you more. And the good news (at least in this case), the thing won't even fit the Rune, even though they advertise that it will. I'll be shipping that back!

Speaking of shipping, PM me if you have any of the side covers left!

Thanks!

[tommyrgreen]

No, I have the side covers, no bracket. The only thing you will need is a hole.

Thanks! The Tel-Tru didn't work out. But I'm still gonna get the side covers if there's any left!

[JolyRuneRider05]

Tommy-----Congrats on the Rune purchase...... And on deciding on the side covers you'll love them.

Welcome to the nuttiest family around.......... :roll: .............................

[tommyrgreen]

Thanks for the welcome Joly... I've been lurking for a few weeks while I waited on the truck to show up with my new toy. Y'all seem like a fun bunch!

[DonnaM]

Fun? Fun? You have no idea!

[Rune Rover]

My sincere thanks to you Rich for the covers and the extra hardware you sent. I just finished installing the covers and I'm heading out for a little ride after posting this. I'm including some before/after shots of the install in the garage (ignore the reflections showing the clutter!).
Thanks Again Rich :D
Left Side:
http://image1.frappr.com/pix1/i/20071014/0/c/f/0cfb851f66f9d2b3da78038f0460acdb0_large.jpg
http://image1.frappr.com/pix1/i/20071014/3/6/1/361caadb6b8e9994e99c4d4d1e185b360_large.jpg

Right Side:
http://image1.frappr.com/pix1/i/20071014/4/c/f/4cf157677600d42dd9c7a930e2817f1f0_large.jpg
http://image1.frappr.com/pix1/i/20071014/9/c/4/9c4d8ef16f3600a9177bc44012911ba40_large.jpg

[WIZ]

love mine........ thanks to chuck / sitedata........

a big thanks Rich for mass producing such a great mod for your fellow
Rune brothers and sisters.........

[SiteData]

love mine........ thanks to chuck / sitedata............……………This gives me a chance to toot my own horn!

[RuneSki]

Chuck,
Just toot it in the confines of your bathroom.
Rich K ( Rune Ski )

[SiteData]

I won the RuneSki Side Covers in a drawing at the Erwin Rune Rally and gave them to t.tip.

I have a set of the side covers that are more than four years old, and one might wonder why I didn’t give Tom
my old ones and keep the new for myself, well the ones I have look like new so why bother.

[killergator]

I would love to get a set of covers. Are there any left? :money1:

[hgslayr]

I just met 2 guys in San Jose that want side covers...Are there any left?
If so PM me with your contact info Runeski and I will pass it on to them...

[RuneyToons]

I got mine from the "absent minded professor" yesterdayHeeHee and they are titz! Which I had some dancing peppers.
Thanks Rich

[hgslayr]

does anyone have Rich's phone #?

[Skibum]

Rich is in Florida (had to go straighten out a certain Swamp Dweller) he'll be back next week

[hgslayr]

Thanks for the info Site....

[killergator]

Rich is in Florida (had to go straighten out a certain Swamp Dweller) he'll be back next week


Um a Gator is a swamp dweller. Is there something I should know here? I'm pretty sure I have been driving straight, but thats a matter of perspective I guess. Runeski. I didn't do it man! It was my dog. I swear! :coolit:

[JolyRuneRider05]

Gator, your the wrong swamp dweller, they're talking about SiteData.

But remember to drive straight you have to keeep your eyes OPEN!
NO HANGOVERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lol:

Joly 8)

killergator

Some people have been poking fun at Mr. SiteData for years, not me. Some of the names he has accumulated over time are as follows BTW this is for educational purposes only so others are not offend nor confused.

SiteDaddy - Swamp Dweller - Very Very Bad Bad man -Big Fancy Nancy - Chuckiepoo - Bag Lady

Peace

[SiteData]

I hate those Jerr rrr……………Oh hell never mind

[killergator]

Lol,
I knew he wasn't coming for me, but I saw an opportunity to make a funny so I took it.

[JolyRuneRider05]

Now your learning, before long you'll be an old hand at this. If you see an opening you had better take it before someone else does.

Now what about Sunday?? Is mommy going to let you come out to play?
:twisted: 8) :twisted: :roll: 8) :twisted: :roll: 8) :twisted: :roll: 8)

[runenigma]

Just back on track a little with these side covers. Can anyone tell me if this effects cooling? I would imagine that a fair bit of engine heat would escape via the rear section of the engine and covering this may inhibit escape and cause transmission and engine temp to raise.

I also have to say that going by the replies most people think that the cover looks better than the engine,,, my opinion is that its good to see exposed workings rather than a chrome box.

My 2 cents worth

runenigma

Two words to answer your heat question, water cooled.

[3putt]

runegnigma...you are the first person to mention that the exposed engine parts look just fine....I am in total agreement with that and the cooling aspect may have some merit as well. That said, I think the vast majority of this board enjoy the appearance of the covers and even though I do not have them, the person who sells them is also a member of this forum and does a great job of supplying a superior product to our members. :D

[WIZ]

runenigma

Two words to answer your heat question, water cooled.

another Two words to go long with big brother 99............Gold...Wing....

[killergator]

Now your learning, before long you'll be an old hand at this. If you see an opening you had better take it before someone else does.

Now what about Sunday?? Is mommy going to let you come out to play?
:twisted: 8) :twisted: :roll: 8) :twisted: :roll: 8) :twisted: :roll: 8)

I don't know about Sunday yet, but she said if I was good the rest of the week, I can play Saturday night :D

[runenigma]

runenigma

Two words to answer your heat question, water cooled.

Are the Transmissions water cooled? :?: I think you will find all fluids have an optimum operating temp, not just the water.

[runenigma]

runenigma

Two words to answer your heat question, water cooled.

another Two words to go long with big brother 99............Gold...Wing....

Dont Goldwings have a full fairing with purpose directed venting and side scoops?

[WIZ]

runenigma

Two words to answer your heat question, water cooled.

another Two words to go long with big brother 99............Gold...Wing....

Dont Goldwings have a full fairing with purpose directed venting and side scoops?

the only purpose directed air needed is to the radiator area....or nascar would vent air everywhere ........the only purpose directed area is..... brakes......driver......down force.....radiator and most of that area is duck taped up............if you direct air in you must direct air out.....
goldwings don't have air ducted in from the side for extra air cooling of the engine it's for radiator cooling..and driver and passenger confort....the vents are for the radiators they are mounted on the sides.......RUNES are straight on directed air flow .......our radiators are directly on the front.......there is no cooling benefits for having that area of the RUNE engine not covered........

.......just the answer to the question,,,,......
no the side covers have caused no heating problems......you either want them or not........there are no heat issues.........

[JolyRuneRider05]

KillerGator, saturday night isn't Sunday riding you sheep dip.................
Donna M is going to be here from Jacksonville and we are getting together for some quality Rune riding and if you pass that up you truly are a Sheep Dip.

we may even ride down to see RuneSki in BareFootBay. You will be missing out on three treats.

See Ya............

Joly 8)

[killergator]

KillerGator, saturday night isn't Sunday riding you sheep dip.................
Donna M is going to be here from Jacksonville and we are getting together for some quality Rune riding and if you pass that up you truly are a Sheep Dip.

we may even ride down to see RuneSki in BareFootBay. You will be missing out on three treats.

See Ya............

Joly 8)

:D Well it looks like it's going to be a good weekend then. Saturday night I get to go on my favorite ride and Sunday I get to go on my second favorite ride :D I know I know, I'm a baaaa aaaa D boy. :pepper1:

[DonnaM]

Great news! See my thread in the Off Topics section.

[WIZ]

runenigma

Two words to answer your heat question, water cooled.

Are the Transmissions water cooled? :?: I think you will find all fluids have an optimum operating temp, not just the water.


:lol: sounds like somebody wants to lean something this mornng.....no problem...
thats what i do teach less versed and aspiring mechanics.... :lol:

yes.........the trany is liquid cooled.........there is not a water cooled aspirated engine made........since the invention of engine coolant..aka antifreeze .............
they are all liquid cooled.......... :lol: just picking at ya ......
the transmission is lubricated by the same oil that your engine is.......
and the RUNE engine is liquid cooled........not water cooled.......
if only H2O is used .....your engine will run 22 to 37 degrees warmer......
coolant runs cooler than H2O...........in any Liquid cooled Engine....
and less corrosive......coolant also possesses the ability to lubricate........


to answer your question yes the transmission is liguid cooled......
in the RUNE and the Goldwing........

I put saw dust in my transmission am I missing something?

[RedValk]

Gene.....silly....the saw dust goes in your radiator, NOT in the xmission 8) :roll: :wink:

[JakesBoss]

yup.. and don't forget the bannnas for the crankcase :wink:

[runenigma]

runenigma

Two words to answer your heat question, water cooled.

Are the Transmissions water cooled? :?: I think you will find all fluids have an optimum operating temp, not just the water.


:lol: sounds like somebody wants to lean something this mornng.....no problem...
thats what i do teach less versed and aspiring mechanics.... :lol:

yes.........the trany is liquid cooled.........there is not a water cooled aspirated engine made........since the invention of engine coolant..aka antifreeze .............
they are all liquid cooled.......... :lol: just picking at ya ......
the transmission is lubricated by the same oil that your engine is.......
and the RUNE engine is liquid cooled........not water cooled.......
if only H2O is used .....your engine will run 22 to 37 degrees warmer......
coolant runs cooler than H2O...........in any Liquid cooled Engine....
and less corrosive......coolant also possesses the ability to lubricate........


to answer your question yes the transmission is liguid cooled......
in the RUNE and the Goldwing........

Not trying to be too picky here but my question was " are transmissions water cooled" Meaning are there coolant galleries around the transmission? I am totally aware that there is a liquid called oil in there, however this was my point, Would these covers raise the temp of the oil?

To my limited knowledge the water cooling of this engine is added by the water(coolant) travelling through a radiator. To the best of my knowledge the oil does not have a cooling radiator fitted. Like someone else mentioned, guess this is why nascars have oil coolers for diff and trans, because they want the oil to be kept at an optimum temp.
Look for one minute I dont think placing those covers over your engine cases may raise the oil to a catastrophic temp, however, my bet would be that if someone ran a oil temp gauge on their bike you would see an increase.

[runenigma]

I put saw dust in my transmission am I missing something?

... and let me guess where you got it from :lol: :lol: :lol:

suggest you keep those ear plugs in for the time being :lol: :lol:

[RedValk]

runenigma...i see your point on the possible slight raise in temp. but i have similar covers on from HDL....and i'm not concerned. Mainly because i have a 10 year old Valk....with covers made by Kuryakyn....a 'big time' company....basically covering the same area...doing the same thing...on a very similar engine type. And me and some thousands of others of Valk owners have been running those covers...in that similar situation...for years now.

i have been doing it 10 years.....almost 92.000 miles now. Many others have 150-200k now on their Valks...with the same kind of covers. NO PROBLEMS. BUT....this EXACT same conversation came up when the first guys put those covers on their bikes in 97 or 98 (sorry, it's been so long...i can't be 100% sure on the exact time!). It was a good discussion THEN....and a good/interesting one now. But just like the Valk case, i've now run my Rune 4 years with my covers....28k miles....no problems. And given the same results on the MUCH older Valk...with MUCH more miles, i just don't think it's any thing to lose sleep over!

Likewise, when folks starting making all sorts of custom radiator grill cover for the Valks....some folks started a discussion on "yea, but what about reduced air flow, thus more heat?" Again, it was a VERY valid point. UNTIL....one day i was running my custom "possible reduced air flow" grill...and my buddy next to me was running a stock one...and we got caught in bumper to bumper traffic....going thru a city....creeping along at low speeds. We were riding.....side by side....creeping along. You could hear not only EXACTLY when YOUR OWN radiator fan kicked on....but likewise, when my buddies bike right next to me kicked on. Bottom line...they cycled on and off.....IN ALMOST EXACT UNISON....the ENTIRE event. it was like clockwork. sometimes they came on EXACTLY simultaneously...went off almost the same. Sometimes his....or mine....came on ....or off...a split second before or after...given the case.

again, bottom line, they performed EXACTLY the same. on other occassions at faster speeds....in other situations.....i observed other Valks when we came into a town after riding at faster speeds .....and again, noticed almost the exact same function/performance between stock and marketed radiator grills. Again, my conclusion in that case ....was the same. As long as the aftermarket grill did not go OVERBOARD blocking off air flow, not of concern to me.

but still, these things are worthy of being aware...and perhaps initially....concerned about. The Runeski (and HDL) side covers are a proven commodity. If it does raise the temp any, it's not enough to be of concern in my book. Same for Kuryakyn covers for Valk...and any aftermarket grills for the Valk (yes, i have one of those on my Valk too...in fact, i've had two different ones on there over the last ten years...)

PS....guess this was the LEFT side of my brain kicking in again :wink: 8) :roll:

[runenigma]

Guess that you have done the field testing Tim and this is great to read. Just on the point of:

one day i was running my custom "possible reduced air flow" grill...and my buddy next to me was running a stock one...and we got caught in bumper to bumper traffic....going thru a city....creeping along at low speeds. We were riding.....side by side....creeping along. You could hear not only EXACTLY when YOUR OWN radiator fan kicked on....but likewise, when my buddies bike right next to me kicked on. Bottom line...they cycled on and off.....IN ALMOST EXACT UNISON....the ENTIRE event. it was like clockwork. sometimes they came on EXACTLY simultaneously...went off almost the same. Sometimes his....or mine....came on ....or off...a split second before or after...given the case.


If you are in bumper to bumper traffic crawling along there is no air flow advantage, so I would imagine the fan would do exactly what you describe. I think airflow and temp are better measured at running speeds and normal ambient temps.

Ps. Thanks for the reply its interesting to read actual tests and results.

[RedValk]

....i KNEW someone would catch that (i thought about that as i typed it......but said what the heck). But that's why i added the other comment right after that one about the few times i have stopped at lights after riding higher speeds and seen the fans come on at the same time. that really has happened several times over the years too........


to be honest, at HIWAY speeds, i've NEVER had any fan on any water cooled bike i own come on. as well, they should NOT i would think! So really, the only time i think you're going to be able to compare fans actually coming on....is when you're riding at lower speeds....stop and go...etc. that's the only time the fans come into play...........

BUT BIG PICTURE (cause going back to that right brain/left brain post on the "off topic board".....i really am that kind of person...)....these covers and after market radiator grills ....ALL THE ONES I HAVE SEEN SO FAR....are safe to use. If there were issues, some of us with lots of miles and years.....would have seen those problems by now.............

That's my best analysis as an Engineer (but.....an Electrical Engineer....not a Mechanical Engineer) :? :shock: :D


AND...i DID stay in a Holiday Inn Express at Erwin for the Rune rally.....so i must be somewhat knowledgable according to their commercials??? :wink:

It appears I spoke too quickly forgive me I have sinned. The engine is not air cooled. The slits in the side covers were improvements as the 2nd version of the covers in case someone had a questions about heat. There is no problem with heat due to the side covers with or without slits. I don't think any were sold without. I was the 1st to have a set and installed by the manufacture. I do have a bike that I drained the anti freeze out of and replaced with water and EnginKool drop the temp 20 degrees. Nevertheless for my sin I will turn myself into the authorities this might be the last I am seen they get real mean here in Jersey.

Peace

[G-Man]

Redvalk...28,000 miles in four years? When are you going to take it off the trailer?

[3putt]

I believe the engines are both liquid cooled(water and oil) as well as air cooled. The more air that blows against the engine the more heat is released to the air. The question as I see it is: How much inpact does the air blowing against the engine have. Tip mentioned that there is an optimum tempature that occurs with a machine. The question that begs to be answered is: what is the effect of the ambient tempature as it relates to the optimum tempature. This question relates to how much impact the side covers have to air blowing against the engine. None of this probably means a lot if you live in a cold zone, but here in Florida, when the highway temp gets well above 100 degrees there could be some relevance. :idea:

[runenigma]

Just having an investigative look at my Rune, I have noticed that Mr Honda has been careful to block most exits of air once it passes through the radiator, forcing the air to carry over the engine and exist right and left, at the rear of the engine, where the dip stick is on one side and the ignition is on the other. :)

[RedValk]

i live in bama.....ALMOST as hot as Florida. Again, 28k on Rune (hey, G-Man, it does get off the trailer :twisted: It has to split duty with the Valk....and ....i ride Sherry's RED Rune some too...say it aint so....to see what all the fuss is about CBC colored Runes :wink: )...92k on 10 year old Valk WITH SIMILAR side covers AND after market radiator grill (WITH similar questions on air flow).

NO PROBLEMS. does it restrict some heat? Oh i'm sure it could. But you'd have to do a BUNCH of analysis to come up with any DEFINITIVE answers on the heat/consequences/etc. Ask any fellow Engineers who ever do any design analysis (KenC, Dock, Al.....chime in here if you feel like it). I do design analysis from time to time on my job (not on engines though). But the same kind of rules come into play.

BOTTOM LINE: you could analyze this to death! But the best judge....in my analysis....is observing a bunch of bikes that have had the device on for a long time....many miles....and observe what, if any problems they've had. REAL WORLD experience....not just speculation. Probalby nobody has had the device on a Rune for 92k miles like the Valk. But again, i'm pretty conservative about stuff like this. I'm waiting ....probalby about a year....to see ALL the results from using dynabeads.....for instance. i didn't put a trigger wheel on my valk ....until about a year worth of data came and went....with no problems. I'm holding off on tires...watching the data. Etc. I've already been there, done that on the sidecovers. It's a no-brainer for me. IF ANY OF YOU TRULY KNEW HOW ANAL AND CONSERVATIVE I AM....that would be enough to put an end to this discussion 8) :wink:

But don't take my word for it :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

PS: wonder if anyone makes a oil temp gauge for the Rune. IE...on the Valks....they made oil temp "dip stick". you replaced your regular dip stick with this dip stick with a built in temp gauge...with the gauge sitting on top of the dip stick. AND YES, some folks made comparisons of oil temps after adding side covers, radiator grills, etc. NO DIFFERNECE OBSERVED as i recall. But again, it made for some interesting debate/conversations....until the data came in............ I don't think anyone makes a temp gauge for the Rune................ dog gone it :roll:

[3putt]

I believe Tim is correct when he said to the effect that it probably makes very little difference, if any. For me the topic was more of an insight as to how things work as opposed to than any practical application. Hopefully nobody got the impression that I suspect one should not put on the side covers-even here in Florida. I think that answer speaks to an aesthetic look and nothing else. Getting back the air cooling effect, I was watching an off road race from Vegas to Reno through the desert in the summer. Some of the vehicles were overheating and the fix was to remove the hoods. That tells me that air is a factor in extreme cases and without a doubt off road racing in the desert is extreme-far beyond anything we are going to do to our Runes. The tempature gauge dip stick would definately tell the story; if there was such a thing. :D

[runenigma]

I don't think you would be able to read a temp gauge dipstick with those side covers on would you?

You are correct 3 putts, in fact i think that you will find in F1 they change the vortex to increase or slow air speed over the radiators to get the optimum running temp.

[RedValk]

you might could with HDL sidecovers. they have a whole where the dipstick goes. But nobody makes a temp gauge dipstick i don't believe?

there are at least three different makers of sidecovers. Danny/USA Rune....Runeski....and HDL/board sponsor. I have the HDL ones...they have a hole in the sidecovers for the dipstick..........

[The Batman]

Here is what you are looking for?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-Va ... enameZWDVW (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-Valkyrie-VTX-Rune-Oil-Temp-Dip-Stick-Gauge-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50463QQihZ004QQitem Z140174456324QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)

[RuneSki]

BUMP.