So, I’ve been invited to ride in a parade on the CB. It sounds fun but I’m a bit concerned about riding an air cooled bike in almost standstill conditions. Any experience or thoughts on the matter? I know I have oil cooling but even that doesn’t help a ton with no moving air.
I dunno, DAC, it seems to handle riding in traffic OK and I guess, if you know you're going to be stuck not moving for a while, you can always switch the motor off.
DAC, a lot depends on the climate where the parade is held. If the bike is in good condition, it will probably do just fine. You might have toasted shins and be pretty uncomfortable after an hour of stop-and-go slow speed riding with the sun beating down on you and the heat from the engine cooking your thighs. If the temperature is over 90 and the humidity is high, I'd worry more about the rider than the bike.
If the parade starts early and you are done before it gets too hot, you should have fun.
I just did the DGR on my CB yesterday. A lot of idling in the crowd as we got organized and launched, and sitting in quite a bit of traffic. I felt the heat coming up a bit, but she did fine. I did shut the bike off if I thought we were going to sit still for more than a few minutes.
Rode the CB1100 up the freeway north to visit friends and then returned more gently along the scenic route. A very agreeable ride.
Well, problem was solved another way. Since the other vehicles are going to be scooters, a friend scrounged an extra scoot for me and the CB’s clutch can have a restful day.
(05-18-2025, 04:38 PM)DAC Wrote: [ -> ]So, I’ve been invited to ride in a parade on the CB. It sounds fun but I’m a bit concerned about riding an air cooled bike in almost standstill conditions. Any experience or thoughts on the matter? I know I have oil cooling but even that doesn’t help a ton with no moving air.
the cb is very over cooled ive riddin mine in 110 degrees in dead locked traffic no issues being over cooled is why they like thinner oil
(05-18-2025, 04:38 PM)DAC Wrote: [ -> ]So, I’ve been invited to ride in a parade on the CB. It sounds fun but I’m a bit concerned about riding an air cooled bike in almost standstill conditions. Any experience or thoughts on the matter? I know I have oil cooling but even that doesn’t help a ton with no moving air.
the cb is very over cooled ive riddin mine in 110 degrees in dead locked traffic no issues being over cooled is why they like thinner oil
(05-23-2025, 12:01 PM)DAC Wrote: [ -> ]Well, problem was solved another way. Since the other vehicles are going to be scooters, a friend scrounged an extra scoot for me and the CB’s clutch can have a restful day.
Problem solved and you can have fun on a scooter!
Clutch is another important consideration. I was talking with an LAPD motor officer recently at a function at the Petersen that included a motorcade for a visiting dignitary. The officers were parked and milling around the parking garage waiting for the museum function to end. A few of the bikes were older BMW R1200RTP police models that until a few years ago were heavily used by the LAPD. I asked why they didn't use as many Beemers these days. He commented that they put heavy wear on their clutches with a lot of slow traffic riding. The BMW twins are very labor-intensive to change the clutches, causing a lot of down-time on the bikes, while other brands with more traditional motorcycle clutches are easier and faster to replace. Good point.
Exactly right on the clutch. I finished the parade and know full well that my left hand would have cramped badly on the CB. The scooter was a fun change up and really easy to “ crab walk”.
(05-24-2025, 11:15 AM)DAC Wrote: [ -> ]Exactly right on the clutch. I finished the parade and know full well that my left hand would have cramped badly on the CB. The scooter was a fun change up and really easy to “ crab walk”.
what scooter was it DAC?