05-29-2016, 08:42 PM
My 1980 GS1100 did not have an oil cooler, made 105hp at the crank and survived many years in TX and FL with no mechanical issues. Nobody has mentioned the richer fuel/air mixtures then as a possible means to keep the engine running cooler. Leaning the mixture out to where they are today in a 1980 engine would cause heat related failure, detonation/holed pistons very quickly. So, why not find a way to make the mixture richer, change the spark plug heat range, etc? With the modest output of the CB, that could possibly substitute for the oil cooler, not to mention the fact that metallurgy and design are now worlds better. I also like the thought of working around emissions-related gear (we don't have emissions inspections here in Florida). Besides the clear view of the front of the engine, one could again inspect plugs and exhaust openings for the proper color left by unburnt hydrocarbons.
