Question about the HRC Air Tray in hot conditions

[ernie]

I use the bike as a general commuter in Spain. Here at times it gets very hot and even though the bike runs fine, I do notice a slight drop in performance when its 30c+. Will the air tray help ?

I'm cautious because i've seen several posts explaining that it can take 2 hours to get it all back together again.

Also, can you use the air tray with standard air box/filters ?

Cheers

[Cammo]

No, I don't think it will make a noticeable difference.

If you're seeing a drop in performance in hot weather you might need to rejet the carbs.

[CMSMJ1]

Would you not think that the shielding and the channelling of the air might not help cool the float bowls Cammo?

I reckon it helps...but hot over here is 20 deg right now..lol

The hot air will make the bike richer as the density is less so rejetting might help too

[ernie]

So what you are telling me is that it's probably worth the effort to open her up to rejet and at the same time fit the tray ? Can u still use the standard filters etc ?

Thanks, much appreciated....

[Cammo]

Would you not think that the shielding and the channelling of the air might not help cool the float bowls Cammo?

I'm not totally convinced, so a no from me. Edit I need some 'data' to prove this, a logged thermocouple would tell what temp fluctuations there were at the float bowls in all conditions, a good upcoming project maybe?

Engine heat will conduct to the carbs regardless I reckon. The carb tray -might- help in slow riding conditions, but at speed there's already a lot of air travelling through that space, carb tray or not I reckon.

I guess every bit helps, but I think holding high hopes on a carb tray to sort running issues on a roadbike that is performing differently in different weather conditions is a bit much.

I would first look at whether the cooling system is adequate, and then jetting.

FWIW I jet my racebike up or down depending on weather conditions. e.g. In 15C temp I run 140 mains, in 35C I usually run 145's.

[superlite]

I really can't weigh in on the argument too much here, but I do run in hot (Australian) condiditons with a cut down HRC air tray with no apparent performance difference compared to a full HRC air tray. This effectively allows the heat from the cylinders to go straight up to the carbs (maybe?). But I don't think it makes a difference TBH. I went down this path to make carb removal/fitting easier, and it's worked a treat. I didn't like the idea at first, but it just works! So I'd have to say that the carb tray doesn't bring about a notable difference in temp. I'd say it's more down to the carb set-up.

[ernie]

Just one other bit of info...

When pushed hard the bike runs better on 98 octane petrol than on 95.