Engine Shroud-do they work to keep temps up

[MVsnowbiker]

Well here it is, after last weeked riding in waist deep cold smoke and seeing temps dip to an appalling 77 degrees I decided to make up some shrouds for the WR. Thanks to Chad X for the useful info on where to source plastics from.

Well update when I get a chance to test them out, hoping to get temps at a constant 175 ish.

 

[SteepNdeep450]

Well here it is, after last weeked riding in waist deep cold smoke and seeing temps dip to an appalling 77 degrees I decided to make up some shrouds for the WR. Thanks to Chad X for the useful info on where to source plastics from.

Well update when I get a chance to test them out, hoping to get temps at a constant 175 ish.

Did you end up putting metal behind there where ever it was going to get hot exhaust and engine covers?

 

[MVsnowbiker]

Yep header wrapped up past the expansion chamber and put an aluminized thermal backing on all the areas that were real close tolerances to the motor. I fired it up and let it get to 195 degrees and no real problem, but I haven't gotten to truly put it through its paces yet.

 

[torkd]

Yep header wrapped up past the expansion chamber and put an aluminized thermal backing on all the areas that were real close tolerances to the motor. I fired it up and let it get to 195 degrees and no real problem, but I haven't gotten to truly put it through its paces yet.

My bike over heated and spat some coolant out last weekend when it was -10*C and I only one rad blocked. Hopefully those rad covers you made can be easily removed when trail riding. Other then that your temps should stay perfect with that engine shroud.

 

[MVsnowbiker]

Yeah shouldn't be to much of an issue they are stuck on with Velcro and come off pretty easy. I really couldn't believe how low my temps got last weekend, I jsut kept thinking that I was wrecking my motor all day. Looking forward to this weekend and really seeing how they work.

 

[CATSLEDMAN1]

to yesterday

yesterday it was 33 degrees or so warm up high and base with 8" of compact fuzz. Dan and I both had our shrouds on from the weekend before of cold weather/ cold smoke deep snow and ice building everywhere.

Half way through the yesterday ride after a couple of slow going chugs and adding anti freeze to the KTM for the first time in two years, the side panels were bungied on the back and all good. so yeah the side panels can raise temps and sometimes more than necessary.

We pretty well park them after mid Feb. Its usually not snow depth, its out side temps that require the side panels.

 

[KTMDigger]

Full carbon fiber enclosure

I could not get my Ktm500Exc above 80-90f. I wrapped my engine with plastic adhesive carpet protector,sprayed the engine "condom" with 3m Super77. ( all levers, foot pegs and kick starter removed) Once tacky, I applied a layer of carbon fiber around the front, bottom ( skid plate) and two sides of the engine. I made sure I captured the exhaust for extra heat ( the exhaust already had a carbon fiber stand-off). Applied the resin to the carbon fiber. I also made sure I had a "wrap-around" the frame for securing the enclosure after curing. After the first layer was cured, I applied a second layer with resin, then several more layers of resin.

When all was cured the enclosure was pulled off the bike ( this is where the plastic condom worked well). Removed all remaining bits of plastic. With a carbide cutter I made the appropriate holes for pegs, shifter, kick starter.

The enclosure was flexible enough to spread and then snap back into place around the engine. When installed it is a glove like fit to the engine ... Zero interference with ride position.

I then took a piece of old mud flap and built a back plate to stop snow from coming off the track and into the back of the engine.

Bottom line ... I have a full carbon fiber enclosure that stops snow and cold wind from effecting my engine, the temp regulator does its job and my engine runs 140f - 210f all day long under all conditions. After 4 rides my oil is at the exact same level, and the bike performs normal all day long.

 

[sullcat]

Do you have a pic KTMDigger?