Carburator Heat Shield

[Peteg]

Just realized my 98 1500c is missing the black plastic heat shield that should sit just ahead of the carburetors. According to a thread I read, installing one will not only reduce the heat on the carburetors, but also on my legs. Does it direct the hot air below the carburetors along the top of the engine, but not out toward the ride's legs? I've got one coming from ebay. Is my best bet to install by first removing the radiator, as my carburetors and air box are good? I guess I was oblivious, but the Texas heat has a way of grabbing your attention.

[sandy]

The heat is sent sideways around your legs. I doubt you'll get it installed from the radiator. Carbs will have to come out.

[Peteg]

Thanks for the response  Sandy. Based on your response and the pictures of the heat shield on the internet I'm guessing the heat discharges out the side directly over the cylinder 1 & 2 spark plugs, which will really help me when my feet are on the pegs. I typically don't ride in traffic but lights are really bad if I do get stuck on a hot day. Without the heat shield if I were to run the interstate on a really hot day, I put my short legs up & out on highway pegs to get above the heat. I guess that won't be an option once I install a heat shield??? They'll likely be ok on the pegs once the heat shield is installed.  I'm also thinking about putting on removable wings that bring cool air in from outside the radiator for hot highway riding. They would only be on the bike if I were to take a summer trip, as they look pretty tacky.

[Chrisj CMA]

You will have to remove the fuel tank and air box. But the air dam can be installed with a bit of coercing with the carbs in place

[John Schmidt]

To install without removing the carbs, or moving them back, you can make it easier by heating the part. That makes it more pliable but will still test your religion. You can do it without removing the carbs, just move them back. Do this by removing the upper engine hangers and possibly the 2 rear chrome intake runners...one on each side to facilitate moving the carbs back. Final analysis, it won't be easy without removing the tank and airbox but can be done...just don't be in a hurry.

[TTG53#1717]

I sliced mine in half, top to bottom, fabbed two aluminum straps. Popped riveted each strap to one side and a couple button head screws on the other side with thread locker. No wrestling or heating.

The only part on the bike that had me questioning Honda thought process.

[Peteg]

I've got a used one coming for $15. It looks good in the picture, but I'm not expecting too much. Very likely I'll try something similar.

[ridingron]

... The only part on the bike that had me questioning Honda thought process.

Honda probably put it in place before the carbs on the assembly line. No problem (for Honda).

Splitting is probably the easiest solution after the fact..

[Timbo1]

What Chrisj CMA said^^^^


I had to do that on my blue / cream bike when I went through the carbs and forgot to put the shield back in until after the carbs were installed.   Had to man up to flex the shield enough to get in place but it got done.


I also noticed the shield missing when I had that bike and priced some on ebay for under $10 at the time.  However after riding it there was no perceivable difference in heat between it or the other bike so I didn't bother replacing it.

[Peteg]

Looking closely at the bike I'm wondering if I should install the heat shield. I might just put it up on the shelf. What I'm really trying to do is get it so the heat is more manageable if I'm riding across Texas on really hot day. The heat shield looks like it will actually dump heat out at my legs on the highway pegs. For going down the highway I'm thinking wings, and there's not much sense dumping radiator air directly into the cool wing air. The other big issue I'm struggling with, is header heat on my feet, from the 6 into 6 header pipes. I'm surprised the soles of my boots don't melt; which is another reason to use the highway pegs.

Is there a professional solution to address header heat at the foot controls? I rigged up some shielding today, and plan to install wings later in the week. The wings will be really easy to remove and reinstall for a trip. I could do the same with the shielding although it will take a little more. My foot peg shielding is butt ugly.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Looking closely at the bike I'm wondering if I should install the heat shield. I might just put it up on the shelf. What I'm really trying to do is get it so the heat is more manageable if I'm riding across Texas on really hot day. The heat shield looks like it will actually dump heat out at my legs on the highway pegs. For going down the highway I'm thinking wings, and there's not much sense dumping radiator air directly into the cool wing air. The other big issue I'm struggling with, is header heat on my feet, from the 6 into 6 header pipes. I'm surprised the soles of my boots don't melt; which is another reason to use the highway pegs.

Is there a professional solution to address header heat at the foot controls? I rigged up some shielding today, and plan to install wings later in the week. The wings will be really easy to remove and reinstall for a trip. I could do the same with the shielding although it will take a little more. My foot peg shielding is butt ugly.

It has always been my belief that the heat shield wasn’t so much to control heat on the rider, but control heat going to the carbs and air intake. I think most of your problems are from the single wall aftermarket headers.

[Jims99]

Heatshield is more to keep carbs and engine cooler. The heat will cause rubber line, caps and wires to fail prematurely and give you worse mpg. I personally would not run without it for long. Best way to help keep your legs cooler (or warmer) is a set of air wings. They don’t help sitting in traffic but are great when moving.

[Peteg]

Thanks for all the input. Things are beginning to make a lot more sense. Now I know enough to be dangerous.