Silicone Hose - Cooling system

[RSJGP]

Hi Doc,

I have an Aprilia Rs125 2007; i am looking at replacing the stock rubber hose for some silicone hose.

Is the silicone hose likely do make any difference to the running of my bike; or should i await shedule replacement of said rubber.

I mostly ride in the city (Sydney) and it gets a little too hot in summer traffic.
I am hopeful that the Silicone option might live up to its reputation of allowing the cooling system to flow better.

I am sure i could spend the money elsewhere but as there seems to be so few options available to RS125's, so i thought this reasonable choice.
My bike has a Jolly Moto Carbon pipe and PiperCross panel filter, apart from that its stock (apart from the obligatory fender eliminator)...
I changed the pipe due to damage caused by vandals.
The air filter was changed as the dealer didnt do it at the scheduled 2yr service.

PS: I plan to do Riding lessons - when they are not so expensive.

PPS: You Jan 2010 edition was the best i have read in my 18 months of reading you mag.

[Nero]

Has it been jetted in for the different pipe and filter. I'm not sure changing he hoses will have a significant impact on running temps. How do you know its running too hot? temp gauge? getting a bit toastie while riding? You could look at a lower set thermostat if the bike has and or a lower set thermo switch so the fan cuts it a lot earlier. But you might need to talk to a two stroke specailist as depending on how finely the motor is tuned messing with these things can affect running and performance.

[RSJGP]

hey nero,
thanks for the reply...
the Jolly Moto pipe aparantely came with a set of new jets for which my Bike Dealer charged me $300 to install and tune to the new pipe. The PiperCross air filter was not installed at this stage.

The Radiator doesnt have a Fan System - so thats out of the question

over heating isnt really an issue - it only happened once as it was a really hot day and i was suck in traffic - no air flow reaching the radiator. The Temp gague indicated it was getting hot as it reached 4th bar.
the RS usually sits on 3 bars (5 maximum).

I just wast sure if silicone was worth the effort of replacing the rubber.
may wait until the rubber needs replacing.

i just have a thing about preventitive maintenance...

[Gonzo]

It's pretty common for bikes to overheat during commuting. Especially bikes that are more race orientated.

[Nero]

hey nero,
thanks for the reply...
the Jolly Moto pipe aparantely came with a set of new jets for which my Bike Dealer charged me $300 to install and tune to the new pipe. The PiperCross air filter was not installed at this stage.

The Radiator doesnt have a Fan System - so thats out of the question


i just have a thing about preventitive maintenance...

Fair enough its cheaper that way. What you could do it will take a bit of faffing around with bracketry and the like but fit a small fan you could go all fancy and have a thermo switch but as it happens so rarely you could just put a manual switch so stuck in traffic you see it starts to get a bit warm on the gauge flick the switch and you have airflow on the radiator. A lot of the water cooled scooters run thermo fans so it might be worth trying to lift one of those off a wrecker you'll have to run a relay etc to power it. Silicone hoses I just haven't had a lot of experience with most of my bikes are aircooled most of the people I know have done it more for bling factor than anything else so if they make a significant difference or not. A fan however will work and probably cheaper.

[RSJGP]

hey,

now thats a good idea...re; FAN

didnt think of that..

not sure about space in that area but sounds like a plan...

thanks guys.