Do I need an oil cooler?

[Biker_Andy]

I'm porting, polishing and decking my head a 40/1000 of an inch on my TT250. Do I NEED to install an oil cooler or can I get away with just increasing the interval that I change my oil?

I'm in central Canada so temps rarely go above (30C) 85F. The only time I'll be pushing her hard is on the highway with plenty of air cooling action. I really don't want to install one unless I absolutely have too.

Thanks in advance

[JerryHawk250]

If you are riding mostly streets you shouldn't need one but it would still increase the oil life. It's the slow off road driving or slow city driving that will let the engine get hot. Air cooled engines need air flow.

[Megadan]

It has benefits if you do choose to install one, but given the climate you live in, it definitely doesn't rank high on the "need" o-meter.

[Biker_Andy]

Perfect, thanks guys!

[motochutuya]

i was consider getting it here in texas but decided against after doing a trip ...early morning ~7am ish....after running on the highway for 15min and a warm before hand....top end of the engine was still warm to the tough, made me realize on those cold days w/ no traffic that an oil cooler would keep it from reaching temp

[Biker_Andy]

My TT is the first out in the spring and the last to be put in the stables in the fall. She gets ridden at 40⁰F a fair bit so not getting to temp at those times is a concern of mine as well. Hopefully changing the oil a bit more often, especially in the warmer months will allow me to go without one.

[tknj99]

I was also considering whether or not this was a necessity. Im in central VA with 4 full seasons and most performance mods. I've decided to stick with a 1k oil change interval and run Rotella 15W40..but will keep an eye on things

[Megadan]

I don't exactly live in the sahara either. We just got a foot of snow last night lol. The oil cooler can definitely make getting up to temp take longer, but I can assure you that the oil in my bike still gets plenty hot within about a 10 miles ride to make the cooler too hot to touch even in 40 degree weather. You would be amazed at how much heat that oil retains even if the head doesn't seem as hot to the touch.

Plus, if you are that worried about it, a simple thin shield that blocks the airflow and a pair of zip ties is all it takes. Cereal Box cardboard worked well for me.