Riders Of Vision

General => TechTalk => Topic started by: Rikugun on August 31, 2018, 03:53:31 PM

Title: My Fan Fetish
Post by: Rikugun on August 31, 2018, 03:53:31 PM
...or cooling fan mod part deux. (part 1 discussed here: http://ridersofvision.net/rovforum/index.php?topic=15694.msg144996#msg144996 (http://ridersofvision.net/rovforum/index.php?topic=15694.msg144996#msg144996))

So I ended up not being happy with the larger Honda fan I fit to Silver Vision. It didn't seem to perform much better than the stock unit.  The fan is a bit bigger than the stock unit but is mounted similarly in that the top of the fan is obscured by the radiator tank - this to ensure the bottom of the fan clears the valve cover. This introduces some odd flow characteristics and makes it less effective than just the reduced fan coverage would account for. Some speculation here but it's not ideal.

I ended up using a fan from a more "modern" bike this time. Many don't have a shroud and the blades are connected at the tips by a continual ring of sorts. This one is from a Triumph Tiger 800. It mounts in 3 places like the Vision although I had already removed one bracket to relocate in the picture. The fan is bigger than stock, about the same as the Honda fan, and has 10 blades instead of 7.

It's more compact front to back and requires a 15 amp circuit instead of the stock 10. It's considerably lighter than the stock unit likely due to no metal shroud. The motor is a Panasonic. Despite it's compact size, it still had to be shoe-horned into place. It does fit fully over the radiator although not centered top to bottom. Unfortunately I neglected to get a photo mounted on the radiator prior to installation. It clears the radiator by maybe 4 mm. and the front valve cover by about the same.

My schedule and rain on weekends has been relentless but I do have a couple of rides and so far the results seem promising. Only time (& rides on brutal hot days) will tell.

The comparative photo L to R is: XZ, modified Honda, Triumph

Title: Re: My Fan Fetish
Post by: The Prophet of Doom on September 01, 2018, 10:50:00 PM
Nice project Rikugun.
This is a mod I'd not planned, but it's going on my list.
Title: Re: My Fan Fetish
Post by: Walt_M. on September 02, 2018, 04:18:06 AM
I see a possible oversight. If you are going to a 15 amp fuse, you should increase the wire size to 14 awg. I personally would just try it with a 10 amp. If it holds you should be good to go.
Title: Re: My Fan Fetish
Post by: Rikugun on September 02, 2018, 09:16:14 AM
Thanks Walt. It wasn't an oversight but the post was getting long. I did most of my initial runs on test leads to the battery but did one test with the stock wiring. I only ran it briefly and it did not blow the fuse. I didn't trust it but wanted to see what would happen.

I ran a dedicated 15 amp circuit with appropriately sized inline fuse holder and wires up to a new relay. The manual over-ride switch and pilot lamp that I have been using are maintained. The relay is a common unit that can be had at any auto parts store should it fail.

Prophet, It moves an impressive amount of air. The fuel tank, fairing, airbox and black plastic air shield thingy were removed to make working room. When the fan is turned on, air was blowing everywhere - out both sides and up through the top frame rails as well. Plastic bags or sheets of paper in front of the radiator are sucked up to the grill and held fast.