Do Heat Shields Help

By Mark DiPietro

Question for Fix My Hog I have a 2011 Softail it gets very hot. Do heat shields help or work? Via Email
Fix My Hog Answers There are a few different things you can do to get your m/c running cooler. These bikes are tuned lean from the factory in order to be compliant with EPA standards. A tuner can help you obtain a better air fuel mixture that will cool things down. You can also add an oil cooler or a fan. Related Fix My Hog Videos: https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/vance-and-hines-product-review-007293/ https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/vance-and-hines-fuelpak-3-install-007295/ https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/ultra-cool-002148/ https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/touring-oil-cooler-install-001627/ https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/cooling-hot-harleys-love-jugs-005958/ https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/cool-master-by-love-jugs-006953/ Have more questions? Check out our Q&A index page to find some answers.

Share tips, start a discussion or ask other students a question. If you have a question for the instructor, please click here.

Make a comment:
characters remaining

13 Responses to “Do Heat Shields Help”

  1. Joe

    I really have a question I recently got a 2001 heritage springer all the fluids have been drained and replaced it starts and seems to run fine but the pipes seem to get really HOT really fast though the motor or heads do not is this something to be concerned about

  2. mary

    I installed them on my Heritage and they do noticeably deflect some of the heat downward away from thighs. You can definitely feel the difference

  3. Ken Fried

    I have found they can help but it can be minimal. Deflectors help but speed plays a good part in that as well and mostly moves it so the heat isn't as concentrated. One this that I tried that did help was a soft heat deflector with leather on the top and a fire resistant base underside which goes up more forward and is simply installed as a lay down option under the seat. I found mine on EBay but I don't remember the specific name/vendor offhand. If I remember right it was just under $200 at the time.

  4. Wendell Macklin

    Heat shields do work!!!

  5. Margo Straman

    Try a crotch cooler from Capt. Itch! They are great at keeping the heat off your legs. 10 x better than the heat shields. Put this together with a fan or heat tape and you'll wonder if you're motor is running!

  6. Terry Pevehouse

    I had the same problem with my 2005 DWG. My wife complained when she'd ride about her right foot/leg getting hot. Since they didn't make a heat shield for the Dyna I made my own that fits below the battery box and rear foot pad and it works well. I made the final shield out of stainless steel and polished it and it blends well with the other chrome accessories and engine parts. The shield extends slightly forward of the box and uses the battery box bolt to hold it in place; therefore, no screws or extra holes to drill.

  7. Barry Goron

    Heat shields are there to protect the riders's and passenger's legs from the hot exhaust pipe, not to reduce the engine's temperature

  8. Bob McCarty

    Can a tuner be used on 2009 Softail Heritage Classic with stock engine and stock exhaust?

  9. brian

    i put on the oil cooler called the reefer by ultra cool with 2 fans in it by far the best cooler for the money better than the one harley has, no fans on it

  10. Ron

    You didn't answer the question