Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
-
- Sponsored Links
- NOVAwing
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:54 pm
- Location: Nothern Va
- Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Aspencade
Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
Hi everyone.
I have been enjoying my bike, as the hot days allow.
Something that's been bothering me and now I want to ask about it.
I have a 1993 Aspencade.
No CB.
No front air forks.
It seems I DO have feet heaters.......
I did see a hose when I did the timing belt.
I have levers on the lower air vents in the cockpit.
The levers never stay up, which is the cool air position.
They constantly fall down as I ride, switching to hot air output.
Even with them up, and the vents pushed down closed, my shins and ankles are being COOKED with hot air in general, cant really tell where it is coming from.
This happens when moving only.
I wear shorts when I ride, road rash be dammed, its been 90F+ here and VERY humid all summer in Virginia. Most days the feels like temps are 103F+
Can anyone give me some idea, whats going on, and how to get rid of this heat on my legs? If it was winter I might not mind, but this is so hot is almost burns my legs, its painful sometimes, this can't be normal.
Thanks for any feed back you can offer.
NOVAwing
I have been enjoying my bike, as the hot days allow.
Something that's been bothering me and now I want to ask about it.
I have a 1993 Aspencade.
No CB.
No front air forks.
It seems I DO have feet heaters.......
I did see a hose when I did the timing belt.
I have levers on the lower air vents in the cockpit.
The levers never stay up, which is the cool air position.
They constantly fall down as I ride, switching to hot air output.
Even with them up, and the vents pushed down closed, my shins and ankles are being COOKED with hot air in general, cant really tell where it is coming from.
This happens when moving only.
I wear shorts when I ride, road rash be dammed, its been 90F+ here and VERY humid all summer in Virginia. Most days the feels like temps are 103F+
Can anyone give me some idea, whats going on, and how to get rid of this heat on my legs? If it was winter I might not mind, but this is so hot is almost burns my legs, its painful sometimes, this can't be normal.
Thanks for any feed back you can offer.
NOVAwing
NOVAwing
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
- RBGERSON
- Posts: 3213
- Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2010 7:57 am
- Location: SCOTTSDALE, AZ
- Motorcycle: 98 SE GL 1500
had every year from 75 to 83
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
highway pegs/boards other wise you cook..
HAD LOTS OF GOLDWING 75-83
NOW INTO 1500'S..RIDING A 1998 SE
FAIR WINDS,
RB
NOW INTO 1500'S..RIDING A 1998 SE
FAIR WINDS,
RB
-
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2014 7:15 pm
- Location: Stafford, VA
- Motorcycle: 93 GL1500 Interstate DD
99 Valkyrie IS DD
04 ST1300 DD
82 GL1100 SOLD 3/3/17
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
Possible that the cool air duct tubes aren’t properly connected. When I replaced my transmission cover, it was a bit tricky to get that ducting in place to install the lower fairings.
My selector also occasionally creeps from cool to hot, but I only notice it if I don’t wear my riding pants. ATGATT for the win.
I also keep my engine guard mounted highway boards angled about halfway between stowed and fully deployed, using them as air deflectors since I NEVER use them otherwise. Makes a difference!
My selector also occasionally creeps from cool to hot, but I only notice it if I don’t wear my riding pants. ATGATT for the win.
I also keep my engine guard mounted highway boards angled about halfway between stowed and fully deployed, using them as air deflectors since I NEVER use them otherwise. Makes a difference!
Last edited by Earl43P on Thu Sep 06, 2018 11:19 am, edited 1 time in total.
When all else fails, RTFM!
99 Valkyrie Interstate
82 GL1100 Sold 3/3/17
93 GL1500 Redwing
04 ST1300 Bought 3/4/17, next DD after farkles
99 Valkyrie Interstate
82 GL1100 Sold 3/3/17
93 GL1500 Redwing
04 ST1300 Bought 3/4/17, next DD after farkles
- bellboy40
- Posts: 483
- Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 1:13 pm
- Location: Brewton, AL
- Motorcycle: 2000 GL1500SE Candy Spectra Red
1994 GL1500SE Pearl Bermuda Green
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
The levers on my air ducts were also creeping back down when I got mine. When I had the lower fairing panels off I noticed that the lever pivot point was loose. It is just a crosspoint screw holding it and if you tighten it up a bit the lever will stay in position.
- CrystalPistol
- Posts: 572
- Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2010 9:07 pm
- Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
- Motorcycle: 1985 GL1200A
1997 GL1500SE Lehman Trike
- WingAdmin
- Site Admin
- Posts: 19869
- Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 4:16 pm
- Location: Strongsville, OH
- Motorcycle: 2000 GL1500 SE
1982 GL1100A Aspencade (sold)
1989 PC800 (wife's!)
1998 XV250 Virago (sold)
2007 Aspen Sentry Trailer
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
The engine gets rid of heat by dumping it into the ambient air via radiators. To do so, it heats up the ambient air a certain amount. When it's 60 degrees, the air coming out of the radiator vents might be 90 or 95 degrees, which bare skin will tolerate very easily.
When it's 90 degrees, the air coming out of the radiator vents can be 130 degrees or more - this is more than enough to actually cook your flesh! You can end up with second and third degree burns on your legs.
The solution is to wear protective gear over your legs. But that's your choice.
You might try a set of wind wings to direct the heat out away from your legs, or to bring more cool air in to offset the heated air.
When it's 90 degrees, the air coming out of the radiator vents can be 130 degrees or more - this is more than enough to actually cook your flesh! You can end up with second and third degree burns on your legs.
The solution is to wear protective gear over your legs. But that's your choice.
You might try a set of wind wings to direct the heat out away from your legs, or to bring more cool air in to offset the heated air.
- RockportDave
- Posts: 293
- Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2018 9:39 pm
- Location: Rockport Texas
- Motorcycle: 1999 GL1500 SE
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
Here in South Texas we get a lot of hot and humid days on the coast.
I wear riding boots, jeans and mesh jacket.
My toe warmers stay closed and I have wind wings on the sides to funnel cool air on my legs and lower body. I also have a windshield vent which helps the upper body a lot.
I had the fairing lowers off and tightened the screws for the lower heat vents to keep them from opening.
While rebuilding the carbs and checking vacuum lines, I replaced the engine heat rubber that goes over the intakes. It helps keep the heat down.
Dave
I wear riding boots, jeans and mesh jacket.
My toe warmers stay closed and I have wind wings on the sides to funnel cool air on my legs and lower body. I also have a windshield vent which helps the upper body a lot.
I had the fairing lowers off and tightened the screws for the lower heat vents to keep them from opening.
While rebuilding the carbs and checking vacuum lines, I replaced the engine heat rubber that goes over the intakes. It helps keep the heat down.
Dave
1999 GL1500SE 5th Goldwing through the years
- dingdong
- Posts: 3544
- Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2010 8:35 am
- Location: Oklahoma City
- Motorcycle: 1976 gl1000
1993 gl1500
2004 NRX1800 Rune
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
Riding with shorts on and complaining about hot legs reminds me of that old Henny Youngman joke. (Yeah I'm old) Patient: Doctor it hurts when I do this. Doctor: Then don't do that!
Tom
John F. Kennedy would be impeached by todays liberal Democratic socialist party.
John F. Kennedy would be impeached by todays liberal Democratic socialist party.
- NOVAwing
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:54 pm
- Location: Nothern Va
- Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Aspencade
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
Interesting, this is a planned add on once I replace the dumb stock engine guards with ones that allow for my legs to go forward lol.
Between those and the boards, that's like over $300 worth of parts, will have to do in stages over time.
Thanks,
NOVAwing
NOVAwing
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
- NOVAwing
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:54 pm
- Location: Nothern Va
- Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Aspencade
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
Thanks for advice,Earl43P wrote: ↑Thu Sep 06, 2018 11:09 amPossible that the cool air duct tubes aren’t properly connected. When I replaced my transmission cover, it was a bit tricky to get that ducting in place to install the lower fairings.
My selector also occasionally creeps from cool to hot, but I only notice it if I don’t wear my riding pants. ATGATT for the win.
I also keep my engine guard mounted highway boards angled about halfway between stowed and fully deployed, using them as air deflectors since I NEVER use them otherwise. Makes a difference!
I fixed all the not properly attached ducting when I did the plugs/timing belt so that is all good.
Its just non stop hot air blowing on my shins from somewhere whenever moving and the vents are closed and set to cool air.
Hwy boards are on my to do list for sure.
Thanks,
NOVAwing
Last edited by NOVAwing on Fri Sep 07, 2018 10:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
NOVAwing
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
- NOVAwing
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:54 pm
- Location: Nothern Va
- Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Aspencade
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
Good info, thanks.bellboy40 wrote: ↑Thu Sep 06, 2018 11:17 amThe levers on my air ducts were also creeping back down when I got mine. When I had the lower fairing panels off I noticed that the lever pivot point was loose. It is just a crosspoint screw holding it and if you tighten it up a bit the lever will stay in position.
I am going to look into this next time I have time and its not 100 degrees out lol.
Sounds like a nice easy fix.
Thanks,
NOVAwing
NOVAwing
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
- NOVAwing
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:54 pm
- Location: Nothern Va
- Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Aspencade
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
Good to know, and I understand the risks.
I sweat like a stuck pig standing still if the temps are over 70F
I was born lucky that way, it sucks and I hate it but that's my life.
No chance I will ride with all the gear, or any pants/jacket in summer time.
Not until some one invents real airconditioned safety gear that is affordable, and NOT in black.
If I tried to where all the gear I would die after passing out from heat stroke lol.
I would have to give up riding, which is not really an option as far as I'm concerned.
Safety gear I where in the summer:
Full face modular helmet closed most of the time, except in slow speed relatively safe environments.
Gloves.
Boots.
In winter I add pants/jeans and a leather bomber jacket.
I pay for my own insurance.
To each their own brothers.
Thanks,
NOVAwing
NOVAwing
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
- NOVAwing
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:54 pm
- Location: Nothern Va
- Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Aspencade
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
Thanks Admin,WingAdmin wrote: ↑Thu Sep 06, 2018 3:19 pmThe engine gets rid of heat by dumping it into the ambient air via radiators. To do so, it heats up the ambient air a certain amount. When it's 60 degrees, the air coming out of the radiator vents might be 90 or 95 degrees, which bare skin will tolerate very easily.
When it's 90 degrees, the air coming out of the radiator vents can be 130 degrees or more - this is more than enough to actually cook your flesh! You can end up with second and third degree burns on your legs.
The solution is to wear protective gear over your legs. But that's your choice.
You might try a set of wind wings to direct the heat out away from your legs, or to bring more cool air in to offset the heated air.
That is very interesting to know.
So the radiators dump air into the vents on the lower sides of the fairing?
That sounds like a terrible design flaw, especially when the switch is set to cool air, and the vent is closed.
While the air has been hot, its not nearly enough to burn me, just at the top of pain tolerance for areas not accustom to such heat lol.
If I rip those feet heater hoses out, or reroute them off the vents, will that help me?
I'm so hot blooded I doubt I will have need of them in the winter or ever. I only ride till its down to freezing then I switch to the SUV, usually Nov-Jan I'm in the truck. Then back on the bike pending temps. I have never been to cold on previous bikes but they were different so we shall see I reckon lol.
Wind wings are on my to do list also. However, like all aftermarket mods for our bikes they are way over priced compared to factory repair parts in general so I have to be patient.
Thanks,
NOVAwing
NOVAwing
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
- NOVAwing
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:54 pm
- Location: Nothern Va
- Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Aspencade
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
All good advice, thanks much.RockportDave wrote: ↑Thu Sep 06, 2018 6:04 pmHere in South Texas we get a lot of hot and humid days on the coast.
I wear riding boots, jeans and mesh jacket.
My toe warmers stay closed and I have wind wings on the sides to funnel cool air on my legs and lower body. I also have a windshield vent which helps the upper body a lot.
I had the fairing lowers off and tightened the screws for the lower heat vents to keep them from opening.
While rebuilding the carbs and checking vacuum lines, I replaced the engine heat rubber that goes over the intakes. It helps keep the heat down.
Dave
Going to do some of that for sure!
Thanks,
NOVAwing
NOVAwing
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
- NOVAwing
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:54 pm
- Location: Nothern Va
- Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Aspencade
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
It may seem strange to some folks, I understand.
I come from other bikes where heat was not an issue, certainly not directed on to parts of the rider, that's crazy bad design imo.
I will continue to investigate this until I make it completely stop. There is a way I'm sure.
Thanks,
NOVAwing
NOVAwing
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
- Stew
- Posts: 344
- Joined: Mon Oct 23, 2017 10:40 am
- Location: Smokey Point, WA - USA
- Motorcycle: 2000 GL1500 SE
2005 Honda CRF230F
Previous bikes:
2003 Honda Ruckus
1993 Honda Elite SR
1986 Honda CR125R
1979 Yamaha GT80
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
I can relate, I am that same way unfortunately. When the topic of weather comes up I always say that I would feel hot living in Alaska lol. My favorite weather for riding is 55F to 65F partly sunny, I do ride ATGATT so it gets pretty uncomfortable for me much over 75F.
The thing about cool weather is you can always add layers if you want but when it's hot you can only take off so much and it's still hot.
Winging it every chance I get 
19,119 miles when I got it from dad Oct 15, 2017 --- 24,532 miles and counting as of Oct 17, 2018!

19,119 miles when I got it from dad Oct 15, 2017 --- 24,532 miles and counting as of Oct 17, 2018!
- NOVAwing
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2018 5:54 pm
- Location: Nothern Va
- Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Aspencade
Re: Hot legs, is this normal? (I am not a woman lol)
The bold above has basically been my go to statement most of my life lol.Stew wrote: ↑Fri Sep 07, 2018 11:51 amI can relate, I am that same way unfortunately. When the topic of weather comes up I always say that I would feel hot living in Alaska lol. My favorite weather for riding is 55F to 65F partly sunny, I do ride ATGATT so it gets pretty uncomfortable for me much over 75F.
The thing about cool weather is you can always add layers if you want but when it's hot you can only take off so much and it's still hot.
Nobody wants to see me walking around nekkid

Well accept at the nudist resort my wife and I go to, and the OBX beaches lol
NOVAwing
NOVAwing
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
1993 GL1500 Aspencade, restored from 4 years rotting outside.
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”