Function

• The engine of a motorcycle is an internal combustion engine. It has internal moving parts that create friction. Oil is used to lubricate the friction created by metal moving against metal, such as two gears turning together. The friction created generates heat, which can cause extreme temperatures and mechanical and/or thermal breakdown. Oil is used to move the heat out of the motor by way of an oil pump.
  
  

Types

• There are two standard ways of cooling internal combustion engines. One way is through an air-cooled, finned radiator, using antifreeze to disburse heat from the motor. A water pump runs this type of cooler. The oil cooling system is the other type of system, but the two systems can be combined. The water cooling system also has an oil cooling system.
  
  

Features

• The external oil cooler used in the heat disbursement process is usually cylindrical in shape. Its average size is 1 1/8 inches wide by 9 inches long, with an inlet where the oil would go in and be cooled, and an outlet to send oil back to the engine at a reduced temperature. These coolers usually come in billet aluminum and sometimes are chrome plated. There is also an optional single down-tube oil cooler that has a matching screw-top canister instead of a second down-tube. This canister can be used to hold paperwork such as insurance papers and registration. Most external oil coolers are attached with brackets by way of single or double down-tubes on the front of the motorcycle frame.
  
  

Benefits

• One benefit of a motorcycle oil cooler is extended life for an internal combustion engine by cooling the motor oil. Reduction of friction by oil cooled from an external cooler is an added benefit. The external oil coolers can dress up the front of the frame of the motorcycle by enhancing the motorcycle's appearance. The greatest benefit is the savings of money in repairs and extended life of the motor.
  
  

Identification

• The motorcycle oil cooler is attached to the frame of the motorcycle. It's usually a tube or twin tubes that have external cooling fins. Normally, air-cooled engines use this type of cooling system. These are usually made of aluminum because it is lightweight and more cost effective to cast.
  
  

History

• Motorcycle manufacturing of the early 1900s used oil in motors, but as motorcycles have evolved over the years with higher compression and higher-revving motors, the need for better cooling became necessary. The higher-revving motors produce more heat, and in order to remove the heat from the engine, new products have been developed for the internal combustion cooling process. This extends the life of the motors.