Harley owners come in several kinds – some ride hard and fast, others prefer a long, relaxed cruise – both camps, however, need a solid cooling system for their prized V-twins. Most Harley-Davidson riders are passionate and would hate to see their precious engines blow out – that’s when an owner wants a little extra insurance against heat damage issues.
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Our Top 3 Oil Coolers for Harley-Davidson
Thanks to aftermarket oil coolers, your Harley can stay primed and reliable every time you conquer the roads.
Here’s a great guide to help you find the best possible aftermarket oil cooler for your motorcycle. First, a quick table highlighting the products we’ll be reviewing:
Comparison Table
| NAME | Type | Fitment |
|---|---|---|
| Finned Billet Oil V-Cooler | Vertical Mount | Most Harley Models |
| Jagg 750-2500 | Horizontal Low Mount | Most Harley Models |
| SMT-Oil Cooling System | Universal Oil Cooler Kit | Harley Touring Models 2009-2016 except for Trikes |
| YHMTIVTU Motorcycle Oil Radiator | Universal Oil Cooler Kit | Harley Touring Models 2017-later |
| HDBUBALUS Oil Cooler | Universal Oil Cooler Kit | Harley Touring 2017-2019 |
All engines, regardless of vehicle type, heat up as they continually combust your fuel. And during this process, the heat tends to spread from the combustion chambers to the iron blocks. Harley-Davidsons are no outlier to this phenomenon – the current-gen Milwaukee-Eight engine does 1,500 explosions per minute at peak horsepower.
As owners, you have to ensure that this heat being produced is appropriately managed and within the limits of operational integrity.
Thankfully, even the most iconic Harleys have integrated cooling systems in their engines, and one of these systems is the oil cooler.
If you want your bike to be in its best running condition, you have to aim to have the best oil cooler in the market. Unfortunately, with so many brands, each promising to be the most effective one, it is pretty overwhelming to make the right choice.
We understand your predicament, so here are our highest recommended oil coolers for your Harley-Davidson.
1. Finned Billet Oil V-Cooler – Best for Harley Softail
Billet Proof Designs did something very excellent with this Finned Billet Oil V-Cooler. It works very well in keeping your Harley-Davidson’s oil coil while enhancing the performance of its engine.
Materials and Build
This CNC machined oil cooler boasts a Billet aluminum construction which guarantees excellent durability and strength. In addition, it comes in both anodized black and chrome-plated finishes – perfectly complimenting the aesthetics of your motorcycle.
The package includes fittings like downtube clamps and a vibration-free top mount to ensure that the oil cooler becomes a perfect and seamless fit for most Harley-Davidson models. This oil cooling system is also equipped with two 5/16-inch barbed fittings intended for worry-free installation.
Performance
Boasting reliable build quality and excellent cooling performance, you can keep riding for miles and miles without any worry of breakdowns with this cooler – even in hot weather. Despite being more budget-friendly, this brand can go side by side with the more expensive models when it comes to functionality and results – it even comes with great customer service support.
Pros:
- Integrated with vibration-resistant top mount
- Comes with a beautiful chrome-plated finish
- Constructed from Billet aluminum
- CNC machined for superb accuracy
Cons:
- Not a one-size-fits-all clamp.
- Additional oil is required during installation.
2. Jagg 750-2500 – Best Low-Profile Oil Cooler for Harley Davidson
This low mounting unit is best for those wanting additional performance for their Harley-Davidson while not compromising on the aesthetics of their motorcycle.
Build and Design
The Jagg Dyna 10-row low mount oil cooler is a low-profile system but has been tested and approved by certified experts. As a result, Harley-Davidson lovers have a good relationship with this cooler and brand.
This oil cooler comes with an impressive 10-row, double pass oil tubing further enhanced for the Twin-cam and Evolution Engines. With its low-mount design, the entire unit becomes subtly and neatly hidden behind your front fender – making it a fantastic choice for stripped-down, minimalistic builds.
This Jagg radiator carries a reliable and incomparable thermal transfer property, leading to the best heat exchange ratio ideal for your Harley-Davidson. Utilizing its unique HyperFlow technology, you can confidently know that every component is engineered and operating in the perfect balance between functionality and flow.
This oil cooler is conveniently positioned below your voltage regulator behind your bike’s fender. Meanwhile, the adapter that comes with it is made from hard-anodized billet aluminum as well. This particular Jagg model is integrated with a thermostatically controlled counterbalance oil filter adapter that allows easy and convenient access. This comes in beneficial, especially during the installation process and during the regular maintenance of your oil cooler.
Kit Inclusions
The Jagg 750-2500 comes with a practical mounting bracket intended to sit as low as possible while positioned above the rear of the frame.
Jagg also included inline turbulators that can upsurge the effectiveness of the cooler while at the same time reducing oil pressure loss. Everything you need is covered in the kit, so installation can be done and over within a matter of minutes.
Overall, the Jagg 750-2500 is highly recommended if you are after an oil cooler that works as promised and one that significantly reduces the running temperature of your engine. This cooler does its job efficiently – just expect to pay a premium for the build quality and design.
Pros:
- Beautiful Matte Black Finish
- Crafted from solid and reliable aluminum
- Integrated thermostatically measured oil filter adapter
- Included everything for easier installation
- Utilized HyperFlow technology for augmented flow and heat elimination
ConS:
- Highly-priced cooler
3. SMT-Oil Cooling System – Best Feature-Rich Oil Cooler
This oil cooler from SMT-MOTO oozes with features, boasting clever inbuilt tech to keep your motorcycle running strong.
Performance and Functionality
This fan-assisted oil cooler comes integrated with an electronic thermostat built-in into the actual oil filter adapter. This automatically activates the fan when the temperature reaches 220°F. When the temperature cools down to at least 190°F and lower, this fan will turn off on its own, conserving energy when not needed.
Build Materials
You can set this oil cooler up using the general hand tools if you have confidence in doing it, although the electronic components might warrant a professional installation. During the process, you will notice how solid this oil cooler is. The covers are made from machined steel, and it also comes with steel grids, so you know that this can effectively handle abuse from debris and rocks commonly found on badly maintained roads.
Also, the oil filter adapters are custom-made machined using 6061 aluminum with Dual IP68 grade waterproof fans. Not only are these fans waterproof and protected from splashes, but they can also survive being submerged in water of up to 1.5-meters in depth. They’re also dustproof.
Pros:
- Waterproof connectors
- Dual IP68 grade waterproof fans
- Heavy-duty thermal switch with integrated wiring
- Plug and play wiring harness
Cons:
- Best installed professionally
The SMT Cooling system is worth its price tag. You get more advantages than the regular aftermarket oil coolers. This is an ideal choice for those who want to make the most out of their Harley Davison accessories and are not keen on settling for the next available oil cooler. This is for the demanding riders who need accessories that can keep up with them.
4. YHMTIVTU – Best Value Oil Cooler
The YHMTIVTU oil cooling system is precisely what you need during parade duties and other low-speed situations. This is ideal for idle conditions, traffic use, and not for hard cruising scenarios.
Functionality and Performance
This cooling radiator is exactly what you need to keep your motorcycle cool. It can provide continuous cooling air even if you’re riding at low speed or trying to survive the traffic crawl – making it a great option for Harleys on jam-packed urban roads. This product comes with a fan-assisted cooler that can guarantee to lower down your oil temperature by up to 50°F – solid figures for any kind of engine.
Installation
This is designed to be a seamless bolt-on aftermarket replacement to your OEM oil cooler. The installation is a simple plug-and-play where you don’t need to splice or rewire anything on your engine.
Due to this, you can put the YHMTIVTU motorcycle oil cooler radiator yourself instead of having a professional do it. Not only do you save on paying the service fee but you also empower yourself and get to know your engine more. If you are after an oil cooler to pair with a more laid-back riding style, this is your best choice. Your Harley will appreciate having the additional support in maintaining its engine temperature to ensure a performance that’s always at its best.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Can significantly lower down the oil temperature
- No rewiring needed
Cons:
- Not for motorcycles with Twin-Cooled engines
- The accessories and the fan need to be sold separately
5. HDBUBALUS – Harley Touring Oil Cooler
Give your engine the support it needs with this motorcycle cooler. It is best in preventing damage to your Harley while at the same time helping extend the lifetime of your bike. This is a hassle-free oil cooler that knows how to get the job done – on a budget.
This universal motorcycle cooler from Rebacker helps reduce the likelihood of your engine oil overheating and affecting the lubrication of your machine. Although this is intended for Harleys used in low-speed and idle conditions, it can cool your engine down by at least 50°F, which is more than enough to allow your engine to breathe and have air circulate through its parts – not a bad figure at budget prices.
This is easy to install with a plug-and-play setup. You don’t have to worry because this universal oil cooler kit is primarily compatible with your Harley’s wiring harness.
Pros:
- Guaranteed to lower down the oil temperature
- Reduces overheating
- Best for low-paced situations
Cons:
- Accessories need to be purchased separately
Buying Guide
An informed decision is always the best kind that you can make, especially if you are about to purchase a product reliant on its technicalities.
Here are some of the essential elements that you need to consider when buying your next oil cooler for your Harley-Davidson:
Fluid Compatibility
Almost all Harley-Davidson models use standard oil for their stock engines. But you have to consider the few exempted models that may be using a different oil than the rest. You have to check the specific cooler requirements to ensure that your cooler runs on the fluid it is compatible with.
Cooling Performance
This is the top reason why you’d want to buy the oil cooler in the first place.
Cooling performance is defined as the amount of temperature reduced by your oil cooler compared to Harley’s stock cooler. The efficiency of your cooler follows the simple principle of – the more temperature reduced, the more effective the oil cooler is, thus increasing the longevity of your engine.
Depending on you and your engine’s needs, you might require a higher temperature reduction, primarily if you use your Harley for extended periods. If you travel from one town to another regularly or use your bike most of the day, it is best to have an oil cooler that can significantly impact your cooling temperature.
Oil Cooler Design
Owning a Harley means that its overall appearance is something you need to automatically think of, especially if it will be an aftermarket accessory like your oil cooler.
The good news is most oil coolers intended for Harleys follow a minimalistic design and a style that goes well with any Harley model.
Additionally, most will opt for an oil cooler that is well-hidden, simple in design but true to its
Oil Cooler Size
Oil coolers come in a variety of sizes. Depending on what looks good on your Harley and what can meet the demands of your Harley plus your taste, you can opt for a bigger cooler. It is advisable to get an oil cooler based on how you usually use your motorcycle. Bigger oil coolers are best for long hours because the longer you use your Harley, the higher the engine’s temperature goes.
Durability
Sure, all engine parts, including your oil cooler, would have an expiration date before it needs to be replaced, but before then, it should give you superb performance. Note that durability is influenced by the choice of materials used to create the oil cooler and the manufacturing process it was exposed to. A poor-quality oil cooler may leak. And if you don’t check the oil level regularly, the engine could be damaged. We recommend that you do a visual inspection of technical fluid leaks before each ride.
Established and well-loved brands are usually the forerunner when it comes to durability because they’ve already proven the quality of their products, and consumers can attest to it.
Conclusion
Getting an aftermarket oil cooler for your Harley can be a little overwhelming – there’s certainly no shortage of choices on the market. On the bright side, our guide has hopefully made the decision much easier for you – so bolt one on, and enjoy many worry-free miles ahead!