Fan-Assisted Oil Coolers vs. OilBud: An Inside Look with Bud Clarke
Keeping your Harley-Davidson’s engine cool is a must for performance and longevity—especially in stop-and-go traffic, or going over mountain passes at higher speeds. With numerous oil cooling options available on the market, riders often opt for fan-assisted oil coolers. But are they really the best choice? We sat down with Bud Clarke, creator of the OilBud oil cooler, to get his insights on how his system compares, clears up misconceptions, and delivers real results.
Featuring an M8 Touring (shown without a regulator or OEM oil cooler installed).
What Is a Fan-Assisted Oil Cooler and Why Is It So Popular?
For those new to the world of oil cooling, Bud explains: “A fan-assisted oil cooler uses a temperature sensor to turn the fan on and off, drawing power from the bike’s electrical system. It’s wired in, which puts extra load on your charging system.” Riders often assume this is the best option simply because it’s well-known and heavily marketed, especially for hot climates and stop-and-go traffic.
How Does OilBud Work Differently?
Unlike fan-assisted systems, OilBud relies on a heat sink design, which eliminates the need for moving parts and electrical connections. “It’s flat with thousands of machined fins, so it dissipates heat even in stop-and-go traffic. No fans are needed, and there’s nothing to break,” Bud shares. OilBud is installed underneath the motorcycle, where airflow is optimal at speed. Bud notes, “We’ve tested with airspeed indicators—there’s 100% airflow under there, and it isn’t turbulent like behind the front fender. Fan-assisted coolers can actually block airflow at highway speeds.”
Performance Comparison: Cooling Power
So how does OilBud perform? “We say at least a 35-degree drop in oil temps, but in stop-and-go, we’ve seen drops of 85-90 degrees in our tests,” Bud says. “Fan-assisted coolers help in traffic, but not as much, and at highway speed, their fans and placement actually hinder airflow, reducing effectiveness.”
Durability and Longevity
Some riders worry about placing anything under the bike, but Bud addresses this: “OilBud sits between the frame rails, so it’s protected from curbs. It’s built tough—extruded aluminum with TIG-welded header tubes and thousands of fins.” Bud has shared videos hammering and blasting the cooler to prove its durability! In contrast, fan-assisted coolers are more vulnerable to road debris, and their fans can fail over time.
Installation and Design
OilBud offers a discreet install: “You can see the adapter and hose connections on some models, but not the cooler itself unless you look underneath.” Installation is straightforward—no cutting, splicing, or electrical work required. Fan-assisted systems often involve wiring and more complex installs, especially for electrical connections.
Myths, Misconceptions, and Rider Education
Bud addresses a common myth: “A lot of guys think they don’t need a cooler, but under certain conditions, every bike can get over 300°F. We show that in our idle test videos.” He also notes that the fuel mixture and proper tuning play a significant role in keeping your bike cool.
Real-World Results and Rider Feedback
Has Bud heard from riders who switched? “I’m sure I have—some riders even run both systems on newer bikes. Using both can help in stop-and-go traffic, but at speed, OilBud alone is usually more effective.” OilBud has been tested in parades, at Sturgis, on highway rides, and through mountain passes—all with impressive results, often keeping oil temperatures under 215°F. Read more about Bud’s Tests on Three Oil Coolers on Bikes Over a Mountain Pass with Great Results.
Conclusion
When shopping for an oil cooler, it’s important to consider its real-world effectiveness, durability, and ease of installation, rather than relying solely on marketing claims. OilBud’s heat sink design offers proven performance, rugged construction, and easy installation, all without taxing your bike’s electrical system. For riders who want to keep their engine cool in all conditions, it’s a compelling alternative to fan-assisted models.
Watch more videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/Harleyoilcoolers
Shop for your OilBud™ Oil Cooling System here!
Read about the story of OilBud™ Oil Coolers, and Owner, Bud Clarke.
