TBR7 Engine Oil Cooler Installation Prep (Hawk 250 & etc.)

Installing an oil cooler is the most complicated motorcycle upgrade to my TaoTao TBR7 motorcycle. I have access to Hawk 250 owner forum posts and YT videos documenting the cooler’s installation process, but admit it, the resources could be better for the TBR7 community( Need TBR7 help ). This post is my attempt to make it better for fellow TBR7 owners.

Truthfully, I am modifying the engine oil path( What Is An Oil-Cooled Motorcycle Engine? ), but unlike my past motorcycle modifications, I am not improving already existing components.

My Upgrade Examples:

1. I upgraded the stock carburetor to a Mikuni carburetor.
2. I upgraded my motorcycle seat by keeping the original seat and putting a seat pad over it.
3. I upgraded my motorcycle handlebar grips by adding foam grips.
4. I upgraded my headlight by replacing the stock halogen with an excellent LED headlight.

All these upgrades were improvements of equipment that my TBR7 already had existing.

Now I Want To Install An Oil Cooler, Where It Never Existed!

Why Install A Motorcycle Oil Cooler?

The truth is, I have done the mentioned TBR7 upgrades to my motorcycle. I enjoyed longer and longer rides, which I could do at higher speeds.

As a stock, the TaoTao TBR7 top speed isn’t impressive. After some performance upgrades and mods, the TBR7 top speed still isn’t remarkable. However, these speed upgrades have gotten me results where I get out and do highway travel(and highway speeds) for short periods.

These highway runs help me avoid traffic and get to my favorite riding areas faster. As I pushed the engine harder, I started having overheating symptoms after longer and faster rides.

So I decided that adding a motorcycle oil cooler might help my overheating concerns. The nice thing about an oil cooler for the Chonda bikes(TBR7, Hawk 250, etc.) is that they are cheap.

Ready For The Engine Oil Cooler Installation.

I will start planning, viewing it as a big picture, and work my way down closer and closer. Later I will post the steps I took and their outcome.

For Now, K.I.S.S!

FYI, just as I used Hawk 250 upgrade forum posts and YT videos to do my TBR7 upgrades, I plan on this oil cooler installation to be generic enough for my fellow Chonda owners: RPS Hawk 250, Brozz, Raven 250’s, etc. 

Where Is, Is The Motorcycle Engine Oil Cooler Going To Be Fitted?

Usually, the oil cooler is a small radiator tucked somewhere close and around the motorcycle engine. Airflow over the radiator fins must be optimized to maximize its cooling efficiency.  

Typically, the oil cooler is inline or in front of the engine, like I found on the R.E. Int650. But, if the motorcycle engine has a water radiator, the oil cooler can be found mounted in front of that radiator.  

FYI, I found oil coolers mounted on the side of the engine for a motorcycle that doesn’t have a water radiator, like the Royal Enfield Himalayan or the DR-650. 

Where Am I Mounting My New Oil Cooler?

My oil cooler is ‘large.’ I have overheating issues with my TBR7, so I ordered the most oversized oil cooler I could find.  

Because of the size of my new oil cooler, I cannot mount it on the side of the engine. The cooler is at risk of damage if I lay the bike down, and I need to put this cooler in the airflow stream and protect it. So I plan on mounting the cooler center-line and in front of the engine. 

I plan to mount the oil cooler high, on engine center-line, and behind the front forks. The front fender is a concern, but I will address that as I go along. Please check back to see how I complete this project.

Knowing where I’m going to mount the oil cooler, I can plan out the actual steps after I create space by removing the front fender. My plans:

TBR7 Engine Oil Cooler Installation Primary Steps:

1. Inspect the oil cooler parts, ensure all are present and in good condition.
2. Drain the motorcycle engine oil.
3. Mount the oil cooler radiator.
4. Fill the oil cooler radiator(helps ensure oil flow instantly).
5. Install hoses to the cooler.
6. Refill engine oil.
7. Start motorcycle engine.
8. Check For Oil Leaks.
9. Stop motorcycle engine.
10. Recheck Engine Oil.

FYI: Building My List of Must-Have Tools For Motorcycle Owners

That is my plan. Ten easy steps, and I will have a new oil cooler for my TBR7. Now I’m sure the actual process will be more complicated, but I have a plan for now.

Check back later for the actual installation and its outcome. Just in case you missed it, here is my previous post: TBR7 Oil Cooler Unboxing!

Author’s Notice: This page contains affiliate links, for which I may earn a commission by their use. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases.

Thank you, Ride Safe, Ride Fun.

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