Possible Causes

[Rogentx]

My bike is overall running okay but there are some issues that is causing me some concerns. I am leaning toward more of electric problems but being I am not a mechanic, I can only guess. My engine has been overheating during in town riding (which goes up to 100 degree), which leads me to having to pull over to let it cool off for about 10-15 minutes. I noticed it has leaked small drops of coolant now and then, but still plenty in there and I have checked. It sounds like maybe the fan isn't kicking on or the censor is broken/connections. Another reason I am saying electric is because my speed/trip went out; The only one that works is the RPM and tempt guage. The other day when I was passing another car, I am not sure how fast I was going but pretty quick, the check oil light came on for about four-five seconds and then went back off. And, I have to turn the choke fully on to keep the engine from dying because it'll do that at times when I am slowing down. Any thoughts on why it is all doing this?

Also, I decided by next summer, if not before then, I am upgrading to a 600RR

 

[Neilisin]

Hi there, it's a common enough problem when the radiators have a leak ... the coolant cannot pressurize which will inhibit the temperature to raise above 100C... the fan generally on most bikes will kick in after about 110C.


Which then leads to: the radiators/coolant isn't able to cool the engine fast enough so the engine temperature runs out of operating limits. I would suggest you procure some radiator sealant... or get the radiators repaired/replaced.

That said, I have knowingly had a leaking radiator for 4 years and ridden across Saharan Africa in blood boiling temperatures, and managed to make the bike run.... just keep the radiator sealed, keep it well watered, and rock on!

 

[CLARKY]

Blockages

When was the coolant last flushed and replaced?

The overflow tube is a culprit for blocking sometimes...

 

[NastyEvilNinja]

Head gasket.

If that's gone it'll be blowing gasses into the coolant - you should be able to smell exahust gasses if you take the top off the radiator, or may see oily stuff floating on it, or see/hear the coolant boiling and being spat out the overflow.

Or you might find white in your oil if it's blowing the other way.

It sounds like you have a few problems to sort out. If it's running too lean or too rich it may also run hot. Or it might be worth checking valve clearences.

 

[Rogentx]

Thank you for the replies so far. My bike is still in the shop (since last Saturday) and still not have been notified on what is causing the problems. All I know is I hope it gets fixed soon, going crazy not being able to ride.


Time to invest in learning how to repair bikes myself.

 

[Stenno]

Hopefully the garage are wise enough to fix the issue.

If you're electrically inclined, you can run the bike up to temperature and check the thermoswitch is closing/opening, whether the fan is receiving power and whether it works or not.
At what temperatures should your fan kick in and out? My bike often hits 100 when in the city but the fan usually stops it going any higher than about 104 and turns off again below about 94ish.

Then it's a case of, as mentioned, checking for blockages etc with your coolant lines. I assume your engine oil level is ok.

Electrical issues aren't any fun, trip counter failing sounds a bit terminal I imagine. Assume it's digital? Does your speedometer work? If not it sounds like the tachometer on the front wheel isn't working.

 

[Rogentx]

Hopefully the garage are wise enough to fix the issue.

If you're electrically inclined, you can run the bike up to temperature and check the thermoswitch is closing/opening, whether the fan is receiving power and whether it works or not.
At what temperatures should your fan kick in and out? My bike often hits 100 when in the city but the fan usually stops it going any higher than about 104 and turns off again below about 94ish.

Then it's a case of, as mentioned, checking for blockages etc with your coolant lines. I assume your engine oil level is ok.

Electrical issues aren't any fun, trip counter failing sounds a bit terminal I imagine. Assume it's digital? Does your speedometer work? If not it sounds like the tachometer on the front wheel isn't working.

Not electric. inclined but I can tell the previous owner really messed up the wires. I got a call from shop and they described the wiring as a ' rat's nest' which makes it so my front blinkers won't even go on. The fan sounds like it kicks on about 100, couldn't tell you when it goes off though because I usually had to pull over and let it cool off. The cable for the display got disconnected/damaged so they have to replace that; only thing that works is the RPMs. I asked about the overheating and they told me the carb. needs to be cleaned up. The check oil light came on at high speeds but they said it is likely due to the rat's nest of wiring, but they'll look into it.

 

[NastyEvilNinja]

If it's that bad I'd be looking on Ebay at prices of a replacement wiring loom...