OK, well summer in Seattle is a relevant term, especially since I was born and raised in Hawaii, but I digress...
I want to know at what temp should I start getting worried about. The owner's manual states the warning light comes on at 251 degrees and to shut it down so at what temp would it be to start worrying.
I've seen my bike get up to 229 before (fan was on) and that was in traffic but I don't live in a hot state and plan on riding south this summer so I want to keep an eye on the temp and make sure to either rest the bike or look at my cooling at a certain level before it gets too bad.
Thanks in advance!
Did it hit 229 and then go down? Assuming it did, you should be fine. I'd certainly check you cooling system over just to be on the safe side. Some have choosen to install a manual overide on fan, but it seems like if your temps are dropping when you fan is on there is no need. I have no digital gauge, so I can't offer any help as far as that goes.
Depending on your mileage, you may want to flush the system and use one of the newer pre-mixed, Water Wetter, Engine Ice type products to help in your travels.
The flushing and refilling was a breeze (no pun). And a good time to go over other items like electrical connections etc.
I recently mounted a (Ing.keyed thru a fuse block) computer fan onto the R/R in hopes reducing that hot spot. (kudos to member "gll429")
Recently I added Motul Mocool on the coolant, helps to reduce the temperature and is seems to work. there are also other similar products like Royal Purple ice :wink:
I ride into the 90sF during the summer months. While waiting at long lights I'll see the temp gauge get into the 220s, but I'm not sure I've seen 230 yet.
Like bayarearider said, you might want to flush and replace your coolant. Even with just moderate mileage on your '03 it's probably a good idea to do it - especially if it's never been done, or (if you bought the bike used) you don't know when it was last done.
Also, keep in mind if you're riding with traffic, your bike's engine isn't getting as much air due to the fact you're may be drafting the car/truck in front of you. That wind protection keeps the engine hotter than usual, too.
Thanks for the tips folks, I will certainly flush and fill my radiator, just wanted to see what people were seeing on their gauge, thanks again for the help and info!
[image: View Post]mk2davis, on 11 June 2012 - 11:42 AM, said:
Did it hit 229 and then go down? Assuming it did, you should be fine. I'd certainly check you cooling system over just to be on the safe side. Some have choosen to install a manual overide on fan, but it seems like if your temps are dropping when you fan is on there is no need. I have no digital gauge, so I can't offer any help as far as that goes.
It just spiked then went down, it hasn't come back but I wanted to ask to be sure. Thanks!