2008 AE Engine temp & weak grip heaters

[kleake]

I have a 2008 AE with 15k miles. Just the other day I noticed two things that seem to have changed.

1. Engine temp seems to take longer to warm up. I normally drive 5 miles and i'm up to the middle of the guage. Now, I only have 3 bars and it takes almost 10 miles to get the 4th bar. Seems like the thermostat might be sticking open, but maybe it's just my memory and how cold it is outside (mid 30's-40).

2. The grip heaters used to be good and warm mid setting, and at 3/4 setting were quite toasty. I would never run them at max because I couldn't even think about keeping my hands on them after even 5 minutes of that. On the same day as the thermostat issue, I noticed I had to crank the heaters up more than normal. On the way home, I had them maxed out and after about 20 miles they were getting to the point I had to lift my hands for a second or two in order to cool them just a tad. It seemed like 5 miles before i felt any heat much at all. They haven't quit, but is there a common failure that might be about to happen like a weak connection somewhere?

 

[ionbeam]

It could simply be that the colder weather is taking more heat out of the coolant as it circulates through your grips trying to keep them warm

 

[kleake]

It could simply be that the colder weather is taking more heat out of the coolant as it circulates through your grips trying to keep them warm

I'll have to check that, you might be on to something there. <_<

I know it may sound typical of cold weather riding, but I ride down in the 30's and sometimes even the 20's and the grips have always provided more than enough heat within the first couple of miles. What I can't say as though I remember exactly is how quick the engine warmed up, but I was thinking that within 3-4 miles it was at/near the middle of the guage.

 

[HotRodZilla]

You haven't changed gloves or anything have you? Maybe it's just a difference in "felt" heat.

As far as the engine warming up, I don't know that I'd worry about that so long as it's not overheating. I seriously doubt that a change in your heated grip performance and your bike's thermostat are somehow related. However, if I remember correctly, I'd swear I remember a couple having grips that have gone out and needed to be replaced.

 

[ionbeam]

Seriously now (since it isn't Friday), gloves will make a huge difference in how much heat you feel. With my summer gloves my grips age too hot to hold, with my middle weight gloves I can only feel slight to moderate heat and with my thin palm arctic motorcycle gloves I get real good heat. Also, the Gen II will reduce power to the grips when engine rpms drop below 1,500. Been doing much idling? The grips are in series so either they both work yes or they both work no.

Since your radiator does get hot, yet doesn't over heat I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Ignacio]

coolant as it circulates through your grips trying to keep them warm

Soda...bits of sandwich......monitor.....co-workers asking if I'm OK. :yahoo:

 

[RadioHowie]

What kind of sammich???

 

[kleake]

I havent changed gloves, although I do know how they effect the temps. I have a thin pair for cool weather, and a thin palm/thick back pair for cold stuff. Both pair I would never need to run the control above 3/4. The other day I had them cranked all the way, then after a 15 mile ride I pulled over and let it idle. They cooled down to where you could barly feel the heat without gloves on. Once riding again, it took the remainder of my 25 mile ride to get them back to what I would call "very warm" status at 100% power. I'll do some digging, but it's still under warranty, I just don't like the dealer digging around in my farkle wiring and such.