Normal Temperature?

[chazglenn3]

So I'm still fairly new to the FJR. But, my bike seems to run a bit hotter than I think it should. The air temperature today is in the mid 70's and when riding slowly or in stop and go traffic the gauge gets up to 7 feathers. At speed it goes down to half way or one feather above half. I pulled the plastic yesterday and checked the coolant. I wasn't really low but I topped off the radiator and the overflow tank. Think it is possibly a thermostat problem or is that just the way they are?

 

[MrZappo]

Should be 4 bars while cruising and then go up to 7 bars (when you are stopped) before the fan kicks on ... Might run at 5 for a bit if it is hot out and you are cruising ... This is for a GEN II ...

 

[wfooshee]

Did the fan come on? Did the temp go down when the fans came on?

If the fan never come on and the temp goes to the top segment, then you have an issue.

If the fan doesn't come on but the temp doesn't go any higher, then it's cooling OK.

If the fan comes on and the temp drops a bit even before you move, then it's OK.

If the temp drop as you move, then it's cooling OK.

The difference in radiator efficiency when rolling and when stopped is ginormous, as it's quite a small amount of coolant in there compared to your car.

The only time to be concerned is if it actually reaches the top of the gauge.

There is no, "Well his runs cooler than mine," or "It's overheating because it hit 6 bars instead of 5."

Overheating is when the system hits the fan and still doesn't drop, and that's usually because some dufus has let his coolant leak out by not checking it enough.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Sounds pretty normal chaz.

Engine temp will rise quickly in stop/go traffic and no air flow. Fans come on at approximately 7 bars and turn off at 6 bars. You won't see temp drop until you're running faster than 40-45 mph, more so in traffic with disturbed air around you.

--G

 

[chazglenn3]

Thanks, all! Yes, the fan is working. I can more feel the rush of hot air that hear it, but after the rush of hot air I can hear it if I listen for it. It has never gone to the top of the gauge...even sitting in a traffic jam for an hour it never went above 7 or 8 feathers. I will stop worrying about it.