Radiator overflow

[dtrider]

Yesterday I took a motorcycle safety course to work on my low-speed handling. Since this was an advanced course, we were on our own bikes. I'm on a 2012 GL1800. It was unseasonably warm yesterday (in the mid 70s - apologies to those who still have snow) and there was a lot of starting/stopping plus a lot of time with the bike idling while I was waiting for someone else to complete a drill. After one of these sessions one of the other students pointed out some liquid dripping from my bike basically right under the radiator. We figured that it was just the radiator fluid expanding from overheating while idling so much, but is that true? The fans did kick on several times, but are they up to the job of cooling under that kind of load? In short, is this something that I should be concerned about?

[ct1500]

Your bike is designed to run in conditions that may be found throughout the world incl some very hot climates, mid 70's is nothing in the grand scheme of things.

I suspect your overflow or reserve tank is overfilled.

[dtrider]

That's what I would have thought. I know 70's isn't all that hot, but I was wondering if the stop-n-go, lots of idling, ... was putting an unnatural load on it.

As I mentioned the bike is a 2012. I got it last October with a little under 9000 miles on it, and it's pushing 11,000 now. I don't think the PO did any kind of radiator flush/fill, and I haven't. I figure it isn't really due yet. But just to be sure, what should I be looking at to check this. If it was just overfilled and what I'm seeing is just it overflowing, then it's probably nothing to get excited about. But I would rather double check now instead of just ignoring it and having it overheat while I'm in the middle of nowhere with no cell signal.

[Viking]

A bike that new should still be under warranty. If you are truly concerned about this, take it to a dealership and let them check it out. They would be the final word on if there is a problem or not, and they should have the expertise to decide, and to remedy the situation if it requires remediation. It is what I would do.

[PastoT]

I agree with just letting the dealer deal with the drip, but for those without a remaining warranty... Its unfortunately common for radiator feed hoses clamps to be a bit loose and they aren't fun getting to unless you have other plans to pull the Tupperware. I did have a minor winter time drip on my 2002 and tightened them all up while changing the air filter and installing a heated seat solution. Also atop the gas tank under the housing are several other coolant hoses that should be inspected and snugged while you're in there. What makes me scratch my head is that the pressure should have blown off to the reservoir, being it didn't begs the question what plugged or pinched the hose to the tank, or is the recovery tank plum full. The tank is above and just forward of your center stand, and its cap is under the side cover. It should always be half full, it not only catches coolant but excess is also vacuumed back in when the engine cools down. I could see that hose being pinched or plugged creating a back pressure. Now if it happens to be on the right side I would pull the glove box and ensure the radiator cap is on tight and that is has a clean seal. One can also check the overflow/recovery tube to see that its not leaking or plugged. Its a 10 minute task, which would be faster than a trip to the dealer.

As for the heating up and the fans cycling on and off that is common when you're riding in parade mode and the airflow through the front over powers the fans as they suck air through the radiators and blowing out the front; there is a point that there is neutral airflow around 15-20mph and it can raise its ugly head while working at slow speeds parking lot maneuvers, state park, nasty slow traffic, etc.)

[PastoT]

I wouldn't worry about the fans and over heating unless you're parked and the temp is above the 1/2 way mark and you don't hear the fans. I've run my 2002 through Red Rock Canyon in 115 degree heat and all I had to do was to stop and idle in the rest areas occasionally or accelerate to above 25 and the girl would cool off quickly. Again its the slow speed operations where the fans are running against the incoming airflow from the front. I've had my temp gauge rise to 1 bar from the top while in Las Vegas and it cooled as soon as I got above 25 mph or stopped and allowed the fans to run while idling 9just don't shut it off and it cools down). I would doubt your 2012 got above 5/8th of the temp gauge and it should have cooled down while idling waiting your turn, no worries if that's the case.

[joeincalif]

The early 1800 Gold wings had a lot of overe heating problems, Honda had recalls on them. The way Honda put the radiators on the 1800 is a dumb design. The fans will not come on above 15 MPH, over heating in PARADE MODE as Honda calls it is normal. Honda sent stickers to owners on the early 1800 Gold Wing to be put in thre owners manual that said IF BIKE OVER HEATS PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN IT OFF.
Do a google search on GL1800 overheating.