Normal operating trmperature

[702scottc]

Wondering what the normal coolant temperature typically is on the 1800? Since this is the first day I rode it to work it rubs just a hair below half and sets there. This afternoon riding home it's 105 degrees and sitting in traffic it climbed to just above half, dropped once moving. I noticed it warms up really quick in the morning, a lot like my wife's car. I realize with the emission requirements on these engines the operating temperature should be higher than I'm used to on my 1500. You can sure feel the hot air thru the radiators riding down the interstate.. The fans don't seem to move as much air as I'm used to either.
Just curious. Coolant levels are good and the bike didn't overheat or anything, just higher than I'm used to..

[harvey01]

check your owners manual, but the radiator fans on most models blow the air toward the front and not back toward you. They are great at keeping things cool below about 15MPH but not so good till you get above 25MPH.

Since your bike is used, I assume you have changed the radiator fluid with a flush, changed the oil and filter, rear end oil, fork oil, and all brake fluid. This is the only way I know to get any bike ready to ride that I have not maintained all along. After doing it you know it was done and is up to date.

[Viking]

Keep in mind that your temperature is not a gauge, it is just an indicator. The temp sensor does not transmit degrees, only ranges. If it was 105 when you were riding, and it was reading below the half way mark, you are well within the requirements. The fans kicking in show that everything is operating as it should be. I almost never get fans kicking in as I live in about 20 degrees cooler climate, but mine will kick in at idle in traffic. When moving, the air flow above about 25 MPH defeats the fans and you will get hot air out through the sides. Below that speed and at idle, the fans blow the air to the front, rather than out the sides. As Harvey mentioned, flushing the rad could give you peace of mind. If it has not been done or if you do not know if it has been done, it wouldn't be a bad idea.

[702scottc]

The dealer prepped and serviced it but I did recheck all the fluids. So these run typically around half on the indicator? I'm just trying to get a feel for her. Where does the warm air from the fans escape from? Idling in traffic it crept just above half and dropped back to just below half once I was moving again. I'm sure it's fine just not used to it.

[smilam]

Mine has the same readings. Just below midway on the gauge is normal and the fan comes on about the time it reaches the midway mark if I am stopped or riding in a parade below 15MPH.
I guess the fan pushes the air to the front to keep it away from the driver when you are going slow or are stopped and then the fan stops when you reach a certain speed and the air moves thru the radiator from front to back like it does on everything else.

[702scottc]

That's what I figured. I just ran it in the driveway until the fans cycled and it's just below half. Good enough. Still 98 degrees at 10 pm.. I'm ready for cooler temps, been a hot summer and we still have a couple more months..

[hondapotamus]

If I am not mistaken, the fans are only active in 1st and second gear and a speeds less than 20ish kph. After that the fans are disabled to prevent and static air flow or lessening the natural airflow through the rad.

[Red Ron]

I have owned and '08 and a '13. Both always stayed below the center mark. Only time the fans come on is when it is hot outside and I am in traffic, but still the gauge stays at the same reading. I think the fans are controlled by your speed as much as temp when its hot outside.