[KawiKen]

Hello All!

I tried posting yesterday, but failed miserably - so I will try again

I just brought home a "new" 02 Classic 1500 that was old dealer stock with 1.9 miles on it - totally sweet ride!
I am moving up from a 96 classic 800b (which was a very nice bike, as well) and had a question regarding the cooling.
The electric fan on the 1500 seems to come on -way- more than the 800 ever did. I realize that a 1500cc engine is going to generate more heat than a 800cc one, but every stoplight on a 50 degree morning?
Obviously I am still in the break-in period, so any experience the big vulcan guys can share is appriciated!

FYI - found this forum researching my purchase - Great Site! Keep it up!

KawiKen

 

[dhdaniel]

1500

hello Ken, I just got my new 04 1500 classic, I have 200 or so miles on it now, And I have noticed that the fan does run Alot, I am on the gulf coast Near Houston Texas, and it has been very hot here lately
nearly 100 degrees, but other than that my machine does fine.
I really like it

Dave

 

[Spok]

first off, you must've gotten a great deal on an old inventory stock bike! Geat news. What dealer did you buy from, if you don't mind me asking?

On my '04 1500, i have noticed that most stoplight stops will induce the fan to kickon. As far as it running while I'm running, I can't say as I can't hear it. I too thought it was coming on more than it should but when checking fluid levels, I have never been short on coolant.

 

[Ken]

Welcome!

Awesome deal. I'm completely jealous

Anyway, our bikes are similar but I find my fan rarely comes on during summer riding. And I can't think of a single time it has come on when the weather is below 60. Could it be that your thermostat is on the way out?

 

[KawiKen]

I hope it's not a thermostat going out - the bike only has 65 miles on it! I have to go back to the dealer to pick up the plates so I will ask if it's possible.
I got a smokin' deal on the bike & sprung for the full extended warranty so I am covered for 5 years - all for about a grand over the price of a clean used one! (sorry! don't mean to rub it in) I bought it at Waldron's Kawasaki/Arctic Cat in Issaquah. Great dealer- small and hard to find, but well worth it!
I did check the coolant level, and everthing is right where it's supposed to be. Maybe I'm just paranoid!!

KawiKen

 

[koboko]

Don't worry, relax.... keep riding!! i have the same bike and my fan used to come on frequently as you mention, esp when it was breaking in (higher friction, etc). as you put more miles on it you'll notice that it'll come on less frequently. all this is normal, as llong as the coolant level is ok and bike runs fine i'd not worry about it. congratulations on the purchase, ride safely.

 

[bud8fan]

when mine was new..it was on all the time...now that its a year old and more miles on it...the fan doesnt come on that ofter...but prolly more often than yours as the temp down here is 88 to 102 every day almost...

 

[KawiKen]

Thanks for the replies. I put about 200 miles on it over the weekend and I am extremely pleased with the bike! A Mustang saddle will, however, be the first piece of aftermarket equipment on it. The stock seat is only *slightly* better than that horrid one that came on the 800 classic..

Ride On!

 

[Spok]

if ya ever find yourself in the norther farmland of skagit county, let me know we'll make a ride

 

[KawiKen]

I was up that way this last weekend for the Oyster Run. Pretty good turnout, way too crowded to enjoy. Too many crazies doing stupid things. :? Saw some **** nice bikes though..

I doubt I will get up that way this year (Rain's a comin') but I hope to ride lots next year, so I'll look you up.

 

[vaporgas2000]

welcome kawiken, don't know how I missed your first post but glad to have you here

 

[T-man]

Speaking for a 2001 1500 Classic Fi, my fan used to run with slow stop'n'go traffic in summer or at long stop lights. After I installed V&H straight shots, the fan rarely ever runs, mostly at looong traffic lights and only mid-summer 90 deg plus.
Welcome to the world of the 1500!

 

[yum]

hi there

i have the same with my 2004 1500 classic FI - even in the cold cold UK the fan runs every time im in traffic or stationary, ok its still not run in yet with 1700 miles on the clock but i haven't noticed it getting less frequent since it was new !
cheers
yum

 

[Gadget]

Ken,

Several things will or can make the fan run less.

As others have mentioned as the bike gets broken in you'll notice the fan running a lot less.

If you disable the reed valves by putting a marble in the air intake for them you'll reduce engine heat even further.

Next year when it's time to change coolant, add a few ounces of "Water Wetter" to the radiator. That and the above and you'll be posting to the forum that your fan never seems to run anymore, could there be a problem? <g>

Cheers,
Gadget

 

[Bob R]

Welcome aboard kawiken! The fan on my 2004 1500 Classic ran more than I thought it should when I first bought it. Dealer said everything was OK, so just ride and enjoy it. I did and had no problems. After a few months. I'm not sure why, but the fan did not come on as much.

After I installed the Hard Krome 3" pipes, I noticed it comes on even less now. It's been 95+ degress with heat index of over 105 and the only time it seems to come on is at a long traffic light stop.

 

[jukief]

My fan comes on when it's hot and I'm stopped at a stoplight. I used to worry that the bike was running hotter than it should, but I've relaxed about it now. I'm just glad it *has* a fan!

Welcome to the forum, and congrats on your great deal! There are a lot of 1500 owners on this board.

 

[twoskinsoneman]

This was started almost a year ago. How did it all of a sudden get picked up?

 

[Spok]

gadget chimed in on it today. happens from time to time, folks reading thru older posts and make a comment, no worries, still good for newer members to read some of the older posts.

 

[2WheelFun]

I wonder how many actually change their radiator fluids regularly?

 

[T-man]

Whistle: it is, next to engine oil, the next most important one and, per my V2K service manual, recommended at 3 year interval...NOT changing it and allowing the little passageways to block up is a frightening thought. And it's really not hard to do, don't have to take off the gas tank, just push it over to the side.

The T-man has spoken....yeeaah!