I just picked up a 92 ZX-7R and it runs real real cool when im cruising around but when i hit traffic and have to sit there for a while the temp guage starts to climb up ... it makes it all the wayy to the top then i have to shut it off and let it cool down.... Does anyone know what could be wrong ?
Overheats in Traffic or when at stop.
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I'm not big on sportbike maintenance since mine is aircooled and I assume yours has a radiator? But one source of that problem in my car was a simple 20 dollar part called the thermomstat 
I just replaced it and anytime the engine got to hot the new thermo. as opposed to sticking popped up and cool water came into the overheating compartment.
Stew
I just replaced it and anytime the engine got to hot the new thermo. as opposed to sticking popped up and cool water came into the overheating compartment.Stew
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Check the fan, might be a good idea to replace the thermostat as suggested and flush all your antifreeze, it makes a world of difference.
Check the radiator for bugs! Had a freind with a Honda that was doing the same thing. He was very surpirised to find the radiator so restricted! He removed the radiator and gently cleaned all the cooling fins, replaced it, and now it doesn't overheat in traffic.
Check your coolant mix. If you live in a warm climate such as CA, NV, AZ etc you can change just the mix and get a cooler bike.
Check your fan as that is an easy fix. If the fan is working and all fuses have been checked, then maybe looking at your thermostat.
Flush the coolant and try water wetter with a higher content of demineralized water.
Lastly - if all other remedies do not fix [email protected]#$%^& You can try a manual switch.
Check your fan as that is an easy fix. If the fan is working and all fuses have been checked, then maybe looking at your thermostat.
Flush the coolant and try water wetter with a higher content of demineralized water.
Lastly - if all other remedies do not fix [email protected]#$%^& You can try a manual switch.
I think I may have a fan problem on my new Ninja 250. I noticed that the temp gauge climbs when idling and then drops when moving.
When I first got the bike there was a very noticable sound of a fan running for 30-60 seconds after shutting off the engine. Now, at about 280 miles I don't hear it anymore.
I've got a service manual on order but haven't received it yet. Would it be worth removing the fairing to check for loose wires or should I just wait until I get the manual?
When I first got the bike there was a very noticable sound of a fan running for 30-60 seconds after shutting off the engine. Now, at about 280 miles I don't hear it anymore.
I've got a service manual on order but haven't received it yet. Would it be worth removing the fairing to check for loose wires or should I just wait until I get the manual?
If you can run cool when cruising, then your thermostat and coolant mix are fine. The problem is almost certainly related to the fan. Get a look at the bike to see where the fan is. Then start it up (or just go somewhere) and let it run until your temp gauge is over halfway hot. The fan should start. You might not hear it if the engine's running, but you should feel the blast of hot air, and you should easily see the fan turning. I'll bet that your fan isn't turning. There are some possible reasons why:Drrm80 said:
1. fan motor failed
2. bad connection, especially at the motor
3. blown fuse
4. failed temperature sensor (this is not the same thing as your temperature gauge)
Like GPZBob said, this is a dealer problem. He has to fix it. There is no reason for you to have to turn off the bike to let it cool down. That is unacceptable, and the dealer has to fix it no matter what it is.
Curt
Yeah, I know I can take it to the dealer, but the only Kawasaki dealer in the area is about 20 miles away and on a road that I don't like driving on in a car.
There is absolutely no way I can ride the bike there with it's break-in period limit of 4000 rpm/35 mph and even after the break in period I don't think I'm ready to tackle that highway. I've had too many close calls in a car to attempt it on a motorcyle.
The dealer charged me $100 to deliver the bike (which I think is not un-reasonable since I'm 30-45 minutes from the dealer) and I don't think warranty service covers round trip transport of the bike.
If it's a quick fix like a loose wire that doesn't require replacement parts I'd rather just do it myself.
BTW, I don't have to turn off the bike to cool it. Even in 80+ degree weather the bike runs on the cool side of the temp gauge (about 10 o'clock on the gauge.) It was just by chance that I left the bike running while getting off to stretch my legs that I noticed it slowly climb. It never hit the red zone.
There is absolutely no way I can ride the bike there with it's break-in period limit of 4000 rpm/35 mph and even after the break in period I don't think I'm ready to tackle that highway. I've had too many close calls in a car to attempt it on a motorcyle.
The dealer charged me $100 to deliver the bike (which I think is not un-reasonable since I'm 30-45 minutes from the dealer) and I don't think warranty service covers round trip transport of the bike.
If it's a quick fix like a loose wire that doesn't require replacement parts I'd rather just do it myself.
BTW, I don't have to turn off the bike to cool it. Even in 80+ degree weather the bike runs on the cool side of the temp gauge (about 10 o'clock on the gauge.) It was just by chance that I left the bike running while getting off to stretch my legs that I noticed it slowly climb. It never hit the red zone.
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