Running Temperature, how hot is too hot?

Hi Gang,

I just installed a Trail Tech Vapor and was wondering what temperature to program the warning LED at?

I live in the UK and do 120 mile road trips so I'd like to know the numbers to watch on the dash to keep my engine happy...

If I cruise at 70ish, would my engine even be working hard? How many RPM would you say is the sweetspot for long hauls, and low maintenance?

I'm running a sumo set up, on 15/49 sprockets, if I remember correctly...

After 15 mins mine was reading....125F and after 30 minutes that had risen to 150F....not fast riding just 20-30mph down the lanes...

I'm still a bit confused, lol

Nothing new I suppose, that happens a lot...

Confused ?, you wanted temperatures I have given you a couple

LOL Jason, you go ride, and note the various temps... then program accordingly

Cheers, from reading on here, I don't think I need to put much worry into temperature...

Jason Woodall wrote:Cheers, from reading on here, I don't think I need to put much worry into temperature...

The only real issue in the UK is if you leave it ticking over or get stuck and rev it on a trail or in traffic. This is due to it not having a fan. Should you think that you need a fan there is loads of info on fitting one to be found by searching the net.
In the UK if the thermostat is OK as long as the bike is moving it will be fine. If it does start to boil you will hear it start to bubble into the expansion tank.

Thanks for the advice Hew, appreciated...

You see Jason,

normally Hew gives sterling advice, however this time I to-tal-ly disagree.... as "hearing it bubble.." is wishful thinking. Better watch it, just pay attention when you're going slow or are stuck, for it will boil then.
But hey, maybe Hew's a young lad with sharp ears still?

To be honest, when my pig is running you can't hear f**k all, apart from the airbox and exhaust barking. It sounds like the end of the world, but at a stand still there is a chance I might hear a boil up...

So is the only time to worry about temp is when there is no air flowing through the rads?

Yes, or when going slow & technical.
Simple really, when you will struggle the bike will too

It seems to lurk around 160 to 180F when I'm pottering around at 60 70mph. That just seems like a high number. Where would you guys set the orange and red warning lights if you were me please?

Max temp for this watercooled thing is around (+/-!!) 115C .... which you will calculate to Fahrenheit pls.
Check it though, it is the temp where it just not starts to boil yet.
Orange - take your pic, after all you can play around if it bothers you

30 mins of slow riding today...200 degree's Fahrenheit or 93 degree C
Sorry type 150 should have read

Ol' Maus',

with your hasty type of riding you'd best get the higher-pressure rad-cap and a fan.
But lemme guess, you got the cap already?

BuRP wrote:Ol' Maus',

with your hasty type of riding you'd best get the higher-pressure rad-cap and a fan.
But lemme guess, you got the cap already?

Why 150 is only 65 degrees C...that's almost chilly no need for mods for my baby she likes things in the slow lane

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies. 115C works out 239F...

My temp never rose above 200F on the 250 mile road trip I just did, so I think I will set the Orange at 190 and the Red at 210....

Thanks again for your help. I want to keep this pig for life so I think I am being a bit over protective with it...

Saying that, my new max speed shown is 119 mph on 17" Sumo wheels, and I still haven't maxed the bike out...