Gl 1800 Over heating

[jimmykusmc]

My 2005 GL 1800 seems to run very hot in slow traffic or stop and go traffic. I've pegged the heat gage a couple of times. I talked to two dealers and both said unless it boiled over not to worry about it that it is normal. To me if that was the case why put a temp gage on the scoot. I'm looking for suggestions.

[jimmykusmc]

Jimmy it sounds like you are experiencing Parade Mode Blues. The nature of the beast is this. At slower speeds/stop and go riding; not enough fresh air passes through the radiators resulting in higher then usual temperature gauge indication. This condition has been around since the very first GL1800. The key is to keep your speed up a little more or go slower so the fans can overcome the forward momentum air flow and get some serious air moving.

Hope that help some.

Makes sense. I see where some people put computer fans inside the fairing in front of the radiators that you can turn on with a toggle switch. Don't know

[TwoBye]

The other thing to consider is a gauge is only a device to tell EXACTLY when its at zero percent and EXACTLY when it is at 100% and merely an estimate of anything in between. Have you ever tested the coolant to see just how hot it really is? Might be interesting.

[jimmykusmc]

The other thing to consider is a gauge is only a device to tell EXACTLY when its at zero percent and EXACTLY when it is at 100% and merely an estimate of anything in between. Have you ever tested the coolant to see just how hot it really is? Might be interesting.

no but that is a great idea

[JaysGone]

The fans run on my bike so much in slow to stop and go I don't give it a thought. Especially here where its in the upper 80s to low 90s most of the year.
Only my Valk ever quit on me in traffic.
Pulled over had a smoke or 2 then went on my way every time.
The 1800 fans seem to work a lot better in these cases.

[FRR]

One thing you might be aware of........The bike has two cooling fans and every once in a awhile there is a problem where one works and one does not. You can't tell just by the noise they make. If one is not running your heat issue will manifest itself. I guy I know experienced this problem and found out it was the issue.

[Mick]

One of the other things some owners overlook is how old the coolant is and if the overflow tank is empty. She will run with an empty overflow tank and sometimes this can be a sign that the cooling system also possibly needs to have the radiator topped off. I would check out all your coolant levels and dont forget if you need to top off the overflow tank check the level when the coolant is up to temp.

[slick rick]

Mick is correct , few people ever drop the old antifreeze and replace, do this first and then maybe the computer fans as a aid.

[lgjhn]

Jimmy,

Make sure the rads are clear of any debris etc., and that the fans are actually coming on well before pegging out the gauge. Mine cycle pretty frequently around the mid-point of the gauge when in traffic in the summer, but it's never pegged out the gauge. Just an FYI; these engines like fresh coolant about every other year or so to keep the internal corrosion down. Check the coolant level and strength as previously suggested. Maybe time for a coolant change? I usually add an 1 oz of water wetter with every quart of fresh coolant to give the bike all the heat-shedding advantage it can get.

[jimmykusmc]

Thank for all the good info it is educational.