Running Hot

[Spyderjo1]

I'm new to the Spyder - had mine less than a month - but notice that it seems to run what I think is 'hot' because my gauge stays just over half.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Jo

[UtahPete]

I'm new to the Spyder - had mine less than a month - but notice that it seems to run what I think is 'hot' because my gauge stays just over half.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Jo

You will need to provide the model and year if you want to receive useful advice.

[Spyderjo1]

2010 RT-SE5

[Crisis]

2010 RT-SE5

You should run at 3 to 4 bars when on the highway. 5 bars around town. 6 bars may happen in traffic when hot out. This is normal operating temp.

[Crisis]

Also, check the front of your radiator and make sure the front fins are not clogged with bug debris, you can hose that down to clean it. You should also install the SpyderPops Missing Air Dam on the radiator, if it's not there. When was the last time the antifreeze was changed?

[Bob Denman]

At "just over half": you're in the ballpark!
That's how the 998s run.
If you can get it's nose out into the wind: the gauge should drop back a bit. The Vee-Twins do tend to run a bit hotter in stop & go situations.

[Spyderjo1]

Also, check the front of your radiator and make sure the front fins are not clogged with bug debris, you can hose that down to clean it. You should also install the SpyderPops Missing Air Dam on the radiator, if it's not there. When was the last time the antifreeze was changed?

The maintenance records don't have anything about it being changed. I have read that there can be problems with the radiator when pulling the plug - so waiting to get home for that.

[Easy Rider]

I'm new to the Spyder - had mine less than a month - but notice that it seems to run what I think is 'hot' because my gauge stays just over half.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Jo

Why do you think that "just over half" indicates "hot" ??
It does NOT.
That is normal.......and anything NOT in the red is OK but I'd be a little nervous if the needle starts touching the red on a regular basis.

95 F in Florida and mine always has one fat white mark between the needle and red.......at least.

[Spyderjo1]

Thanks for all the info/help.

[Easy Rider]

You should run at 3 to 4 bars when on the highway. 5 bars around town. 6 bars may happen in traffic when hot out. This is normal operating temp.

Mmmmm.......well I guess it is important to know which KIND of gauge you are dealing with too.
My round conventional analog gauge doesn't have "bars".

[PW2013STL]

The maintenance records don't have anything about it being changed. I have read that there can be problems with the radiator when pulling the plug - so waiting to get home for that.

Do not pull the drain plug!!!

Instead purchase a hose clamp and remove the bottom radiator hose to drain. This is how the new spyders are done, and I beleive that BRP elimanated the drain plug due to the issues of trying to remove them from the older models.

[ARtraveler]

It does look like your question has been answered above. When it gets to hot, the radiator fan should come on. If it hovers near the red zone or in the red zone often, then you should have someone look at it. 50% is pretty close to normal.

[Easy Rider]

When it gets to hot, the radiator should come on.

Yes and the FAN should come on to !!

[Spyderjo1]

Why do you think that "just over half" indicates "hot" ??
It does NOT.
That is normal.......and anything NOT in the red is OK but I'd be a little nervous if the needle starts touching the red on a regular basis.

95 F in Florida and mine always has one fat white mark between the needle and red.......at least.

This is my first motorcycle - my car gauge always stays well below half - since I know they are two different animals I was hoping for some good input from people who know their bikes - since I'm still learning mine.

[Bob Denman]

Not to worry: your question is a perfectly good one to ask.
And if I didn't mention it before:

[SteveLaoyster]

Also, check the front of your radiator and make sure the front fins are not clogged with bug debris, you can hose that down to clean it. You should also install the SpyderPops Missing Air Dam on the radiator, if it's not there. When was the last time the antifreeze was changed?

Someone on here suggested using watered down hydrogen peroxide to clean bugs out of radiator fins. Just spray it on & let it foam up before rinsing. Be careful of sprays in cans for cleaning the fins, some of them are caustic.

[ARtraveler]

Yes and the FAN should come on to !!

Nice catch. I will edit that one. Got me.

[Easy Rider]

I was hoping for some good input from people who know their bikes - since I'm still learning mine.

And do you feel that you GOT good input ??
You are watching the "electronic" gauge on the screen, right ??