How many bars for heat do you see on your GS/RS V-Twins?

[stevencovert]

Hi all,

I get 5 bars on the heat gauge of my 2008 GS. While riding with an RT that has a VTwin, they were at 3 bars, flickering on 4. I haven't yet pulled off the two panels underneath to let engine heat out, worried a little about rocks getting kicked up. IDK if the RT's have a different radiator, more coolant, etc.

- Put in some WET, the stuff that makes water get into all the nooks

- Today I pulled the side panel off and used engine cleaner to hose down the radiator and the mesh screen in front of the radiator. Then used a power washer to clean everything sparkly.

- I d have an HMF exhaust and a juicebox, but cannot fathom how those could affect heat. But open for theories.

Still 5 bars. So wondering what you see going down the road for your heat indicator on your GS/RS 998cc models!

Thanks,
Steve

[billybovine]

Hi all,

I get 5 bars on the heat gauge of my 2008 GS. While riding with an RT that has a VTwin, they were at 3 bars, flickering on 4. I haven't yet pulled off the two panels underneath to let engine heat out, worried a little about rocks getting kicked up. IDK if the RT's have a different radiator, more coolant, etc.

- Put in some WET, the stuff that makes water get into all the nooks

- Today I pulled the side panel off and used engine cleaner to hose down the radiator and the mesh screen in front of the radiator. Then used a power washer to clean everything sparkly.

- I d have an HMF exhaust and a juicebox, but cannot fathom how those could affect heat. But open for theories.

Still 5 bars. So wondering what you see going down the road for your heat indicator on your GS/RS 998cc models!

Thanks,
Steve

Your GS is correct 4 or 5 bars is normal. Your RT running at 3 bars all the time could be a problem. New thermostat time.

[Rob Rodriguez]

My RS normally runs 5 bars. The exception is if its colder out (40's-60's) then it typically runs 3-4 bars.

[stevencovert]

Your GS is correct 4 or 5 bars is normal. Your RT running at 3 bars all the time could be a problem. New thermostat time.

Thanks guys, I'll stop worrying about it!

[Gonzo5776]

In this 90 degree weather my spyder stays at 5 stars.

[aka1004]

My old 09 used to run at 5 bars but new to me 2015 model kicks fan on early to keep it at 4 bars even in 100 degrees weather.
Probably not a whole lot of difference but makes ME feel better.

[SPYDERGUY1]

In stop and go traffic , on a scorching hot day I see 5 bars frequently, as soon you start moving it goes down rather quickly. I normally run around three bars.

[JerryB]

Hi Steve,

Re: I get 5 bars on the heat gauge of my 2008 GS.

I also get 5 bars on my '08; I've gotten used to it.

Jerry Baumchen

[bmccaffrey]

depends outside temp usually 3-5

[Trbayth]

Consistently 4 bars on my ST. As someone else said, on really hot days in stop and go traffic it might touch 5 but goes right back down as soon as I start moving. On chilly mornings it may stay at 3 bars for a while but eventually settles at 4.

[Zip]

My 2010 RTSM5 runs about 5 bars

[asp125]

3-4 under normal operation, 5 if it's mid July and I'm stuck in traffic. we have the Spyderpops cold air kit.

[soloflyr]

i took off the panels and used some oven cleaner on the radiator let it soak awhile at the car wash then pressure washed all the gunk off. in stop and go traffic 4-5 bars is normal if your on open road it should hover at 4, if it reaches 5 bars you should hear the fan kick on and feel the warm air out of the side panel and see 4 bars. on cold mornings it will hover around 2-3 on the open road. until it warms up. i recently changed the thermostat too so i am seeing better cooling.

[ARtraveler]

This is an older post. August/2018 was the last reply besides today.

[BajaRon]

5 bars on a hot day, not a problem. BRP is in Canada where it doesn't get hot. The gauge reads high. But as long as it reads the same high, it's just fine.

[Freddy]

History:

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