With temperatures nearing 50 degrees in northern regions of India, heat is a concern. However, one pressing question that motorcycle riders have is how to keep their engines from overheating. This is a serious concern because excessive heat can shorten the lifespan of an engine.
In most cases, engine overheating is not a concern, as many modern bikes are liquid-cooled, which is effective in taking away the heat from the engine and keeping them at optimum temperature. However, in case the motorcycle is still overheating, here are ways to avoid them.Â
Check the radiator, coolant, and fan
Liquid-cooled engines have a radiator and coolant that is pumped through the engine to remove heat. There is also a fan that kicks in after a certain temperature to remove excess heat. When all three components work fine, an engine will not overheat. However, if there is a problem with either of them, engines can overheat.Â
One way to avoid an overheating scenario is to check the coolant at regular intervals. Check the level, and top it off if necessary. Also, if the problem persists, flush the coolant and refill it, ensuring there are no airblocks. Use a good quality coolant.
Also worth checking are the radiator and fan. Check the radiator for leaks or crushed fins. If you spot any damage, get the radiator fixed by a professional and if the damage is too much, replace it. The same goes for the fan and if the fan refuses to turn on, it could be a problem with the switch of the thermostat.
Change fluids regularly
Engine oil plays a crucial role in keeping engines from overheating to a certain extent, so make sure you change the oil at regular intervals, as per the manual. Use a good quality engine oil and the one recommended by the manufacturer.
Most modern bikes have one oil for the engine, clutch, and gearbox, however, some older motorcycles like the older Enfields have separate oil for the engine, clutch, and gearbox, so make sure they are also changed when servicing the motorcycle.
Stop hitting the limiter
A primary way to prevent the engine from overheating is to ride responsibly and stop hitting the rev limiter in each gear or when idling. More revs cause more heat and the engine components have to work extra hard to remove the heat, so do not over-rev the motorcycle. Doing so can not only harm the engine, but also damage the clutch, and other components of the motorcycle.
