Motorcycle Repair: Overheating, honda goldwing, radiator core


Question
1984 Honda Goldwing 1200I
Temp gauge reads very low when on open road.  Once get in traffic or just running around town, the temp gauge reaches almost in to the red (and just in to the red once).  I have adequate anti-freeze in the bike.  How can I start troubleshooting this problem?

Answer
Doug,

-have you noticed the cooling fan come on?
It should come on a bit over half-way on the
temp gauge or around 98 degrees centigrade.(206F)

-If not, check your temp sensor on the thermostat
cover behind the radiator. It varies in resistance
as the temp rises and turns the fan on.You can bypass
it to check the fan, just unplug it and apply 12 volts.

-Any air in the system will increase the heat.
If the radiator cap has a poor seal, it can
lower the pressure in the system and cause
coolant to boil.

-A thermostat that sticks closed will cause overheat.
not likely in this case as your road temp was okay.
-If the fan seems to work, check it for slipping.
-Make sure radiator core fins are clear of debris.
-Check rad hoses for any weakness or collapse.
-possibly a faulty temperature gauge.

*Note: these models use a 7V regulator on the
temp and fuel gauges that could make gauges
irregular. Partnumber 31410-463-008, REGULATOR (7V)