Overheating
Cooling and airflow checks
This free guided diagnosis asks up to 5 questions about what the bike is actually doing and narrows it down to 7 possible faults, each with a safety call, what it costs to fix, and the guide that fixes it.
What causes overheating?
Radiator fan not working
Check fuse, fan relay, temperature sensor switch, and fan motor.
Ride with caution. Avoid traffic and stop-start riding until the fan works. Heat soak at a standstill is what actually cooks engines. Typical cost: $20-140 DIY, $120-350 at a shop.
Restricted airflow through radiator
Radiator may be clogged with debris. Clean fins and check for obstructions.
Ride with caution. Clean the radiator before the next hot day. Restricted airflow turns into real overheating damage. Typical cost: $10-40 DIY, $80-180 at a shop.
Coolant leak detected
Low coolant means there's a leak. Check hoses, water pump, and radiator for wet spots.
Do not ride. Do not ride until the leak is found. Running low on coolant warps heads and blows gaskets within minutes. Typical cost: $20-130 DIY, $150-450 at a shop.
Coolant needs replacement
Old coolant loses effectiveness. Flush system and refill with fresh coolant.
Ride with caution. Not an emergency, but flush it soon. Spent inhibitors let corrosion eat the water pump and head. Typical cost: $25-55 DIY, $110-200 at a shop.
Thermostat stuck closed
Thermostat may not be opening. Replace thermostat to restore flow.
Ride with caution. Short rides only. A thermostat stuck closed can overheat the engine within a few minutes of idling. Typical cost: $25-90 DIY, $140-350 at a shop.
Water pump failure
Impeller may be damaged or worn. Check for weep hole leakage as early sign.
Do not ride. Do not ride it. If the pump seizes or dumps its coolant, the engine overheats in minutes. Typical cost: $40-180 DIY, $250-600 at a shop.
Head gasket failure
White smoke indicates coolant burning. Serious issue — needs professional repair.
Do not ride. Stop riding. Coolant in the combustion chamber contaminates the oil, wrecks bearings and can hydro-lock the engine. Typical cost: $150-500 DIY, $1,000-2,800 at a shop.