What to do
- Get out of the traffic. Find somewhere safe to stop, out of the queue.
- Switch off. Air-cooled bikes need air moving over them; standing still with the engine running only makes it worse.
- Leave it to cool. At least 20 to 30 minutes.
- Never open a hot radiator cap. The coolant is under pressure and can scald you.
Common causes
- Sitting in summer traffic, especially on the climbs out of Manchester at weekends.
- A fan that isn’t coming on: a blown fuse, a failed fan switch or a bad connection.
- Low coolant from a leak, or a radiator blocked with flies and road dirt.
- A slipping clutch or a dragging brake making the engine work harder.
Once it’s cool
Check the coolant level in the expansion tank (not the radiator cap). If it’s low and you have water, top it up and ride gently to a garage. If there’s steam, a big leak, or milky oil, don’t ride it: call us for a recovery.
FAQ
Rider questions
Can I keep riding when the temperature light is on?
No. Stop, switch off and let it cool. Riding on can warp the head or blow the head gasket.