VFR Frame VERY VERY hot

I have a 2000 VFR. I bought it new and have never had any problems with it for the last 10+ years. That is until now.

My bike started running hot. It was a cool day and I was cruising on the highway with the thermostat reading in the upper 220s, hotter than it typically read for a relaxing ride. But not over heating according to the thermostat. But my crotch, thighs and right ankle would tell you a different story. They were roasting. I was riding with my legs spread.

I took it to a shop, had the oil changed, air filter changed, plugs changed, thermostat replaced and fan switch replaced. The next long ride the same thing occurred.

I noticed the frame itself was VERY hot. Almost too hot to touch. The heat shield by my right ankle was WAY too hot to touch. I probably could have started a fire with it.

One other thing to note, it doesn't seem to heat up right away. But I could be wrong. It might just be taking my legs a while to notice it.

Any ideas what's wrong with my bike?

 

Just to be clear, this is not normal, "they are known to run hot" type of behavior. I have owned this bike for over 10 years and been 1000s of miles on it. I know the bike well. And I've never had to ride with my legs spread to keep them from roasting. Even when I was riding near the red line on twisty mountain roads. Much less on a slow ride home from work.

-Joe

 

Aluminum airplanes in the hot sun get so hot you can cook an egg on the wing in the summer time.

Now do you think aluminum frames are good for motorcycles?

BTW you did not tell us the outside air temps.

 

I did not say aluminum does not perform well, it just gets real hot. Aluminum wants to give off its heat.
Ever heard of steel motorcycle frames getting so hot you cannot touch them?

 

Thinking the bike is running lean...causing hot exhaust

Outside air temperature has been in the low-mid 60s, and in the upper 50s on one ride in July! Gotta "love" the crazy bay area weather. If it had been a hot day, I think the bike may have over heated.

I had made no changes to the bike for 6+ months prior to the heat issue starting.

I had a bunch of standard maintenance stuff done after the heat issue started (oil change, air filter change, plugs changed, etc). The bike was due for these. I also had the thermostat changed. Since that is what the shop said was the issue. But all of these changes had no effect on the heat issue.

Looking through my records, I haven't replaced my fuel filter for years (if ever). And a lot of the heat seems to be more on the lower/back of the engine area (by the exhaust). I've read here on VFRWorld and elsewhere on the inter-web that a lean mixture can cause exhaust to run hot. I have no proof what-so-ever that this is my problem. But next I'll try swapping the fuel filter and see if that help.

I'll make sure and post the result here. But if anyone else has ideas, please feel free to let me know.

-Joe

 

My frame gets as hot as a fire cracker! sure wouldnt wana rest my dick on it. Bike has run like that forever - Even stupid parts hold heat. Ever feel your rotors after a ride? I did a front master cylinder re-build and was feeling the top of the cover on the brake and clutch side after a ride. Guess what? They were warm to the touch.

Now I gota feel up my steel framed bike and maybe even break out my lazer temperture pointer and see whats what. Ride and enjoy it :smile:

 

My 01's frame gets hot enough you cant hold your hand on it for more than a few seconds. Its been like that for as long as Ive owned it. Id rather the frame get hot to help transfer heat away from the engine than for these two small rads to do all the work.

I'm calling it normal. Ive never had an engine problem. Valves are all in specs. Valves and piston heads are good. Doesnt burn oil. Coolant system works as it has always done even if its not a very good system. Spark plug color is good. Ive also never had an electrical problem other than a battery just going dead.

 

Check plugs for a lean condition and flush and replace old coolant, making sure all air is removed from system.

 

Forget all this "it's running lean" BS. If you are cruising at light load the engine is already running quite lean to begin with. A lean mixture at light load will not make a noticeable difference in the engine temperature if the cooling system is up to snuff.

You know your bike. If it is running 220+ degrees on a day and riding style that it should be running much cooler you have a cooling system issue. If this started suddenly and you have already replaced the thermostat then make sure nothing has blown up into the radiator blocking air flow through it. Next, does the cooling fan(s) work? At that temp the fan should be on. A cooling fan not working wont make the engine run hot at 30mph+ but under that speed it will. If these things all check o.k. it's time to crack open the water pump to check it out. They rarely fail though.

 

Before you do anything get a thermometer and measure the coolant .

Measure in the overflow tank to make it easy when it is hot.

 

Hey Joe....

It's been a while just taking a chance because I have the same problem.. wondering if you found out what was the issue... Thanks buddy ride safe

 

I have the same problem with my 86. The right side near my lap is very hot during normal riding. Not sure why.

 

Hi buddy
I fixed mine... I changed the radiator cap and also got rid of a bit of air in the cooling system... While the bike we as on its side stand with the cap off. I started engine played alot with all the cooling hoses ,that got some air out... And also emptied a bit the cooling reservoir,it was a bit too full
Now it's not overheating on the right side anymore... I can actually touch the frame after riding without burning my hand
Hope this helps ..
Good luck

 

thanks for the update. I will take a look at my cooling system. probably will change the thermostat and the radiator cap at the same time

 

This is a long shot, perhaps you’ve already considered this. Overheating became an issue for a “just returned from the north,” ride. I spent the better part of a weekend with a lot of soapy water and pipe cleaners to get the debris out of the (fins) radiators. Normal temperatures restored.
Thinking back, I could and probably should have replaced the rads, yet didn’t.

Now at season end ( canuckian, so there’s three seasons here: riding season. Non riding season. Tax season. ) I routinely check the crud level of the radiator fins.