K11 Owners Group

[jpberens1994K1100RS]

So many temperature threads, I apologize in advance if this is redundant but the question is simple.
Getting cooler in the mornings here in WI. 48 degrees F this morning.
The temp gauge never got above 1/3 up gauge.on my 23 mile ride to work. I guess that's in the normal operating range as there is red both left & right. My legs felt the engine warmth & the bike ran fine.
When the temps were in the 70's the gauge goes higher, more in the middle to 3/4 but not in the red HOT zone. Bike also was AOK this summer when it was warmer. Had one day in the low 90's and when stuck in traffic the fan would come on and th egauge stayed out of the red hot zone.
Coolent shows normal levels in the over flow tank when warm, smells fine too, if coolant CAN smell fine. Looks clean as well.
Just wanted to know if that lower than I have seen temp is what other's are also experiencing as the temps drop. I usually ride till the roads ice over, then still keep active as long as the roads are clear & dry to avoid cabin fever.
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1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

[Mystic Red]

It sounds like your thermostat may be stuck open. It should remain closed until normal operating temps are reached regardless of the ambient temp, then open and close to keep it there, just like your car. I may be wrong.
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Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

[jpberens1994K1100RS]

Yeah, I was kinda thinking that maybe it's sticking, but then again that
operatiing range is pretty big. It does get about 1/3 of the way up.

Guess it couldn't hurt to change it out to be sure.
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1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

[Jim]

not looking at the gauge right now - but I think there are large hash marks at 1/3, 1/2 and 2/3. The needle on my gauge will stay just above the 1/3 mark when it's cool. When it's hot out, it runs just below the 1/2 mark, and when I'm stuck in traffic it runs up to just below the 2/3 mark, turns the fan on and drops down to just below 1/2.

Seems like yours is doing what it's supposed to - or else I have the same problem you do...
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

[jpberens1994K1100RS]

Yup, pretty much the same dealio on my bike.

Should be even colder in a few weeks, I'll see how she does then before I pull anything. I justed wanted to see if that's sort of normal.
Based on different anti freeze mixs, bike conditions ect. I'd bet there's a lot of fudge room.

Long as she's not too hot or not to cold, we should get along just fine.
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1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

[Jim]

Yep - sounds like some sort of normal to me.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

[Mystic Red]

Mine runs at the summer temps after about 10 to 15 miles no matter the ambient temp on the open road. Just sayin'.
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Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

[DetroitDan]

I've been wondering about a leaky 'stat, too.

1/3 when it's cool (50-60 F) @ 80 mph.

1/2 when it's hot (80F+)@ 80 MPH

Hmmm . . . I think it should be 1/2 anytime the radiator can keep up, and the engine is producing more heat than the cases can dissipate???
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1973 CB350F / 1977 R100/7 / 1991 DR650S / 1995 K1100RS

"No man in the wrong can stand up against a fellow that’s in the right and keeps on a-comin’” Capt. Bill McDonald (1852-1918)

[CheapJapCopy]

You lot worry too much. It's fine.
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1992 K1100RS - Red and gold.

[DetroitDan]

[bmwmick]