Engine heat:

[der4455]

I've only had my 2011 Voyager for a few weeks and it is still May but the heat gauge goes past 3/4 in stop and go driving. When mid summer comes I'm afraid it will overheat. Is 3/4 on the gauge normal for this time of year?

Dave

[Kevin B in Illinois]

I changed the coolant over to Engine Ice and it dropped several levels on the gauge and felt cooler also. A lot of owners have tried this and the dealership only charged me one hour labor to do the job, which I felt was beyond fair.

Kevin Braddy
in Southern Illinois

[1700Guy]

The gauge reads hotter than it really is. But it is still a good idea to keep it down as much as you can. I have been preaching Engine Ice from the very get go. Also after about 8000 miles switch to a synthetic oil. and for yourself wrap the pipes that makes a big difference for the rider and passenger. Not only does it stop the radiant heat on your legs it cuts down on the amount of heat in the engine area. I used a two inch wide exhaust wrap I got at Napa store. and it is good for the engine also it is called a scavenging affect. When the exhaust hits the exhaust pipe it hits a surface that is the same temp instead of a cooler pipe helping engine efficiency. Most race cars wrap there pipes for this reasons also most Nascar racers use Engine Ice. In 2012 Kawasaki came out with the KAMS kit (Kawasaki Air Management System. I think wrapping the pipes does just as good as it is working all the time not just when the fan comes on. And one thing you want to remember it is a big V Twin it will put out some heat but if you do these 2 things you find it helps alot.

Note: Engine Ice will drop engine temp about 30 deg. And wrapping pipes will take away alot of radiant heat.

Duane Ash

[debron]

Those are great suggestions, but the question on the table is still:

Is 3/4 on the gauge normal for this time of year?

[jhellman]

That's been my experience over 27000 miles. No engine ice though, but the pipes are wrapped and the KAMS kit installed. Only in the winter/spring does the bike not go that high.

[1700Guy]

Yes it is normal if you riding on a very hot day or are in slow traffic or stop and go and in warmer level you are pulling up a hill. but again I will say the gauge reads hotter than it should.

Duane