Voyager 1700 Running Hot

[HMB Don]

I took this picture at the end of a long ride this year. July 26, 2015, in Wyoming, riding into strong headwinds.



You can see 80 mph, temp 90, time 4:15 pm, alt 6,500 to 7,500 ft.
This is a 2012 Voyager 1700, I took delivery December 27, 2011. The ODO is displaying 98,365 miles. I've installed a K & N air filter, use Amsoil 10-40 wt, Kawasaki coolant.

The coolant temp stayed over to the right all day. Just something for all Voyager 1700 riders that worry about the temp needle running close to the red line on the temp gauge, yes that's the last white line before the red line on the coolant gauge.

[Mr Jensee]

Don, From what I understand about the 1700 the cooling system does not cool the entire head of the engine. As a result it is logical due to the V twin design that cylinders would have to receive the rest of their cooling from oil and air. Harley Davidsons being entirely air cooled get pretty hot because they rely on only oil and air to cool them down. I would make sure you have a really good oil to help transfer the heat and personally I would change oil no less than every 3000 miles to ensure proper viscosity. Check with the dealer and see what they recommend. I wouldn't go with less than a good 15-50 wt oil. I don't think the heat will damage the engine but I can understand if it is making your riding uncomfortable. Have you installed the KAMS system on the bike? This should shunt a significant portion of the heat coming off the engine to the ground.

[hank43]

Don and other 1700 riders;

Coming back from the rally this year in like temperatures, I noted on my aftermarket digital temp gauge water temps of from 180 to 230 degrees, depending on whether or not I was climbing a hill.
On flat lands, averaged temp was 200 degrees, I think all the 1700's run this hot, so I don't worry unless it never runs less than 200 degrees. I do have the KAMS as you do, but remember, that does not help the engine run cool, only the rider, by keeping hot fan air from blowing on you and your passenger. I also have wrapped pipes, and run Engine Ice. It's just a hot running engine!

hank43

[HMB Don]

This post was just so that Voyager 1700 riders, could see that these engines run hot on the gauge. With no real long term problems.

I use Amsoil 10-40 because after trying 20-50 Amsoil the engine ran hotter and the trans shifted slower. I'll be changing the oil this week, the miles since the last oil change 11,000 plus miles. The date of the last oil change was June 12, 2015, 2 1/2 months ago.

[hank43]

This post was just so that Voyager 1700 riders, could see that these engines run hot on the gauge. With no real long term problems.

I use Amsoil 10-40 because after trying 20-50 Amsoil the engine ran hotter and the trans shifted slower. I'll be changing the oil this week, the miles since the last oil change 11,000 plus miles. The date of the last oil change was June 12, 2015, 2 1/2 months ago.

That's 4400 miles per month!!!

hank43

[David (N. Alabama)]

Don, are your fans running when the gauge is at that line? My bike only goes just past the first tick, the fan kicks on which causes the temp to go down until the fan kicks off.

[otter]

mine runs the exact same way. Dealership warned me ahead of time. They said, "ignore it unless it runs in the red, they all run hot (indicated)".

[HMB Don]

Yes,
The fans are going WFO, when the temp gauge needle reaches the first line past 12 o'clock. I wonder when those fans will go south they run so often and for long periods.

[kawman12]

Are any of you running Engine Ice? Any opinion on that product?

[hank43]

Are any of you running Engine Ice? Any opinion on that product?

I run it in my 2009, can't really see any difference over running standard "Green" Kawasaki radiator stuff. Also wrapped pipes, no difference there either. Drive fast, stay out of stop and go traffic, no heat problems.

hank43

[David (N. Alabama)]

Are any of you running Engine Ice? Any opinion on that product?

There have been a few guys who used thermometer devices to prove that Engine Ice will keep the temps down compared to regular coolant.

I switched to it when it was time to change the coolant. It is kinda pricey for maybe a little difference.

[otter]

This bike runs really lean = really hot. Some have had success by adding a fuel processor and richening up the fuel delivery. Richer = cooler. I'm not messing with mine. Hot on day one and hot on the hottest days in the summer. Temp Guage will hit 3/4, but never red, even sitting in traffic and cooking my legs.

[MOTOR5]

Well, that makes me feel a little better about the temp needle being buried into the H much of the time. Would you use that Engine Ice or any other tricks to attempt to cool it off?