[jonber44]

I recently bought a 1984 Honda Shadow 700, and I noticed that it runs really hot after 5 minutes of riding. THe needle hovers near the red zone in the heat guage, but the fan seems to work, and the coolant reservoir is topped. I have not seen what it does on the freeway, but only while driving on city streets. Any ideas why?

[WyoJames]

Have you tested your thermostat?

[jonber44]

Not yet. I just got a copy of the clymer manual, and will try that next. DO bikes in general run hotter on city streets? I am guessing yes, but not this high, so the thermostat (I am hoping) is the problem. Thanks!

[Bonefish]

Bike will definitely run hotter in traffic than on the open road. My blade runs at around 80cel on the open road and upto 108cel in traffic.

[jonber44]

Is there a way/adjustment to keep it cooler in stop and go traffic? I plan to drive freeways more, obviously, but there are times when stop and go, 2nd and 3rd gear operations will be necessary for periods of time. Don't want to overheat!

[reefkprZ]

I have an 85 vt700 and I can idle it all day and it wont over heat or even approach the top end of the heat zone, (its still a work in progress) the fan kicks in and cools it about halfway up the heat dial. if its not cooling down with the fan running your radiator maybe partially plugged, or as some one else mentioned maybe the thermostat is faulty. I'm still a noob with bikes but those are the things I would check. good luck.

[jonber44]

Thanks. I am suspecting the thermostat, but will update with solution soon. Have fun on the 85 VT700!

[reefkprZ]

Any progress on the high temp?

[mahley54]

I recently had to pull out the thermostat to stop my '85 VT-700 from over heating. Would like to find a cheap replacement, Bike Bandit wants $34.44.

[mahley54]

VT-700 rear cylinder spark cuts out after running 5 minutes, but runs fine for 5 min. after a long cool down. Have subsituted another coil same results. Is it possible the magnetic pickups could cause this?