First track day - running it bit hot?

KDA · 09-13-2007, 8:27 AM

I did my first track day this week. It was HOT. 97 or so here in NC. After the first couple of sessions and we were able to start running hard, my bike was running about 236-238. Per the rules, I was running water with some Water Wetter added. No slick antifreeze allowed. Does anyone have any advice or feedback on getting it to run cooler or is that just normal. By the way, it was tremendous fun. I plan to go back next Friday. I was running with the Cornerspeed outfit at VIR. They are a great bunch of guys that offer tons of help and run an organized event.

HondaGalToo · 09-13-2007, 10:29 AM

What's the normal operating temp on an RC51? On my 929 it's around 180-200. The fan kicks on at around 220. 228-238 sounds a tad high. Is your fan coming on? Did you "burp" the system after switching to the water/water wetter. Did you follow the directions on how much to add? It's not a lot, I think about 3-4 capfuls per quart. Mine runs cooler on it.

KDA · 09-13-2007, 10:38 AM

It ran at 180-195 cruising around 60mph on the street. Yes, I did follow the instructions on bleeding the air out of the system and the fluid level and the amount of water wetter. I will check all that again though. Not sure about the fans coming on or not. I can't see that they would make any difference at 100mph. In fact I am considering taking them off altogether in order to allow more direct air flow to the rads. Probably will not street ride it anymore. Thanks for the response.

Red Rider · 09-13-2007, 12:27 PM

RC51's are known to run hotter due to the v-twin configuration and side mounted radiators. Those temps would be typical running hard on the track in 97F heat.

Maholli · 09-13-2007, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KDA

I did my first track day this week. It was HOT. 97 or so here in NC. After the first couple of sessions and we were able to start running hard, my bike was running about 236-238.

Which I no longer own my RC51 I was lucky enough to enjoy some wonderful track days on her.. On the 80 plus temp days my RC always stayed in the 220-230ish range seemed like it was normal.....

KDA · 09-13-2007, 1:14 PM

Thanks for the responses. I guess it's just normal when it's hot out. Plan to go back next Friday. I was hoping it would be a nice early Fall day be then, but the long term forecast is calling for 88. We'll see.

sheepofblue · 09-13-2007, 5:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Rider

RC51's are known to run hotter due to the v-twin configuration and side mounted radiators. Those temps would be typical running hard on the track in 97F heat.

Yep you can cook a sparrow on the radiator of an RC