Running Hot

[ExBanditMan]

I have recently purchased a 2004 955i Speed Triple, the temperature runs at about 80'C most of the time on open road. However whenever I come into a built up area having been on the open road the temperature goes up to 103'C and the fan kicks in. It then drops down but will rise again until the fan kicks in again it does not settle back down until the open road again. Is this normal?

[13]

Doesn't sound normal. Check: radiator not blocked (I degrease mine at every wash, when I started doing this noticed significant temp drop, but not what you're experiencing); radiator should be full with no air in system, 50/50 or, 60 water/40 coolant and appear clean; test thermostat > remove, place in cold water (should close) > boil water with thermostat and thermometer > thermo should open around 85c or 185f; check cooling hoses aren't bent, cracked or loose. Since your fan is working it's probably not that, a fuse or relay. You could flush the cooling system with Prestone Cooling System Flush, I use distilled water for final rinse... Hope this helps!

[triple3john]

I think your bike is running normally and mine is the same. 79 when moving but slow traffic and it soon gets to 103 and the fan kicks in.My friends Aprilia Tuono is the same.I can only assume that powerful engines generate plenty of heat.My Tiger does not get as hot so quickly,and obviously has a lower power output. As long as the fan cuts in then everything is fine (I assume).

[Gdsila]

I'm unsure of the conversion but it also sounds normal to me. My 03 runs about 180F -170F on open roads but quickly climbs to 218F-220F in slow traffic or stopped on a warm day. As others have posted as long as the fan kicks in and brings the temp down, no worries.
I am not aware of any liter-class sportbike that "runs cool"
Hope this helps.

[ExBanditMan]

Thanks guys I think you have given me peace of mind on this matter