What is a motorcycle radiator for?

To guarantee efficient heat exchange, a radiator must be large enough, which will lead to an increase in the weight of your vehicle and, par therefore reducing its performance and energy efficiency.

This is why most motorcycle radiators are made of aluminum alloys and are par therefore very light. They perfectly absorb and emit heat.

Additionally, these materials are highly resistant to corrosion, preventing scale and rust buildup inside the tubes, which can hinder the proper flow of coolant. This can significantly increase the pressure in the cooling system and thus damage the radiator, water pump or hoses.

The most common radiator failure is a leak. While driving, the radiator can receive flying stones and debris which can damage not only its fins but also its hoses. Additionally, road salt and the elements can corrode the aluminum alloy your radiator is made of and cause a leak. Besides external hazards, other factors can lead to radiator failure. One of them is corrosion causedepar the use of a coolant poor quality or late replacement. Another factor is the failure of other cooling system components such as the pump or thermostat.

Malfunctions of a motorcycle radiator: causes and consequences

1) Radiator Contamination

She's usually causedepar dust and insects sticking to it. The likelihood of contamination is greater if you use your motorcycle in the rain and in dusty areas. One of the manifestations of this problem is engine overheating. Some motorcycles are equipped with a special warning light on the dashboard which signals the sharp rise in temperature.

2) Radiator clogging

It is provoked par the use of poor quality coolant or forgetting to change the oil at the appropriate time. Scale and abrasive particles build up in the expansion tank and enter the motorcycle's water cooling radiator. This problem causes an increase in engine temperature. If the vehicle is equipped with a fan for forced cooling, it will run continuously.

Regular maintenance of your radiator can extend its life. Here are the operations you can perform preventively:

1) Monitor the level and condition of your coolant (be careful to handle it with care, it is corrosive and therefore harmful to the skin and eyes).

2) Check the condition of your cooling circuit: your hoses (with age, the sun and the temperature, they will tend to crack), the tightness of the hose clamps.

3) Install radiator guards. Depending on the type of motorcycle you have, there are different options: grilles, net or reinforcements. They will have different missions: to protect against the projection of bodies andrangers or avoid crushing and twisting in the event of a fall.

After riding, wait for the radiator to cool down. Once your engine has reached ambient temperature, you can proceed to clean the radiator grille using a brush and soapy water. Then do a drainage and rinse. Pour coolant back into the radiator.

It is also important to periodically check the condition of the coolant. Indeed, over time, this liquid can be polluted and no longer cool the engine normally. It will therefore have to be changed.

If, after a fall or impact with a bodyranger, your radiator is damaged, follow these tips:

- You can straighten the fins to ensure good cooling.

- You can also straighten the structure if it is twisted or twisted. If your radiator is pierced, it will be necessary to contact a professional for a complete reconditioning.

If the leak is slight, you can refer to a anti-leak product. However, your radiator may not be repairable, in which case it will need to be replaced.

Before any intervention, you will have to dismantle your radiator.

First, you will have to drain your circuit (remember to treat your old liquid in a sorting center). Protect yourself car coolant is harmful to skin and eyes.

Locate the assembly well and do not hesitate to take photos. Keep in mind that in case of improper handling, you can cause irreversible damage to your radiator and especially to your engine.

After draining your circuit, take screwdrivers suitable for your hose clamps. Loosen them. This will allow you to remove your radiator(s).

To straighten your fins, two solutions:

- Buy this wonderful tool called a comb (or sometimes rectifier, straightener or straightener) of fins. It will save you valuable time. In addition, you can use it on any other type of radiator (car, air conditioning, etc.). Find a suitable tool that won't damage your fins. Indeed, the latter are very fragile. A pair of tweezers will do the trick. This operation can be very long if many fins are twisted. Arm yourself with patience! If the structure of your radiator is damaged, you can straighten it, always with a good dose of patience.

- Or take a vice, a mallet and a wooden wedge. Never hit your radiator directly. Systematically use the wooden wedge. You can use your vice if your radiator is twisted or if you want to hold it. The latter being made of aluminum, it is quite malleable.