I live in tucson arizona and it is getting ready to be summer soon. When it is 65 or 70 degrees the bike gets to 3 sometimes 4 bars on the temp gauge in traffic. I know the bike does`nt do that well in stop and go traffic as far as heat. I was thinking of wrapping the headers and putting in some engine ice in the radiater to help. The bike is still somewhat new so I can`t run synthetic oil yet. What do you guys think. Does anyone else have this problem.

 

the 14 does not have a digital gauge that tell the actual engine temp? but the ice coolant stuff ive heard will bring the temp down a little.

 

I have heard the older model ZX14's (Maybe the new ones too) had overheating problems. Check the obvious first, like your coolant level. I don't know what 3 or 4 Bars translates to in actual temp, but unless your bike is running above 230 degrees, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

Yo !

Tucson, Az here too. Yesterday (Saturday)I traded in my Ducati 996 for a ZX-14. My Duc ran at 180 degree all the way accross town in traffic. I drove the ZX-14 back the same route and the temp bars where 1 short of full. I even thought at one point the bars maxxed too.

I'm hoping it gets better after break-in, otherwise this summer is going to suck!

-Bonzai

 

Hey if your in tucson we should meet up sometime. Every thursday night at mams pizza a bunch of riders meet up there it is on speedway. I have`nt seen any zx 14`s there but myself. There are 5 or 6 busa riders though. I think if I put on the header wrap and put in the engine ice I will be ok. They use basically the zx 10 parts on this thing for cooling and braking.

 

I'm not sure about compatibility between the ZX14 cooling system and the '08 concours 14, but I know the concours 14 uses two radiator fans instead of the ZX14's one, and doesn't seem to have the overheating problems of the ZX. Just wonder if the concours cooling shroud would be a direct bolt up.

 

Hey that is a really good idea I am going to have to do some research. I was looking at the muzzys cooling fin since it was like 50 bucks or so but I am going to do research now. Thanks man.

 

Unfortunately, Thursday at high noon my shoulder has a show-down with the surgeon, and I think he'll win.

I'll be out (off the bike) for 6 to 8 weeks. Perfect time to buy a new bike eh.... 4 days before surgery.

The price and timing were right.

I may stop by the next thursday, just look for the guy int he arm sling.

... bonzai

 

The 14 does run hot but unless the temp indicator starts flashing, dont let it bother you. I rode in North Carolina in 90-100 degree weather and ocassionally throught town and yes, it stayed on the top of the heat range but never went into alarm.
Once it breaks in you will lose 2-4 degrees. That's when you will want to go to synthetic oil, and the ice coolant which will drop it a few more degrees.
The 14 is never really happy until it's going down the road at 70 plus MPH. Mine runs hot but never overheats. I have heard the gas in the tank boiling before. I think that worries me more than the engine heat. There is a mod where you can manually engage the fan which is the next mod that I'm going to do so you might want to do that.
Join the ZX-14.net forum, they have all of the instructions for this mod.

 

+1

You will definately notice a drop in temp when you swap out the organic for synthetic. Muzzy has a nice aluminum 6 blade fan for the bike that might help a bit too.