Oil must circulate at a certain speed and freshen up in the pan to ensure constant lubrication of the internal parts and maintain a steady temperature. That's where the cooling system comes in, maintaining ideal temperature to allow optimum engine output.

Now that you know the proper engine parameters, you got to make sure to have the correct blend of water and antifreeze. To do so, you need to dilute part of the latter in an equal part of the former. This is the standard mix.

Since owners usually don't ride during winter, freezing is not a factor that will affect the content of the mixture. However, those who ride during the cold season (let's say for ice racing) will want to protect their machines against freeze and possible engine breaks. The ultimate goal, of course, is to maintain a controlled temperature inside the engine to ensure optimum performance. Be careful when choosing the coolant for your motorcycle: it has to meet the standards of your manufacturer; otherwise, it could damage the whole cooling system.


Finally, overheating can be the result of obstructions in the cooling circuit, particularly in the radiator body. Pinched or deteriorated radiator hoses will affect the cooling system. A defective thermostat, a non-airtight radiator cap or a leak from one of the engine parts will create similar problems. Pay attention if you don't want your engine to overheat.


Photo Credit : Henri Lebarbé