Each machine with an internal combustion engine needs a cooling system to prevent metal from overheating. This concept also applies to motorcycles, and the cooling system on them is crucial. Understanding how the cooling system functions can help riders avoid motorcycle engine overheating, which can save money on expensive repairs. Make this one of your top priorities to comprehend before you begin riding down the road if you plan to acquire a motorcycle.
So how does a motorcycle cooling system work? The motorcycle cooling system works in two different ways. The first is air cooling, which involves ambient air through the cylinder and cylinder head fins. The second method uses water cooling, where coolant circulates back into the engine after passing through thin plates on a radiator that the wind has naturally ventilated.
A motorcycle’s cooling system is relatively straightforward but can have disastrous effects when malfunctioning. This article explains the motorcycle cooling system’s operation and other riding-related information.
How Does an Air Cooling System Work?
The most common way for motorcycles to cool themselves is through air conditioning. This will be standard on most motorcycles. Efficiency here refers to the fact that fewer components are needed to finish cooling down an engine. You’ll observe that the engines of many motorcycles feature ridges or fins. They play a significant role in the motorcycle’s functionality and aren’t only there for aesthetics.
For the engine to move the pistons up and down to move the motorcycle, the combustion process within an engine must be incredibly hot. But if the engine becomes too hot, the structure of the metal parts will start to alter, which might completely damage the engine.
You may be familiar with the phrase “seized engine.” This indicates that the pistons within have, in some manner, bonded to the cylinder walls; often, this happens because those components have become extremely hot and effectively melted together. This results in the engine being destroyed. Although you could fix it, buying another engine would be more cost-effective.
These fins are useful in this situation. Most motorcycle parts and components are already exposed, so adding fins to the cylinder and cylinder head is ideal for keeping the engine cool. Because aluminum is lightweight and has a higher heat transfer efficiency, it is typically used to make these fins. Wind will naturally pass through these fins as a motorcycle travels, effectively cooling the engine. Without the fins, the engine could not cool itself as effectively because the fins’ design can capture air far more effectively than the engine block itself.
How Does a Water Cooling System Work?
A motorcycle’s water cooling system operates on the same principles as an air conditioning system, but it does it in a different method. A water-cooled motorbike engine has a unique appearance from other types. This is because these bikes typically lack fins in favor of a radiator, typically located at the front of the engine block.
Although a more complicated system, it can handle significant temperature variations. Water jackets, which run inside the engine and around the cylinders, replace the fins on the exterior. A radiator and a reservoir are connected to these routes.
A water/antifreeze solution is pushed and circulated by a pump, known as the water pump, from the engine’s water jackets to the radiator and back again. When this coolant is circulated via tiny plates in a radiator, the wind blowing over them effectively cools it. Finally, a cooling substance is pumped through to further cool the engine.
The thermostat is essential because it measures the engine’s temperature and controls how much coolant flows through it as necessary. If the coolant isn’t cooling the engine quickly enough, a backup fan is installed on the radiator and is turned on. Also, a reservoir is essential because extra coolant is added under pressure if the radiator requires it.
Although this technique is sometimes called “water-cooled,” the engine is not filled with water. The most effective temperature control requires a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water; since antifreeze has a higher tolerance for freezing and extremely hot temperatures, you don’t have to worry much about riding your motorcycle. Plain water provides less tolerance for such a system, causing it to overheat.
Air Vs. Water Cooling System: Which is Better?
The question “Which cooling system is better?” is frequently asked in motorcycles. There isn’t a correct response to this; it all depends on the rider and their preferences. Next, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of motorcycle cooling systems to choose the best one.
Benefits Of Using An Air Cooling System
We’ll talk about air cooling first. The simplicity of a system like this is among its greatest benefits. The fins are the only components that go with this; otherwise, not much. Because there won’t be any coolant leaks and fewer parts, need to be maintained, it will also be less expensive.
This system’s simplicity means that when you want to take a ride, your engine will warm up considerably more quickly. You can get to the ideal operating temperature right away—you don’t have to wait for the coolant to circulate and do its thing.
Being less effective than a water cooling system is the primary drawback of having an air cooling system. As a result, you run a higher risk of overheating the engine, which could result in subsequent expensive repairs. Although the technique is significantly simpler, repairing the engine’s fins might be challenging if many are damaged. A small scratch or chip isn’t too concerning. However, a strong impact or drop that breaks numerous fins may require the purchase of a new cylinder head or a set of cylinder covers.
Benefits Of Using A Water Cooling System
In terms of controlling the temperature of a motorcycle engine, water cooling is fundamentally far more effective. Especially if they’re riding a sports bike or using it for commuting, it may assure a rider that their motorcycle is considerably less prone to overheating thanks to the regular heat transfer it’s always conducting.
Unlike air-cooled engines, water-cooled engines have many parts that require care and upkeep. While this system is considerably more complicated than an air-cooled system, there may be several causes for an engine to overheat if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road.
Also, you’ll need to monitor the coolant levels; failing to top them off or allowing them to evaporate due to continuous cycling could result in an overheated engine, not to mention the potential coolant leaks you may experience, which can occasionally be difficult to locate.
What Leads To Cooling System Failure?
Understanding what might go wrong and what drives it to do so is part of comprehending how a motorcycle’s cooling system operates. There are several potential issues if your motorcycle constantly seems to be overheating.
- Many individuals are unaware of how critical oil is to the cooling system. Even with ample coolant and airflow to cool the engine, it may still overheat and seize if there is insufficient oil. The cooling system uses the lubricating qualities of oil to keep the engine’s temperature down. Remember that regular oil changes are critical because they also affect engine health.
- The engine might potentially overheat at high idle or at high RPM. Those circumstances indicate that the engine is operating over time. This is similar to working out; the more cardio you do, the hotter and sweatier you become. The operation of an engine is similar. While revving your engine is acceptable, doing so continuously increases the likelihood that it will reach the overheating stage.
If your motorcycle is unintentionally idle high, you might need to adjust the carburetor’s idle screw. Anything above 1,500 RPMs is excessive; a reasonable idle should be between 700 and 1,000 RPMs. Motorcycle engine overheating can be annoying and expensive. Nonetheless, it occurs to most riders and occasionally cannot be avoided due to other underlying problems.
