04/09/2026
Your bike’s cooling system does a pretty important job, and often gives you a few clues when something isn’t quite right. Catching a small problem early can be the difference between a straightforward repair and an overheated engine.
Here are five things worth keeping an eye on.
1. THE COOLANT LEVEL KEEPS DROPPING
Having to top up the coolant repeatedly isn't something to ignore.
Check the level when the engine is cold, with the bike upright on level ground, and use the marks on the reservoir as specified for your bike. If the level keeps falling, coolant is going somewhere, and it's worth finding out where rather than continually topping it up.
2. THERE'S COOLANT AROUND THE WATER PUMP, HOSES OR RADIATOR
A damp spot, drip or obvious coolant leak deserves a closer look.
Check around hose connections, the radiator and the water-pump area for signs of leakage.
Rider tip: Some water pumps have a small bleed or “weep” hole. A tiny amount of occasional weeping may be normal on some bikes, but continuous coolant leakage can indicate a worn water-pump seal. Your workshop manual or mechanic can confirm what is normal for your particular bike.
3. THE TEMPERATURE WARNING COMES ON
This one's not a “finish the ride and check it later” warning. If your bike shows a high coolant-temperature warning, follow the procedure in your owner's manual and allow the engine to cool.
Continuing to ride an engine that is genuinely overheating can turn a cooling-system problem into a much more expensive engine problem.
4. THE COOLANT LOOKS DISCOLOURED OR CONTAMINATED
When you check the cooling system, take notice of the coolant itself. A significant change in colour or signs of contamination deserves investigation rather than simply adding fresh coolant on top. On some engines, unusual coolant together with changes to the engine oil can also help point a technician toward an internal seal problem.
5. YOU'RE SEEING STEAM OR AN OBVIOUS COOLANT LEAK
Steam, escaping coolant or a sudden loss of coolant is a pretty clear sign it's time to stop and investigate. And a reminder that's worth repeating: never open a hot radiator cap. A hot cooling system can be under considerable pressure.
One thing that isn't automatically a problem… Your radiator fan coming on. On fan-equipped bikes, the fan is designed to switch on when coolant temperature reaches a certain point. So if you're crawling through traffic or on the side of a hill climb and suddenly hear the fan kick in, it may simply be doing exactly what it's supposed to do.
It's a warning light, abnormal temperature reading or other symptoms alongside it that deserve attention.
Need cooling-system parts? From coolant and radiator hoses to water-pump repair kits, seals and other cooling-system parts, you can search our range to find parts to suit your bike.
Ride safe,
The Firestorm Team
