Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Hi Guys,

Was just after a bit of advise for my 06 636. Went for a ride today, it was over cast and about 20 degrees and observed the following temps:

110km/h no traffic - 83 C
70km/h no traffic - 90 C
50km/h no traffic - 93 C

Riding in traffic with little air flow - 97 C
Sitting at lights for extended period of time - 102 C with thermo on

Do these temp seem normal for 2006 636? when im stopped at lights the temp will shoot up quite rapidly to 102C, the highest i have ever seen it is 107C on a 30+ degree day when i was sitting in traffic for about 5-10 min. When the traffic starts moving again the temps will come back down to about 97C and when i get some clear air it will come down to about 90C

I have had a chat with a mechanic at a kawasaki dealership which are a sponsor of KSRC and they think it seems to be running about 10 deg too hot, they say on the highway at 110 i should be seeing about 75 C, the guy mentioned his ZX10 ran at about 65 C but i dont think comparing the 10 and the 6 is valid.

Just wanted to get your opinions and if anyone else has a ZX6R could you advise if this seems normal or not, all the research i have done everyone has indicated these bike run hot, but this was mostly off american forums and i would like the get thoughs from some fellow aussies

Cheers,
Vukie

I was of the understanding that bikes are ment to run warm. Anyway my 636 05 runs at about 95c and that is flogging its arse off at the track. When I come into the pits it jumps to 98-99c. The temps you state are about wright because when I was road ride the 636 it would be around 85c. Just flush your coolant and put some good stuff in and see how it goes. Wouldn't worry to much. You have to also remeber the zx10 would have a larger radiator.

i have an '06 636 and on a cold day it runs about 60-70 , average day about 70 85 and a hot day about 80-102(when the thermo kicks in......it sounds like your's is running a bit hot but i am only going on what mine runs

It does seem a little high for riding conditions where there is no traffic...I tend to get those temps on my 06 636 when in heavy traffic. Might be worth checking out

Mine runs about the same, going in for a 24 thou service this week so will let you if she runs any cool after... i run the Motul coolant..

Thanks guys,

Had a bit of a chat with the guys at Keleen and Fly Wheels and they both said its totally normal and nothing to worry about. The guys mentioned operating temp is about 90-95 C and a quick flick through the manual states that the bike will overheat at 120C and should be shut off if these temps are seen. The both said to make power the motor has to be hot and that the Kawi's run hotter then other jap 600's like the R6 where the thermo is designed to cut in at 95C unlinke mine where it cuts in at 102C.

So looks like its all hunky-dory, im getting the bike serviced soon so might just get them to drop the coolant anyway just for the sake of it.

^

yeah Vukie, I had the same question when I first got my '06 636, you'll find it if you see the archive/older posts.. (I haven't posted for a while!!!! )
I guess it's kinda a big change to get used to.