A motorcycle engine must burn fuel continuously to produce the power needed to move the bike and the load it is carrying (i.e. you). But this burning of fuel creates a lot of heat, and this may leave you wondering just how hot a motorcycle cylinder head gets.
A motorcycle cylinder head typically achieves temperatures between 65°C and 110°C (149-230°F). The heat from the cylinder is radiated into the cylinder fins so that the hot air passing over them carries the heat away from the engine. If the bike is not moving, the cylinder head becomes even hotter.
Every motorcycle engine generates a substantial amount of heat when it is running that needs to be taken away for the engine to run at its optimum performance. Keep reading to find out more about your bike’s engine, and what you can do to keep it running at its best.
How Hot Do Motorcycle Engines Run?
Motorcycle engines run at temperatures between 65°C to 110°C, but there are a number of factors that impact it, such as the type of engine, surrounding air temperature, the load the bike is carrying, and the amount of stress that the engine is under. The hottest part of the engine can easily be identified as the area with the most fins around it.
In places with extreme summer heat, the engine gets hot very fast, meaning its lubrication and cooling systems have to be checked regularly. The engine getting hot is normal so long as it stays within its temperature limits, which vary by bike.
If You Live In A Very Hot Place
Air-cooled motorcycles are at a big disadvantage in the summer heat as air-cooling does have its limits. Air-cooled engines are the least efficient of all, and liquid-cooled engines are the most efficient. Fitting a liquid-cooling kit is fairly straightforward, and you can do it at home. However, you may prefer to have a professional do it for you.
Of course, if your bike is not being lubricated properly, then even a cooling kit will not be able to prevent it from damaging itself, so ensure that it is getting enough lubrication before deciding that it needs additional cooling.
TOP TIP: When parking your motorcycle, take the time to find a parking place that is sheltered so that the sun cannot heat up the bike even furtherWhat Is A Normal Temperature Range For Motorcycle Engines?
A normal temperature range for most motorcycles is between 65°C and 110°C (149-230°F). This is also affected by the surrounding air temperature which can increase or decrease the engine temperature, and it will vary between different bike manufacturers and models.
The engine heating up is not a cause for worry as its cooling system will take care of it, but you still need to be aware of any signs of overheating. These are usually a funny smell or the engine making a different sound to usual. If you do notice this, take the motorcycle to your service center immediately so that the fault can be diagnosed.
KEY POINTS
• Motorcycle engines typically run around 65°C to 110°C (149-230°F)
• The exact temperature will vary depending on a variety of factors
• If you think your engine may be overheating, it’s best to take it to a mechanic to find out what the problem is
What Is The Hottest Part Of A Motorcycle Engine?
The hottest part of a motorcycle engine is the cylinder head, where fuel is ignited by the spark plug. The heat generated by the ignition of fuel, combined with the heat from the friction of the piston moving inside the cylinder, causes the cylinder to get very hot.
What Causes The Heat?
Every time the spark plug ignites fuel inside the cylinder head, the heat generated by the ignition is absorbed by the cylinder. The other big factor that causes heat is metal rubbing against metal, as the piston is moving inside the cylinder. An engine revving thousands of times per minute gets extremely hot and would damage itself if the heat was not removed as fast as possible.
What Happens If The Engine’s Heat Isn’t Removed?
If the heat is not removed from the cylinder fast enough, it is going to overheat which can lead to the engine seizing up. For air-cooled bikes, this isn’t likely to be a problem, but for liquid-cooled bikes, you must ensure that it has adequate coolant and that the cooling systems are working correctly.
If the engine does seize, you are looking at a very big bill to get it repaired, so it is preferable to check your coolant levels and system regularly, along with a regular change of your gearbox oil. For air-cooled engines, avoid over-revving the engine while the bike is standing still as there is no airflow over the cylinder fins to cool them. When the bike is stationary, switch the engine off.
An overlooked cause of the engine overheating is using it near or at its maximum power for a long time. Even if the cooling system is working correctly, it needs enough lubrication to avoid being damaged. The motorcycle’s piston, cylinder, and transmission are all subjected to excessive wear without adequate lubrication.
Final Thoughts
Motorcycle cylinder heads typically reach temperatures of 65°C to 110°C (149-230°F). All engines generate a lot of heat when they are running, so it isn’t something to get worried about, as the bike’s cooling system should remove the heat from the engine before it can do any damage.