Overheating!!!

[Eric72]

Just got a 03 xb9r. When I tested the bike no probs. But got it home took it for a longer ride, after about 45 minute of scooting around the city, it started making a tapping noise and seemed to be overheating. Can anyone help me out on where to start looking?

 

[kalifornia]

if its overheating i think the computer will shut down a cylinder (03) im not sure. tapping noise is probably the valve train (shouldnt be a problem). these bikes will cook a Christmas turkey once warmed up.

 

[Stevenc150]

Pinging or knocking? (Pinging, like metal and glass sound - Knocking, like metal on metal sound) Pinging, if that's what it is, can come from bad gas or if you're using low octane.

Also, does it just make the sound at idle, or when you're in upper RPMs? How long have you been riding the Buell 'cause they make a lot of racket.

 

[onelogue]

How do you know its overheating? Its an air cooled bike (runs hot)

 

[firebolt020283]

is making a metaling ping after it is shut off? If so that is normal for other harley v-twins. It usually never happens to my xb because of the fan but it does do that all the time on my m2 after riding it a while.

I am pretty sure you cannot over heat an aircooled engine unless you shave off all of the fins.

 

[ztied]

Change fluids,use a good quality oil,clean air filter,plugs wouldn`t hurt,if it`s been awile.Air cooled engines can over heat.Lack of oil,out of tune bike,running lean,clogged air filter.My xb9r rattled alot also,Valve train.