Side Mounted Radiator Woes - 1998 VFR

Hello everyone new member here

After buying my 98 vfr, I went through a complete fluid change to freshen up everything. New oil/filter, brake/clutch fluid, and coolant change. Lately I noticed a weird issue where the left radiator isn't heating up at all. During some rides I can feel both of my legs cooking nicely as the radiators barf out hot air, but some rides one leg is getting the cold shoul... knee. When I pull over to feel the radiators, the left radiator is stone cold! Thankfully the temperature still stays within spec, but I'm worried about hotter months.

My first guess is air got into the system somehow so I'll post an update when I the coolant. Before that though, anyone else have this problem?

 

I only ever followed the service manual instructions and never had an issue. Refill the coolant whilst on the sidestand, start the engine and blip the throttle a few times to burp out any air, and top up as needed. At a minimum you need to check that you have properly filled the system. What is happening in the reservoir tank?

 

Sorry for the late posts everyone! It sucks not having a garage to do work. I followed the Haynes manual and heated up the bike, got the fan running, carefully opened the reservoir cap, and blipped the throttle to get some air bubbles out of the system. I also gave some love taps (advice from mello dude) to the radiator but I think all the bubbles were already out. I then refilled the coolant reserve to the proper height. Both radiators are getting as hot as they should.

 

Good to hear that you sorted it out.