no question these bikes get hot. i've been on the lookout for a wax that won't burn off my tail section since i've owned this baby ('00 F4s, 2400 mi)...trust i'm not alone.

i wondered if anyone has had any problems with overheating in traffic or under other circumstances. any crazy highs to report? average running temp..or ways you keep your sweetie cool??

don't know about you guys but i start STRESSIN when i feel that heat come off those pipes in traffic. i see the temp move up thru 208..209 and before long i'm wavin my fist and cussing under my helmet at drivers: not a pleasant sight. sure would appreciate the feedback.

cheers, brad

bradhamilton@hotmail.com

-- brad hamilton (bradhamilton@hotmail.com), April 04, 2002

Answers

The bikes fans kick in at @212. By this time my tender loins are medium rare =).

Motul 300V is said to be used in the factory also.

-- mod (mvf4s@excite.com), April 05, 2002.

I got my first MV around April last year and used it occasionally to commute in 105+ degree traffic. I live in Phoenix, Arizona. It would be really common for the bike to run about 210 to 212. I don't think I go past 212 in heavy traffic and 105+ heat.

I did take it on a 400 mile trip to L.A. in September, when the temps were about 108 and at 80mph, the MV would be around 200. At speeds above 90mph, the bike would run about 190. Not too bad considering I was driving during the hottest part of the day and sustained speeds. Yes, I am stupid to drive in those conditions!

The original owner complaint of the lower fairing starting to melt, but after the initial melting, it stopped. I do recall the heat shields started to come off. Other than that, no serious damage.

With the new MV (the first was totaled) I would really like to try Waterwetter. This 2002 model also runs hot but when the fans kick in, it cools off much faster than the 2000 model. Also, I noticed Cagiva requires Agip 15/50 synthetic oil. I imagine this is because of the heat. Does anyone know who sells 15/50. I never heard of a grade that high.

-- Allan Gibbs (Agibbs996@aol.com), April 05, 2002.

I see 212 in traffic all the time. On occasion it may go over it a bit but the fans bring it back down fairly quickly.

I think that the bike is designed to work at these temperatures for something that has to do with emmission standards.

BTW, make sure you check the coolant reservoir according to the manual and of course don't top off.

-- Yannis (ydoganis@usheron.com), April 05, 2002.

I just purchased a 5 gallon bucket of Agip 15w/50 synthetic spectro 4- T for $92.00, that comes out to $4.90 per qt. There is an Agip retailer down the street from my house, his name is Patrick Moore 609- 747-0160 I wonder how much shipping would be. This is a good deal, if you by it from your dealer by the qt it goes for $9.00 to $11.00 per qt...........

-- Joe Pierzynski (joseph.pierzynski@wcom.com), April 05, 2002.

I too run very high temps 208+. i have one of the first MV's in the states, and Have amsingle fan unit. Some in europe have an upgrade to two fans, like the 2002. I have fan on order as well as a second radiator that fits in the lower V of the fairing. I report when they arrive

-- david Chicatelli (nebbi@msn.com), April 21, 2002.

ive had mine 6 wks the first day it boiled up cause the fan switch was stuck fans come on at 97c and go off at 102c a lot hotter then my 748

-- geoff drage (geoff.drage@ntlworld.com), April 27, 2002.

Phoenix, Arizona: 94 degrees, slow moving (5mph) traffic for about 5 minutes = temperature 223!

At this point the "223" started to flash. I imagine I was nearing the maximum temperature. However, as I started moving, the temperature immediately drop to 218. Not something I want to do everyday.

-- Allan Gibbs (Agibbs996@aol.com), May 06, 2002.