That same old overheating problem!!!

[TomL]

For what it's worth I have a fenda extenda and have had to replace my radiator every 3 to 4 years. I have never had a cooling problem and it is always at the replacement plugs service that my dealer tells me the old rad is blocked and needs replacement. I am on my third radiator and expect to have to replace it in 2020. Hmm, those K1600 GT's are looking better and better!!

T.

Take a good look at the K1600GT. IMO it will suffer from exactly the same problem.

[Oxford-k1300s]

It begs the question why bmw can’t or don’t want to overcome  the problem.
Could it be the case that they want the sale of radiators to continue.

[black-k1]

It begs the question why bmw can’t or don’t want to overcome  the problem.
Could it be the case that they want the sale of radiators to continue.

They have overcome the problem, they ceased production of the K1300.

I expect that a change of mudguard would not have fully addressed the issue and thus more radical solutions would have been needed. Had there been an "extended/different mudguard" then it would also have been very obvious that BMW got it wrong to start with, something they really don't like being seen to admit to. The vast majority of "fixes" are implemented in a way that stops little Johnny, with his I Spy Book of BMW Bikes saying "Oh Look, that K1300S hasn't had the replacement switch gear, bevel box, cam chain jump guard and extended mudguard fitted"!

[richtea]

Had there been an "extended/different mudguard" then it would also have been very obvious that BMW got it wrong to start with, something they really don't like being seen to admit to.

I reckon the mud strip is that admittance of fault. I don't recall seeing anything similar on another bike - BMW or otherwise - but someone will be along shortly to tell me I'm wrong. 

[Phmode]

OK, my pleasure. You're wrong 

[alaskier]

[t begs the question why bmw can’t or don’t want to overcome  the problem.
Could it be the case that they want the sale of radiators to continue.
[/quote]

I doubt it. My first radiator was the original, the second they replaced for free (I know ... I couldn't believe it either!) so I have only really paid for the third on which went on after around 75,000 miles/ 7.5 years.

T.

[raesewell]

If BMW paid for a radiator you are a very lucky boy.

[Phmode]

That's like saying that the guy who drew first in line for the firing squad was 'lucky' 

[raesewell]

That's like saying that the guy who drew first in line for the firing squad was 'lucky' 

I know, but I have been subjected to the usual BMW brain washing which is why when it cost £566 I thought I'd had a result 

[Phmode]

 

[Sutty]

This thread spurred me on to give my radiator a proper clean and it reinforced my belief that the Boffins at BMW got it wrong !
I had already removed the crud catcher plank over a year ago and that improved the cooling no end.
I stripped off the shrouds and the fan so I could reverse flush it. there was no damage to the rad at all, what I did notice  was a build up of road dust to the whole rad but even more where the fan mount was, in my opinion this is what rots the rads.
Dry road salt gets trapped in the dust then as soon as it gets damp starts to corrode.
I gave it a spray of MucOff and flushed it out from the back and the whole rad was as clear as a bell.

The fan mount is going ! I' going to draw up a more open mount that will allow a better and greater airflow when moving and allow an easier way to back flush the rad without having to take it apart, I might even fit a bigger fan.

Best regards   Mick

[richtea]

Keep us up to date with some photos as you go, Sutty. It will be interesting to see the results.

[Sutty]

Will do Rich, the original fan looks woefully small for a 1300 and removing the restriction of the fan mount would allow a more forceful airflow to carry away some of the dust build up plus giving a bigger volume of cooled water available for when you are in traffic.


Regards  Mick

[Sutty]

 Still pouring down here so I had a little play.
 The red fan is the original at 7" dia plus not much sweep. I would make the housing from 3mm Stainless and machine out the mounting eyes. I put 3 sizes of fan 8", 9", and 10" but looking at I may be able to fit a 12"
I know the fan cowl is supposed to give a bigger draw area  but I don't think it works in the real world, It may be causing eddies when the fans not running.
I've had a mooch through ebay and there's lots of fans to choose from.

I should have drew up the fan housing when I had it off but I think it will be OK for the rest of the year.

If you have any thoughts on this feel free to comment.

Best regards    Mick

[richtea]

Looks good!

Two things come to mind:
- on my radiator there's a lot less gunge up the top area, so the larger diameter fans will be pulling the air through cleaner fins = even better cooling
- are the larger fans just as narrow? I remember thinking the existing fan+surround were a bit tight in the space between the radiator and the engine.