I got my '98 Magna C in Oct. 2004. I have put about 2000 miles on it since then, and have no real problems. It occured to me that I never heard the cooling fan come on. One of my brothers has a VT1100 another brother has a ZX6R NINJA. On those bikes the cooling fans are very noticeable when they come on. I have jumped power from the battery to the fan motor, and it turns, but it is slow to get up to speed. It is also very, very quiet. The temp check light comes on then goes out when started. The fan motor fuse is good, and I just replaced the thermostat sending unit and the fan motor switch. Nothing changed. The temp light has never come on while riding, even at temperatures above 95 degrees.
Is this normal? Is the bike cool enough even without the fan blowing? Does anyone know at what temp the fan should kick on, or the thermostat open up?
Mine only kicks on when it gets over 100 (I live in AZ). I never hear it when it's running, only when I kill the engine and the ignition is still on. I have also wondered about driving when it's over 100...like today when it's been 115, but I figure if the temp light doesn't come on and my coolant level is good, I won't worry too much.
Herman is correct it is very seldom needed, only time my 96 would come on was in heavy traffic, stop and go stuff during hot months.
I agree with Greg, I was worried like you that it was not coming on, but it finally came on when it was really hot. Mine is a '99, it seemed like my '98 fan came on more often.
Bob #69
My 98 only comes on when I am in heavy stop and go traffic and it is hotter than blazes out. When it does come on you can hear it and the increase in heat being blown up and back is quite noticable. I have never seen the temp light come on except after starting the engine after it has warmed up.
When the fan does come on it comes up to full speed quickly. If yours comes up slowly and the temp light comes on and then goes off after the fan reaches full speed, I would think there is a problem with the fan or a high resistance connection to the fan. You might unplug the connector to the fan motor and look for any rust or crud buildup.
Hope this helps, let us know what you find, it may help someone else in the future.