BMW Motorcycle Cooling Systems

The engine that powers your motorcycle is an internal combustion engine, just like those found in most cars and trucks -- but smaller. And just like those engines, it requires cooling in order to run efficiently. The cooling system on a motorcycle is fairly simple, but needs to be maintained to prevent catastrophic overheating.

Types of Motorcycle Cooling Systems

There are two main kinds: air-cooled and liquid-cooled. Air-cooled is the simplest, and oldest, method. While not commonly used in modern bikes, older models still feature this approach. The engine casing features cooling fins that expand the housing's surface area, allowing heat to dissipate as cooler outside air rushes through. This method is cost-effective for lower power engines, and in low temperature conditions. However, since they require a richer air-fuel mix, they're less efficient, louder, and emit more pollutants.

A liquid-cooled system is the most effective and efficient solution to maintaining an ideal engine temperature. Constructed similarly to automotive cooling systems, a liquid coolant is circulated through internal piping or channels contained within the motor's crankcase. In this set-up, and external radiator holds the fluid. A pump circulates the fluid to the engine and back again, where the collected engine heat is dispersed through the radiator's fans. A liquid-cooled engine is more efficient and quieter than an air-cooled engine.

How to Spot Faulty Motorcycle Cooling Systems

Even the highest-quality cooling system can go bad. Signs of failure include:

Buy Genuine OEM Cooling System Parts Online

Don't ignore these signs, or else your engine may completely seize up. Diagnosing the source of the trouble and replacing the bad part is the smart path. Buying the genuine parts that your manufacturer made specifically for your model is also wise, since they're guaranteed to fit right into place and perform as intended. Find everything you need right here in our online parts catalog, in stock and ready to ship out ASAP!