Running Hot

I'm on the SV650 K3 for the second week only and have a few quick queries you could maybe help me with.

1. I got stuck in a bit of traffic yesterday and the temp just kept going up and up!!! As Im new on it, I didnt want to push it too far as it normally runs happy between 87 and 97 degrees. I pulled over when it got to 118. The fan at this stage was still not going. The question is what temp should the fan kick in?

2. What average miles do you get off a tank? I get to 106miles before the fuel light comes on is this about normal?

3. How many miles do you have once the fuel light is on? I dont really wanna do the test myself and end up going for a walk...

Any info would be appreciated, thanks

1) The fan should kick in around 100C. Chances are a dodgy thermostat switch here.

2) I personally get anywhere between 100-130miles before the light, depending on my riding style.

3) The pointy has a 2 stage light. Flashing is "start thinking about it", constant is "you be walkin' soon boyo!" 30miles after first stage to second stage. 8 miles from second stage to dry. I know, I've proven it!

Nice one Baph

Much appreciated!
It seemed wierd though, I let it cool for about 10min on the side of the road, which and had no effect, then when I stopped for fuel about 5 min later it dropped to 88 degrees by the time I started her up again???

As you said, definately dodgy termostat.

I have a 56 plate SVSport. I get about 110 round London, and then 130 mixed. I'm really pedantic and look at the receipt to see how much fuel has been used: The flashy-flashy light comes on after 11 litres (2.27 gallons) have been used, and the getfuelprettydamnfast light comes on after 14 litres have been used...

...which still leaves 3 litres according to the manual!

Your fan should come on at approx 100 degrees, and stay on until temp drops to 90 degrees.

I have a K1 curvy and noticed just after I bought it that the fan didnt cut in but the red warning light did ! At that point I immediately switched off. On lifting thetank I discovered that the plug and socket that link the fan and the thermostat had come apart - about 2" apart actually ! After I reconnected them - went for a run and within 30 seconds of pulling over the fan cut in like a good un !
The plug / socket on my model are located on the top of the right hand part of the frame just under the tank as you sit on it. if you haven't sorted it- it may be worth a look especially if its been into the garage recently ! My "mechanic" either accidentally pulled my plug/socket apart or forgot to reconnect it !

I've got curvy K1 naked first registered in June 2003.

I don't do a lot of town miles, if any, and when I drive aggressively I get about 50 - 55 mpg. The fill up before last I got 62 mpg out of.

Before I replaced the seized up choke cable I was getting 50 mpg at most.

From fill up(on side stand) to flashing light I get about 150 miles. Then I am stomach churning until I get to the next gas station - I didn't realise there was a 30 mile reserve from flashing to hard on(pardon the expr) petrol light.

Originally Posted by ejohnh

From fill up(on side stand) to flashing light I get about 150 miles. Then I am stomach churning until I get to the next gas station - I didn't realise there was a 30 mile reserve from flashing to hard on(pardon the expr) petrol light.

It is on a pointy, I'm not sure if the curvies have a 2 stage light though. Check before you get stranded

I have a K3s and i have never had a flashing light on just straight to solid, and have gone upto 20 odd miles on it. saying that it is an inport from europe via Taz motorcycles, so could that explain the difference?

i do get about 150 before the fuel light comes on, and got 160 on the motorway before it came on once.

I also have a K3 and only get a solid fuel warning light. My friend has a K6 GSX-R and his fuel light works the other way around - solid first then flashes when you really need to be looking for a petrol station. Have Suzuki changed the order then?

The fuel light on my pointy doesn't flash, should I be worried?