749 Running Hot?

Thats a bit high. Are your radiator fins clogged up?
When the temp gets that high on my 999 the temp display started flashing, similar to when its below 46'. That is a warrning.
The cooling system on these bikes is not very efficient. When my bike got very hot once it boiled over after i shut it off. That was due to heat build up while the water pump and fans were stopped. Keep ign on to keep fans running when v hot.

 

Hopefully it's not coolant leaking from the head into the combustion chamber. White smoke from start up is a tell tale sign.

To be safe I would drain the oil and look to see if you have any water/cooler in it. If there is more water/coolant than oil then your head gasket is likely to have a problem. As your fans are coming on then your electrical system should be ok, although I think the thermostat on these bikes aren't too good. Also check your water pump is working properly...not the best of bikes for heat dissipation in the first place.

 

Wouldn't it be easier to check the coolant level hasn't dropped?!

It could just be the unusually high ambient temperatures we are experiencing this week! When I was in Italy on the 1098 the temperature would frequently shoot up to the "high end" (Can't remember figures now) and the fan would kick in, blasting a stream of hot air at my calf! So hot that I actually got a burn on my leg which blistered and that's through my leathers!
The point being the frame may be hot due to the fan blowing the hot air on to it.

My mate's 998 has often spewed its water when it gets too hot and it's switched off, it's ok while it's running, so as suggested above, letting the fan run after you stop is perhaps a good idea.

Check for leaks and your coolant level and the other suggestions, keep an eye on it, and see if it continues when the weather gets back to normal.

I can never understand why an Italian bike can't cope with Italian heat?

 

Sounds like the temperature control is working and the fans are working too, so long as it keeps bringing it down probably nothing to worry about. I remember seeing something about setting the temperature that the fans kick in lower, but I don't know where I saw it, what bike or what's involved. It may be worth doing a search on here.

 

I remember my old 749S, on a very warm day was hitting 110 and even when fans kicked it only brought it down to the high 90's. The only way to keep it cool was to keep moving above 60mph, otherwise kept creeping up. Be good to hear from someone on here who rides in a constant hot climate. Think your bike is ok to be honest.

 

Sounds like your fans are doing their job prett well but 100 seems high for riding at speed. My 999 usually shows 70 on an open road. I'd definitely check your radiator for clogged fins.

 

Mine was between 94-102 this afternoon(999) with a mix of autobahn and normal roads

 

Very interesting, Im having massive cooling problems at the moment. Its fine above 50-60, temp around 70-90 but the slightest drop in speed and it shoots up to 105, at which point the coolant decides to empty itself (boil over maybe). Maybe a stupid question but how do I check if the fans are working. Sounds like that could be the problem.

 

Rob5

Do you have the correct quantity of coolant in your system?
Make sure you don't have any air in the system too.

 

I'm reading this in 40° heat at the moment and due to the long hot summer we are having, I've stopped riding my 998 which has the same testastretta engine as the 999 and the same cooling problems. Before I get back on it I'm going to remove the thermostat and wire a manual switch for the fans as I can't cope with the mental stress of watching the guage rise to the inevitable boiling over point. Both of these are an easy DIY job. I might also try some of that Water Wetter coolant if I can source it here. Bear in mind that these bikes are built for high speed use and not commuting, although I agree that they should be able to cope with with moderate traffic and a warm climate. I would like to ride mine into my nearest city (Geneva) occasionally without risk of a heart attack!

 

To check the operation of your fans, simply start the bike up and watch the temp gauge as you let it idle. The fans should cut in at something like 101 and 103 degrees sequentially.
Presumably the idea is that one fan should control the temperature but if it doesn't, then the other fan cuts in as well.
The coolant should not boil till getting on for 130 degrees due to the combined effect of the pressure cap and the 50/50 mix of water to coolant.
If it boils before that, it suggests something is wrong.

 

Just an update on this after 4 weeks in bits I've finally got it. The running hot problem was caused by half of suffolk falling out of the air filter, a simple fix. Unfortunately the blocked air filters were in fact keeping the bike running as the fuel pump was knackered and running lean. Now it can breathe it wont run at all! So new fuel pump it is, except the £30 pattern parts won't fit with the filter on and the Ducati part is £450! Oh and my X5 has just developed an oil leak and is smoking. Great. Looks like an expensive month!

 

Could it be that what clogged your air filters also clogged your radiators??

 

Please don't say that. I'm really hoping its going to work after I find a fuel pump! I can't do with more expense.

 

Washing your radiators shouldn't involve too much expense...
Why do you think your fuel pump is knackered btw?
Haven't heard of this as a common problem.