Overheating/fast idle

[guinness]

Hi guys, need some advice please before contacting dealer.Took the 1000Var 08ABS out for first time since January. Only done 1100 miles. Noticed blue coolant all over left hand side of engine and fan staying on. About 2 miles from home bike started to cut out at junctions and was difficult to start. Eventually made it home. Coolant header tank showing just below minimum. Oil level ok. There were no warning lights on. Started her up today and shes idling at 2500...switch her off and then difficult to restart. I'm not at all technically minded. Does it sound like fuel injection problem causing oevrheating? I have 2 yr warranty so should be covered. Is Honda recovery 2yrs also. Will they take to my supplying nearest Honda dealer 50 miles away and is dealer likely to return it to me or will I have to make my own way? I want to be forearmed before speaking to them. Thanks

[Austin]

I don't know about the recovery stuff but tickover definitely too fast... should be about 1500rpm clutch in, in gear and about 1250 in neutral. Both a little faster when cold but not much. The coolant leak is also a major cause for concern. I would phone the dealer and let them decide what to do about it. If they pick it up either go with it and get a (decent) loan bike to come back on or insist they will return it to you before they pick it up.

Good luck.

[StumpyFingers]

If a pipe has split then the coolant will go everywhere, it will also have an effect on the engine tickover and starting.

[AncientAndy]

Hi guys, need some advice please before contacting dealer.Took the 1000Var 08ABS out for first time since January. Only done 1100 miles. Noticed blue coolant all over left hand side of engine and fan staying on. About 2 miles from home bike started to cut out at junctions and was difficult to start. Eventually made it home. Coolant header tank showing just below minimum. Oil level ok. There were no warning lights on. Started her up today and shes idling at 2500...switch her off and then difficult to restart. I'm not at all technically minded. Does it sound like fuel injection problem causing oevrheating? I have 2 yr warranty so should be covered. Is Honda recovery 2yrs also. Will they take to my supplying nearest Honda dealer 50 miles away and is dealer likely to return it to me or will I have to make my own way? I want to be forearmed before speaking to them. Thanks

Don't run it again!

Call your local Honda dealer, tell them the the problem and ask them to either collect the bike or arrange AA recovery. AA recovery is indeed for two years.

It is doubtful they will return the bike to you, it will be a collection.

[saitek]

Could simply be the radiator hose clips need tightening. I found coolant under mine when it was about a year old and that's all it was.

[guinness]

Thanks for the advice.Will get it sortomorrow.