Towing off a SW, problematic ?

My engine got hot, the only option was to tow it off for some 6 miles. Remember, that one shouldn't do this with an automatic car, different mechanic though. What about harm to SW?

Have you checked your coolant level? Does the fan come on? Is the radiator blocked with debris?

Answer to all of that is positive, pumped the coolant out, 1,5 liters, fan came on, little debris, but will have this checked tomorrow.
After draining and refilling took it to test, after less the 2 miles the red came on again.

I take it that it really is over heating and not just the temperature gauge sensor giving a false reading.

It could be the water thermostat is stuck and not letting the water circulate around the engine. You would have to remove it to test.

I do not think that towing will cause a problem.

USE CAUTION - no diagnosis, but will give you a bit more info to aid in diagnostics.

Was the water in the radiator hot when the indicator came on? If not the water is most likely not circulating.

Now you have to determine if it is the thermostat or the water pump.

The thermostat is easy to test.

Instructions for removing and testing the thermostat are in the service manual. Water, cooking pot, heat source, thermometer and all that. Should be fully open 8 mm (0.3 in) at 85 degrees C (185 degrees F).

Short tow with rear wheel on ground----ok as emergency deal......but remember belt/pulley are slipping wearing things out that don't need to be worn out.

Overheat, let Honda dealer figure it out----I don't recall SilverWing water pump problems/ plugged air to radiator? I recall Helix had sending unit problems(the wire maybe happened on all four new ones I owned....but engine went up and down with each bump SilverWing does not) But never actual overheat!

Sidecar/low speed could equal overheat,too. Bike is 7 years old and maybe needs to be gone thru.

Thanks everyone, my toy is being taken apart right now, will report back for sure.

When the swing slows down it disengages the clutch and free wheels. I cant see how it would engage again without the engine. If the clutch was to grab wouldn't it also try to turn over the engine...

I will have to find a long hill and free wheel down it at speed to see...

RArch wrote:

When the swing slows down it disengages the clutch and free wheels. I cant see how it would engage again without the engine. If the clutch was to grab wouldn't it also try to turn over the engine...

I will have to find a long hill and free wheel down it at speed to see...

When I went up to Deals Gap to ride the the Dragon, I found out it will not go back in gear until you give it enough gas to engage the clutch. If you didn't I would think you would put unnecessary ware on the brakes. So I would say you are correct in your thinking.