2004 Busa Cammed & Ported heating issues

BarriosL

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Hello everyone!

So I finally got my dream bike, the good ol Busa.

I had been searching for a little while, but when I found the one, I grabbed it!

The bike was listed with some heavy modifications (compared to your average slip on exhaust, air filter, and power commander stuff).

The engine had been ‘cammed & ported’. Albeit, I didn’t know a whole lot about that stuff, I did some surface level research to know that it might be a bit faster than your everyday stock.

Turns out, it was built by a pretty reputable individual here in Canada.

It was definitely a bike designed to drag race. With extra goodies like ceramic bearings, lowered, strapped suspension in the front, Brock’s full Alien exhaust, quick shifter etc… definitely a bike made to be raced. Oh not to mention I had to go through two batteries (one being a regular lead acid, the other a run of the mill lithium battery) before ending up with a P10S 750CCA monster that would start the bike when it was hot more than just 2 or 3 times.

Anyway! I’m definitely a casual rider, I don’t race… yet. My problem stems from the heat. Unless I’m moving, I can’t keep the heat down.

It’s not a fan issue (I’m assuming) because the builder designed the fan to be running full tilt from the second you give the bike power. I did my own coolant flush & put in some Engine Ice coolant, which I thought was pretty up there in quality. Didn’t make any difference.

Once the bike gets up to proper operating temperature, it doesn’t take long for the needle to creep past half way & start making a beeline for the red - for example: if I start the bike cold, ride it around town (to get out of town) I wouldn’t see any overheating problems right away. However, if I’m riding the bike & getting back into town, well, I can’t really sit at a light for more than 2 or even 3 cycles before the needle will start racing for the red.

All of that said, once I DO start moving, the needle comes down very quickly that’s for sure.


Any ideas on how I can help that?

Bumblebee

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Welcome to the insanity....

Does the bike have a big bore kit in it?

Have you checked the thermostat?

Kiwi Rider

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Welcome to the insanity....

Does the bike have a big bore kit in it?

Have you checked the thermostat?
Thermostat replacement (OEM) is the first place to start . . and also a proper air bleed to be SURE there is zero air trapped in the radiator.
The other thing to have checked is the radiator core is not partially blocked with scale etc.
Also the water pump needs checking for efficiency loss.

BarriosL

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Welcome to the insanity....

Does the bike have a big bore kit in it?

Have you checked the thermostat?
Yes it has a big bore kit in it!

I did not check the thermostat yet. You mean, is the thermostat even still in the bike? Or would it be best to run it with no thermostat

BarriosL

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Thermostat replacement (OEM) is the first place to start . . and also a proper air bleed to be SURE there is zero air trapped in the radiator.
The other thing to have checked is the radiator core is not partially blocked with scale etc.
Also the water pump needs checking for efficiency loss.
Ok thermostat first… then I’ll make SURE the cooling system has zero air in it. Do you know of any good methods for this? Or should I just take it to a shop?

I have had my local shop do a once over already upon buying it, they never noticed anything out of the ordinary.

Bumblebee

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Yes it has a big bore kit in it!

I did not check the thermostat yet. You mean, is the thermostat even still in the bike? Or would it be best to run it with no thermostat
Some say not to run the thermostat in a big bore as they all seem to run hot...

Others say to run one.....

I know there are others on here who have a big bore bike and would know for certain as to what they run....

Kiwi Rider

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Some say not to run the thermostat in a big bore as they all seem to run hot...

Others say to run one.....

I know there are others on here who have a big bore bike and would know for certain as to what they run....
You are right on the money Bill.
The experience of others that have a similar setup (big bore, cams) is to be taken advantage of.
I'm only ruling out the obvious.

Berlin Germany

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what year is ur busa ?

can be / is super important for any other further questions .

and did ya get the (fitting) suzuki manual yet ?
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