Radiator advice please

[Jazzy Biker]

Hi all, new to the forum and the CBF (but not to bikes or Honda's). Recently bought a 2010 with 25k miles, started to go through the list of jobs that need doing. One of which - unexpectedly - do I need to replace the radiator? Photo uploaded (hopefully). Noticed the reservoir was nearly empty which is what prompted me to investigate further, then found the bottom half of the rad looks wet. It's been in a dry garage for a couple of weeks so it's not road spray. There's also a cable that's not connected, any idea what it might be for?

[Art]

 

No you do not need to replace the radiator, you need to test it. Fill the cooling system to the correct level, run the engine on idle until the radiator fan kicks in while keeping an eye on the coolant temperature warning light and visually checking for coolant leaks just in case. Hopefully the wetter around the radiator fins is just condensation and will dry out. If there is a coolant leak once the engine has been idling for 5 minutes or so and the cooling system is at normal operating temperature and pressure you'll see exactly where the coolant is escaping, the area of the leak will usually be coated in a white residue.

If the radiator proves to be leaking search for 'automotive radiator repairs in east sussex'

The dangling cable is not to Honda loom specification, it's probably a left over after the removal of an aftermarket accessory, maybe the chassis ground for a 12v or USB socket, follow the cable and see where it goes.

[Jazzy Biker]

Thanks for this advice, will test as suggested and see what happens. Might be a few days before I can get that done. Good to know about the cable, it goes into the loom that is connected to the left handlebar and it looks like it's been altered in the past - lots of insulation tape but it does have aftermarket heated grips which I have yet to test...

[Piper]

Don't know about the later models but the MK1 (twin exhaust) CBF1000  radiators do tend to collect overspray from the front wheel. Fitting a fender extender does help.

[Jazzy Biker]

Yes, that's on the job list. I can't understand why that hasn't been fitted before now, the mudguard is really short.