Fans & Fan Parts
About Fans & Fan Parts
A cooling fan pulls air through the radiator when the bike is moving too slowly for airflow to do the job. That matters in tight trails, technical climbs and traffic, where a liquid-cooled engine can heat up faster than the radiator can shed heat. Riders add or replace a fan to deal with overheating at low speed, or after a fan has failed.
The listings here are cooling fan kits for particular models, including KTM, Husqvarna, Gas Gas, Honda and Yamaha, plus a universal kit. A model-specific kit is made to fit the radiator and mounts of that bike, and it should be the first choice. A universal kit can suit other machines, but you have to fit and wire it yourself and make sure it covers enough of the radiator. Fans run from the bike's electrical system, so check that the charging system and wiring can supply the extra load. Read the listing for what the kit contains and how the fan is switched on, since it may be controlled by a thermal switch or a manual switch.
The brand in this category is Trail Tech. A fan works together with the other cooling parts, so look at Radiators, Pipes & Hoses and Radiator & Coolant Reservoir Caps if the bike still runs hot. They are all in Engine Cooling. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page to find the kit listed for it.
FAQs on motorcycle cooling fans
Does my dirt bike need a cooling fan?
Many off-road bikes rely on airflow while moving and have no fan. If yours overheats on slow technical trails or in heavy traffic, and the radiator, coolant and hoses are in good condition, a fan can help. Check that a kit is made for your model.
How is a cooling fan switched on?
It depends on the kit. Some use a thermal switch that turns the fan on when the coolant reaches a set temperature, and others use a manual switch that the rider controls. The listing and the instructions explain what comes with your kit and how it is wired.
Will a cooling fan drain my battery?
A fan draws electrical current, so it adds load to the bike's charging system. A bike with a weak stator or small battery may struggle if the fan runs often. Check the fan's current draw in the listing against your charging output, and keep the battery in good condition.
What should I check before adding a fan to an overheating bike?
Check the basics first: coolant level, a clean and undamaged radiator, hoses that are not collapsed or leaking, a radiator cap that holds pressure and a water pump that is circulating. A fan helps with airflow but it cannot fix a leak or a failing part.
Is a universal fan kit safe to use?
It can be, when it is sized for the radiator and installed as the instructions say. Mount it securely so that it cannot touch the radiator fins or other parts, and protect the wiring with a fuse and secure routing away from heat and moving parts.