How do i know if my86 gs550 is overheating?

[Guest]

Without a temp gauge how do know if my bike is overheating i pulled in my garage after going to the store my bike was smoking abit(it does leak a little oil from valve ) anyway i wet my fin ger w/ salive and touched one of the fins on the cylinder head and it sizzled is this normal ? is there anyway to install a temperature gauge

[rlg5]

I meant valve cover

[tom203]

Fix your valve cover leak - also a good excuse to check valve clearances. These things run hot- using an instant read BBQ thermometer , I've measure about 230 F at base of cylinders 2 and 3 after good run. The fins on head are likely hotter, so don't touch!

[Big T]

Air cooled motors run hot by definition

You could pick up one of those IR temp gauges from Harbor Freight