Overheating problem...any ideas???

[HeatherC]

I have a 1990 VN with a series 1 engine with an intermittant overheating problem...it has happened 3 times in the last 2 months and I am worried about it causing a nasty damage.
Each time, I have been driving from cold, the temp gauge skyrockets and the light flashes, when I check under the bonnet the engine is hot but the radiator is still cool. I sit for awhile and then start her up again and the temp gauge drops to normal and all is good until it happens again some weeks later!!???

Would anyone have any ideas what the problem could be? Any advice would be appreciated!

[chooky1980]

could be a temp sensor playing up
or thermostat not operating properly
i'd give it a good flush and replace thermostat then fill up with fresh coolant.
see how that goes
cheers