94 Shadow cooling system issue?

Question

I have a 94 Shadow 1100, love the bike, wouldn't trade it for anything but it seems to go through a lot of coolant I can't see it leaking anywhere and I don't smell anything unusual in the exhaust like I think I would if there were a head gasket leaking. Anybody have any suggestions?

Thanks for the responses so far. There's no water in the oil but I have been using a 50/50 mix of ethelyne glycol anti-freeze and water and I notice that it is boiling after I have ridden it. I'm going to the Honda dealer and get some of their coolant and see if that helps. Other than the cooling problem, it is an awesome bike, I just finished a 2 day trip through Yosemite and back and that big V twin pulled us up from the valley (2000 ft) to Tioga Pass (10,000 + feet) with no problem at all. There were 2 of us on the bike and a suitcase full of luggage on the back. I can't imagine ever wanting to get rid of this bike or why I would need more than a 4 speed trans. It's not the fastest bike I've ever owned but it does everything I want it to do with ease.

Answer 1

maybe the mix is on the weak side of water to anti-freeze

Answer 2

My 95 VT1100 Shadow has the lines running on the outside the engine, check and see if it's leaking there. Right as they go down inside the engine by the cover. Mine has a 4 speed tranny and there is nothin wrong with it, it gets to 118 real fast! If ya wana sell it, let me know!

Answer 3

if you use honda coolant and still are loosing coolant then you have a problem. and it my be in the oil check your oil for water.
by the way a 1995 vt110 shadow has a 5 speed tranny that yours dos not. think about trading up.

Answer 4

do a pressure test on the cooling system. if there is a leak, you will find out where.