how do I check/change to coolant in a Kawasaki Drifter 800?

Question

I've lost my manual and don't want to pay a shop just to change to coolant. Does anyone else have a drifter?

Answer 1

--I don't recall at the moment if that model has a drain bolt.
***(so I don't have to re-type this, remove the radiator cap before draining the coolant).
--Drain the engine & radiator's coolant by unbolting the water joint and remove it from the engine (the radiator's lower hose goes to it).
--Remove the coolant reservoir from the bike and dump the coolant out (the reservoir is under the bike behind the engine).
--Reinstall the water joint & reservoir.
--To get to the radiator cap -
--Have a pair of needle-nose pliars handy.
--Remove the speedometer housing. Remove the bolt furthest to the rear (8mm head). Lift up the rear of the speedometer and push it forward. With the pliars, unscrew the speedo cable. Disconnect the wires. To install, first spray the front gromet with wd-40 then reverse the procedure. Leave the speedo off for now.
--Remove the radiator cap and fill the cooling system with a 50/50 mix of coolant certified for aluminum engines.
--Fill the reservoir to the top part of the indent.
--With the radiator cap "off" start and run the bike for a few minutes (to let the coolant circulate through the engine and allow any air in the system to escape).
--Add coolant as necessary, install the radiator cap and put the speedometer back on.
--Check the reservoir after each ride and add if necessary.