I bought a Kawasaki ER5 a few weeks back and ive just checked the coolant to find that the level is severely low. But it don't know what exactly i should and should do.
Do i just top it up or do i have to drain it and fill it up?
Where do i drain the coolant from?
What do i actually put in? Is it just antifreeze or do i buy something from a bike shop?
Where abouts between the lower and full line is the ideal amount of coolant?
I just have no idea about how the coolant side of looking after a motorcycle works. Can anyone help?
2007-12-18 03:04:40 · 11 answers · asked by Nightwing 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
firstly, if the coolant is low, you can just simply top it up with antifreeze when it gets low- but you need to use coolant which is suitable for aluminum engines. this is most coolant nowadays, but it's good to check. just ask for some advice at Halfords, or read the label on different types- it'll say if it's okay to use.
If you don't know when the last time the coolant was done then it'll be worth flushing it- every year would be more than sufficiant for flushing.
bikes take a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water, to stop corrosion and freezing in winter.
also, if the coolant is very low, be wary you may have a leak- so run the engine with new coolant in, and look for signs of leaking or burning coolant (you'll have to get it hot, so 20 mins of stop and go riding should be fine to check)
make sure you don't overfill- remember the top line is the absolute maximum, so don't ever go near it!
aim for about half way between full and empty- like you do with engine oil.
btw- first big bike?
its worth changing a few things when you get a new bike- new oil and oil filter, new air filter, flushing coolant, clean and lube everything that moves, loobe clutch and throttle cable, and change brakes pads for a good set.
if you're feeling flush, K&N filter for a little midrange punch, braided hoses for brakes that work, and a fender extenda...yep they look crap, but will keep crud of your engine.
2007-12-20 02:27:43 · answer #1 · answered by ribena_wrath 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Motorbike Coolant
2016-11-12 09:02:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
From your description, it appears you are talking about the overflow reservoir.
Filling to anywhere between the lower and full line is just fine.
A 50/50 mix of distilled water and antifreeze designed for aluminium is the usual mix. Make sure you get antifreeze that doesn't harm aluminium.
As for coolant maintenance, you should drain, flush and replace the coolant regularly --- I do it every spring on all our bikes (well, maybe not the air-cooled ones....ha ha)
Get a service manual for your bike. It has all the maintenance schedules and it give the procedures as well.
2007-12-18 04:49:37 · answer #3 · answered by Wyoming Rider 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You need to use a coolant that is designed for aluminum cooling systems. Go to a bike shop and buy a jug of "Coolanol" it's already premixed and you just pour it in. Since you don't know when the coolant was changed last, it might be a good idea to drain it, flush it and refill with fresh. Not being familiar with the ER5, I can't tell you how to do it, specifically.
2007-12-18 03:36:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I use to own a Kawasaki ZX-6 and it was liquid cooled.
Are you checking the radiator or the overflow container underneath the seat? If your checking the radiator and its low, add a 50/50 mix of water and anti freeze immediately. If your overflow reservoir is low, remember just that, its a overflow.
To drain the radiator, it should be on the bottom right on the radiator, it should be a wing nut type of bolt.
2007-12-18 03:29:01 · answer #5 · answered by Blue2Grey 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
My brother, coolants variety even from one motor vehicle to the subsequent. it does not be smart to blindly replace bike coolant with the rest. you're able to flow strictly via the producer's suggestion or you run the risk of unfavorable your motor or your cooling device.
2016-11-03 22:56:20 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-09 00:36:23 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a manual. Seriously. It should be the first thing you do when you get a new bike. It saves hours of head scratching.
2007-12-21 11:43:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please purchase a shop manual.
http://www.motocom.com/motorcycles/
Every person that touches a wrench to their bike should own one.
Experienced mechanics own manuals for each one of their bikes.
How do you expect to do any work without one?
2007-12-18 08:07:51 · answer #9 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have owned several motorcycles but none that were liquid cooled..........I would call or go to dealer for this info.
2007-12-18 03:13:50 · answer #10 · answered by birdbayboy 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋