KTM SX50 using water

russincyprus · L Plate Warrior Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Karma :

I have recently bought my son a four month old 2008 KTM SX50. The bike goes well but after 5 minutes of hard riding the coolant level in the rad drops out of site. We live in Cyprus so its hot but this doesnt seem normal to me to have to keep topping it up. Any help / recommendations appreciated. Thanks

steo · Nova Slayer Joined: 08 Jun 2009 Karma :

there could be leak somewhere, busted radiator or dodgy hose connection, also the head gasket or waterpump seal could be banjoed. if you can't find any visible signs of a leak then has the bike got a dip stick for checking the gearbox oil? take it out & have a look at the colour of it, if it's brown & gungy looking then your waterpump seal could be leaking.
next take off the radiator cap (when the bike has cooled down) & check for any oily residue in the coolant, if there is then i'd say your head gasket is shot. also did you notice more smoke than normal coming from the exhaust, white in colour? could be coolant getting to the combustion chamber.
you can do a test on the radiator which tells if there's any gases or oil getting into the coolant, they use this on cars to check for blown head gaskets, your local garage would be able to help you out. hope this helps...