Daft coolant change question

evilzed · Scooby Slapper Joined: 05 Oct 2013 Karma :

I recently changed the coolant in my 09 Hornet recently all seemed fine on a ride out after. After emptying the entire coolant system and refilling including the coolant reservoir I ran the bike about 3 times for about 3 - 5 minutes flicking the throttle and tapping the hoses to get rid of any air bubbles and topped up every time it went down a little.

I read later on (through manual) that you should get the bike to operating temperature and re-check the levels, I don't think it really reached operating temp since the fan didn't come on when trying to get rid of the air bubbles however I did go for a 20min ride after the change and all seemed fine.

My question is if more air was in the system and was expelled on my short ride would the coolant be topped up through the reservoir and can I just check its level and re-fill if necessary? Or will I have to raise the tank again etc just to see if there's coolant at the filler neck?

Thanks for any help

el_oso · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2008 Karma :

what? use more sentences.

Stop worrying and just ride the thing. I'd be suprsied if there was that much air the system that your bike started over heating.
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Duke 390
Previous: '05 XR125L | '96 XJ600S Diversion |'05 Suzuki GSXR1000 | '05 Honda CBR125-R | '97 YZF 600R Thundercat | '11 Honda CBR250
Car: Jeep Wrangler 4.0L

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

You need to warm it up because otherwise the thermostat won't open and you'll end up with a huge air lock. The best bet would be to ride the bike a few times and then check the level afterwards when cold.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Pete. · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

If you only fill it at the expansion tank you might find that tank empty a few times after heat-cycling because you could have a full tank and still have air in the system. Heat-cycling will eventually push the air out but equally might cause you to boil over because and air gap in the system allows room to make steam. Best to fill it via the rad cap when it's cold.
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132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good Very Happy