Coolant change/bleed - bandit 1250s

[Tonyg1987]

Hey guys, just wondering if my bandit engine is made from magnesium alloy? I've noticed a lot of these coolants all say not compatible with this type of metal.
Also, can someone help walk me through the bleeding process.
I've never done it before and would prefer not to cause any damage to my bike. Any tips, or how to's on this particular bike would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[xX-Alex-Xx]

[jeffyjeff]

Here is the procedure I use. You might use some of these steps to augment the procedure posted by xX-Alex-Xx
1: Inspect all cooling system hoses before you start. Look for hardened hoses, bulging hoses, soft, weak spots, cracks, or damage caused by overtightened hose clamps.
2: Drain coolant into a 6 to 8 quart capacity container. Loosen drain screw (usually on or near the water pump), then remove pressure cap. Then completely remove the drain screw and direct the coolant into your pan.
3: Remove plastic surge tank (overflow tank) and pour out the coolant. Clean if necessary.
4: Replace defective cooling system components found during inspection.
5: Install surge tank. Install drain screw using a new copper washer.
6: Premix your coolant to the appropriate concentration of antifreeze/water. Use a hydrometer to determine the concentration and therefore freeze point and boiling point.
7: Slowly pour coolant into the system until full. Too much enthusiasm can cause air to become trapped in the recesses of the water jacket. Do it slowly. Don't forget to fill the surge tank to between the lower and upper limit levels.
8: Rock the bike side to side to free trapped air. Top off the coolant.
9: Start engine. The coolant level may drop as the water pump circulates the coolant. Top off the coolant.
10: Replace the pressure cap.
11: Run engine until the thermostat opens. It will achieve that point when the hose going to the top of the radiator becomes hot.
12: Shut down the engine and allow to cool for several hours. When cool, remove pressure cap and top off coolant.
13: Take the bike for a ride around the block. Upon return, check the system for leaks, especially around any parts you replaced during service. After the engine cools, check the coolant level and top off if necessary. If the system is working as designed, the surge tank level will fluctuate slightly, but engine coolant will always be right up to the level of the pressure cap. When the pressure cap goes bad, more often than not it will force excess coolant into the surge tank and out the overflow. That is the classic sign of a defective pressure cap.

NEVER EVER REMOVE THE PRESSURE CAP FROM A HOT ENGINE. Hot scalding coolant can permanently disfigure your attractive mug, and you could suffer the consequence of that mistake for the rest of your life. I know a guy who was off work for 6 weeks when he pressure cooked his hands by removing the cap off a hot radiator. BEWARE.
____________________
History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men - BOC

[Robby]

Bandit engine will just be normal aluminium alloy. Magnesium alloys are more expensive, and rarely used.

[Nobby the Bastard]

[Robby]

Yes. Seems to get used a few lightweight motocross bikes. Often seems to be a bit of a gimmick. Slightly lighter crankcases is all well and good, but it doesn't do anything for the weight of all the hardened steel inside.

[jeffyjeff]

I am frequently amused at the lengths some people go to lighten their bikes by a pound or two. For that kind of weight to make a measurable effect on your riding, you would need the skills of Marquez or Rossi.
____________________
History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men - BOC

[xX-Alex-Xx]

[sickpup]

[redeem ouzzer]

[Robby]

Yes, it has its place on a bike where you're trying to reduce the weight everywhere and prepared to pay for it. It still strikes me as one of the last places to try to lose weight - somewhere sprung, near the centre of gravity, and low down. Also an expensive way to lose weight - going from fairly lightweight alloy to very lightweight alloy.

[jeffyjeff]

[redeem ouzzer]