CBR900RR Coolant replacement

[CantRemember]

Hi Folks,
Can you help out an old fart wanting to get his aging ('93) Honda CBR900RR back on the road again?

Since the bike is about 13 years old, I want to change all of its bodily fluids before assuming it as my daily driver. Oil and filter was no problem, but how does one properly drain and refill the coolant?

I'm guessing that I can drain it by disconnecting the lower radiator hose where it connects to the pump by the side-stand. Will I need to remove the pressure cap from the top of the rad? Should I re-fill it through the top of the rad?

Thanks,
James

[loosebruce]

Yea mate find the lowest coolant hose, prolly left hand side of the engine, whip that off drain it out, yea take the cap off as well, shake the bike about a bit, re connect it and re fill from the cap, let it run for a bit to clear any air pockets out and top it up. It's 50/50 mix init for coolant?

Now go pull some wheelies :wari:

[F5 Dave]

Try & remove the thermostat & flush both directions with a hose, then drain & refill with real coolant. Either 50/50 type or ready made. Some a re spec’d for longer life than others.

Obviously the brake fluid will be in desperate need of change. Just bleed & top up continuously until fluid clear & then some, swap sides a couple of times.

[T.W.R]

There should be a bleed/drain nipple on the water pump housing, possibly 2 drain bolts on the Cylinder housing also. And then just the connecting hoses.

this info isn't related to the coolant system but you may find it an interesting read;)

[loosebruce]

And another thing that can make a huge differnce and is often over looked is changing the fork oil, well worth it and spesh on an older bike. Easy enough as well.

[CantRemember]

Thanks for great advice. The new coolant is in. I'll tackle the fork oil next, looks like the forks have to be removed from the yolks to drain them. I bought a shop manual on eBay, it should arrive soon.

Replacing the brake fluid is definitely a good thing. I was wondering whether I should suspect the rubber brake hoses? I am tempted to change them for after-market SS braided teflon hoses. Is this a good thing or a waste of money.

Thanks again,
James
Had a great ride to work today - balmy 74F weather

[Bonez]

Thanks for great advice. The new coolant is in. I'll tackle the fork oil next, looks like the forks have to be removed from the yolks to drain them. I bought a shop manual on eBay, it should arrive soon.

Replacing the brake fluid is definitely a good thing. I was wondering whether I should suspect the rubber brake hoses? I am tempted to change them for after-market SS braided teflon hoses. Is this a good thing or a waste of money.

Thanks again,
James
Had a great ride to work today - balmy 74F weather
Just change the brake fluid first and see how the brake feel. It will pay to ensure the brake caliper pistons are free to move also. Drop some engine oil, not too about, not much about a teaspoon full, down the cylinder bores and leave at least over night before trying to crank over the motor. Personnally I'd also take the rocker cover off and have a gander and slap some oil around in there too.

A new oil filter and oil will be the go too.