Motorcycle Coolant?

**MrSheepyNZ** · 9th February 2017, 14:35

So i recently (couple months) Got my first Big bike. A 1999 Cb600. And she gets quite hot in traffic sometime. So i was thinking of doing a coolant change. Plus because i dont know when it was last changed. Is there a motorcycle specific Coolant i need to use? Or is anything just Fine. Cheers in advance all. ( Needs to be cheap as im a cheapo)

- Hamish

**neels** · 9th February 2017, 15:21

You'll need to find out what type of coolant it currently has, as the different types not always compatible, worst case is gunk blocking up the cooling system when they get mixed unless you get absolutely all of the old stuff out. Different types are more suited to particular engines for corrosion protection as well.

Compared to the cost of an engine, putting the right stuff in there is the cheaper option.

**FJRider** · 9th February 2017, 15:24

Originally Posted by MrSheepyNZ

So i recently (couple months) Got my first Big bike. A 1999 Cb600. And she gets quite hot in traffic sometime. So i was thinking of doing a coolant change. Plus because i dont know when it was last changed. Is there a motorcycle specific Coolant i need to use? Or is anything just Fine. Cheers in advance all. ( Needs to be cheap as im a cheapo)

- Hamish

By "Gets hot in traffic" ... do you mean Motorway at speed traffic or slow between the traffic light type speeds ... ???

And check the bike for stickers stating "Serviced at... " or where a service was done and give them a ring. They might have a record. A Motorcycle shop sticker may indicate a place to start asking service history questions.

Most liquid cooled motorcycles do not like slow speeds and can get warmer than at normal highway speeds. This getting warmer is not necessarily any indication there is a need of coolant change.

And 600cc motorcycles are usually described as mid-range. But with motorcycles 1600cc and over being common ....

**Moi** · 9th February 2017, 15:30

Originally Posted by MrSheepyNZ

So i recently (couple months) Got my first Big bike. A 1999 Cb600. And she gets quite hot in traffic sometime. So i was thinking of doing a coolant change. Plus because i dont know when it was last changed. Is there a motorcycle specific Coolant i need to use? Or is anything just Fine. Cheers in advance all. ( Needs to be cheap as im a cheapo)

- Hamish

What does the Owner's Manual suggest you use?

Is the temperature sensor working correctly? - to activate the radiator fan...

**jim.cox** · 9th February 2017, 16:36

Just a thought -you might also want to flush the cooling system

**Akzle** · 9th February 2017, 18:38

use red stuff.

Originally Posted by jim.cox

Just a thought -you might also want to flush the cooling system

and do this.

**Katman** · 9th February 2017, 18:49

And be aware that the more concentrated you mix it the less efficient it is as a coolant.

**Akzle** · 9th February 2017, 19:10

Originally Posted by Katman

And be aware that the more concentrated you mix it the less efficient it is as a coolant.

yeah... so why the fuck do holden recommend 50% mix on their hot-running, poorly tuned V8s??

**FJRider** · 9th February 2017, 19:26

Originally Posted by Akzle

yeah... so why the fuck do holden recommend 50% mix on their hot-running, poorly tuned V8s??

As does Honda in their 1999 CB600F Service manuals ... Section 6 covers the cooling system.

http://motodataproject.com/verify_do...roducts_id=122

**AllanB** · 9th February 2017, 19:26

Bike shops all stock pre-mixed coolant. Google will indicate how much you need for your ride.

Supercheap sells bulk demineralised packs of water (5l or so). These are cheap.

Me - I drain the existing coolant - flush with tap water until it is clean, then flush with the demineralised water - then plug it all up and fill with the pre-mixed coolant.

Easy enough job to do at home - if you google coolant change for your specific bike you'll no-doubt find a well written, photo laden post on how to do this.

**Akzle** · 9th February 2017, 19:49

Originally Posted by AllanB

Bike shops all stock pre-mixed coolant. Google will indicate how much you need for your ride.

Supercheap sells bulk demineralised packs of water (5l or so). These are cheap.

Me - I drain the existing coolant - flush with tap water until it is clean, then flush with the demineralised water - then plug it all up and fill with the pre-mixed coolant.

Easy enough job to do at home - if you google coolant change for your specific bike you'll no-doubt find a well written, photo laden post on how to do this.

rbgiafp. whutta fucken helpful cunt.