Coolant

SAFETY FIRST: Protective gloves and eyewear are recommended at this point.

Inspection

Item	Standard
Coolant provided when shipping: Type	Permanent type of antifreeze (soft water and ethylene glycol plus corrosion and rust inhibitor chemicals for aluminum engines and radiators)
Color	Green
Mixed ratio	Soft water 50%, coolant 50%
Freezing point	-35°C (-31 °F)
Total amount (reserve tank full level including radiator and engine)	2.1 L (2.22 US qt) [2002 – 2003]
	2.4 L (2.54 US qt) [2005 – 2011 and 700]

Coolant Level

CAUTION: Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.

Remove the front fender on the 2005 – 2011 650 models. See the Front Fender topic for more information.

The 2002 – 2003 and 700 models are equipped with a trap door in front of the handlebar to access the radiator cap.

Remove the radiator cap and check that the coolant is up to the filler neck. Add coolant if needed.

Coolant Reserve Tank

Check that the reserve tank coolant is filled to the “F” mark.

Draining

Remove the coolant reserve tank. See the Coolant Reserve Tank topic for more information.

Place a suitable container under the water pump drain plug. Remove the drain plug with an 8 mm socket.

CAUTION: Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.

Remove the radiator cap.

Place a suitable container under the front cylinder drain plug. Remove the drain plug with an 8 mm socket.

Place a suitable container under the rear cylinder drain plug. Remove the drain plug with an 8 mm socket.

After the coolant has drained install the drain plugs with new sealing washers. Tighten all the drain plugs to specification with an 8 mm socket.

Fastener	Torque
	N-m	kgf-m	ft-lb
Coolant drain plug	8.8	0.9	78 in-lb

Coolant Filter

Remove the side covers. See the Side Covers topic for more information.

The coolant filter is located between the rear cylinder and the carburetors.

Slide back the clamps and remove the coolant filter container. Remove the filter from the back of its container and clean it with compressed air.

NOTE: Always wear safety glasses when using compressed air and never point it directly at yourself or anyone else.

Insert the filter back into the container. Fit the coolant filter into its container. Install the coolant filter between the rear cylinder head and carburetor coolant hoses. Secure the hoses with the clamps.

Filling/Air Bleeding

Note: To make air bleeding easier raise the front wheels off the ground with a jack.

Slowly pour the proper coolant into the radiator up to the filler neck.

Note : Use soft or distilled water to mix with the coolant.

Item	Standard
Coolant provided when shipping: Type	Permanent type of antifreeze (soft water and ethylene glycol plus corrosion and rust inhibitor chemicals for aluminum engines and radiators)
Color	Green
Mixed ratio	Soft water 50%, coolant 50%
Freezing point	-35°C (-31 °F)
Total amount (reserve tank full level including radiator and engine)	2.1 L (2.22 US qt) [2002 – 2003]
	2.4 L (2.54 US qt) [2005 – 2011 and 700]

Start the engine while the radiator cap off. Run the engine until there are no more air bubbles visible in the coolant. Tap the radiator hoses to free any air bubbles trapped inside them.

When the bubbles have stopped from the filler neck fill the radiator with coolant up to the filler neck. Install the radiator cap.

Fill the reserve tank to the “F” mark with coolant. Screw the cap on.

Start the engine and allow the vehicle to run until the radiator fan comes on and then turn off the engine.

Re-check the coolant level of the reserve tank after the engine cools down.