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flyby
Jun 18th, 2006, 8:38 pm
My '05 LT seems to run at normal temp, even on hot days. But when I check the coolant level in the left case, I don't see anything. Bike is cool and on the centerstand.

1. Should I be adding coolant, even the though running temp is normal?

2. What type of coolant does it use? I couldn't find this info in the owner or maintenance manual.
BruceHarrisJr
Jun 18th, 2006, 9:02 pm
Don't become overly concerned with a low 'overflow' resevoir. Its been my experience that any additional coolant added to this tank will only evaporate due to its close proximity to the exhaust pipe. So long as your two radiator tanks are full with a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and 'long life' no silicant coolant you should be okay for at least 24,000 miles and realistically 100,000 miles. Hope this helps...
Big_E
Jun 18th, 2006, 10:57 pm
I thought mine was empty also until I removed the cap & stuck my finger in it. The level was all the way to the cap & the coolant is clear.
dshealey
Jun 18th, 2006, 11:19 pm
-------------------So long as your two radiator tanks are full with a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and 'long life' no silicant coolant you should be okay for at least 24,000 miles and realistically 100,000 miles. Hope this helps...

Bruce, this was discussed in detail about a year ago, and I also had stated "no silicates", but when I looked at the BMW coolant I got from the dealer, it has silicates.
Picture of the lable attached.
Hilton
Jun 19th, 2006, 5:24 am
Hi David, just a question about additives. Had a look at the 99 - 01 manual and it says "Nitrite Free" My BMW concentrate also says "Free From Nitrite"
No mention of silicates, but no further info on lable. I gather the nitrites are due to corrosion issues with the alloy, but what do siicates do? Sorry if I missed it during last year. Cheers
ps. Short trip (400 kms) today, Jenna purrs. Rena loves it.
jzeiler
Jun 19th, 2006, 9:25 am
But when I check the coolant level in the left case, I don't see anything.


The peep hole in the side case is worthless - I can't see a thing. Pop the seat up and open the cap to the overflow tank and shine a flashlight in there - if you see fluid (mine is light blue) you are good to go.