A little more prep today in readiness for removing the radiator and exhaust tomorrow . . . Only managed to drain the coolant.
Again, the manual is silly - it suggests the first step is to remove the radiator cap and collect the fluid which drains out, before loosening the radiator bleed screw and then removing the bleed bolt in the block. Doing it this way will result in coolant everywhere - the first step alone will empty the expansion tank all down the radiator - just daft.
Anyway, having changed the coolant in the bike previously, it’s a very easy job and especially with a slightly modified technique
1. Remove the single mounting bolt from the expansion tank and with its hoses still attached, invert the tank and empty its contents before resecuring in place.
2. Remove the drain screw in the block - no coolant will be released.
3. Place a hose over the hole, tie it in position and place the free end in a receiving container with a capacity of 3 litres or more (you will be collecting +\- 2 litres of coolant
4. Undo and remove the radiator bleed screw in the top right surface of the radiator. This will allow about 1.4litres of coolant to flow out of the block via the hose and without spilling a drop.
5. Release the lower hose from the water pump as per the manual. Be aware that this will suddenly release almost a pint of coolant and without care, it will spray out everywhere. Best best is to wiggle the hose towards he end of the spigot and when it starts to dribble, simply leave it to drip slowly whilst you go and make a coffee. When drained, the last dregs can be drained by fully removing the hose - job done
I keep my coolant on “max” when cold and draining the engine this way produced exactly 2.00 litres of coolant. I will use this figure as a means of knowing whether or not I have any air locks when refilling, as I should be able to refill with this amount to bring it back to “max”.



