2009 Ninja Coolant Leak

NickH · October 22nd, 2009, 05:10 AM

Hey guys, I just noticed my wife's 250 is leaking coolant (slowly). Has anybody had this problem on their bike? I don't have any pics yet, but I will tonight....oh, the bike has 910 miles and has never been abused.

Thanks,
Nick
Posted via Mobile Device

bob706 · October 22nd, 2009, 05:46 AM

Do you know where the leak is coming from?

NickH · October 22nd, 2009, 08:36 AM

Not yet.....just saw the leak this morning and I'll look at it after work.

-Nick-
Posted via Mobile Device

bob706 · October 22nd, 2009, 08:51 AM

Hopefully it's just a clamp or something that needs tightening.

LazinCajun · October 22nd, 2009, 11:40 AM

I'm 90% sure the service manual has a checklist of things to check for coolant leaks. If you don't have a service manual I don't mind typing out the info, but I don't have access to it right now.

Angel-be-Good · October 22nd, 2009, 08:17 PM

I never noticed it, but during one of my services the shop told me they found a coolant leak--just a loose clamp in my case.

M · October 23rd, 2009, 08:53 AM

Odds are overwhelming on a new cycle that it is a loose clamp. Probably a good time to check all of 'em.

tjkamper · October 23rd, 2009, 09:36 AM

Clamps are a good place to check. If the bike has never been dropped I'm almost certian it is just a loose clamp or poorly installed hose. You could have a bad hose, but that is unlikely with only about 20 hours of total use.

KELPHYN · October 23rd, 2009, 11:01 PM

I have noticed a small drop of coolant under my bike once in a while but it's just a drop or two from the over-flow line that exits under the bike.

NickH · October 24th, 2009, 08:42 AM

Here are some pictures that I took this morning..........

I can't seem to find a lose clamp.......the underside of the bike has coolant on it, so I'm not sure where the leak is coming from. Should I run the bike to see if I see a leak?

Thanks,
Nick

TrueFaith · October 24th, 2009, 09:19 AM

Actually, the odds are best that it's just coolant coming from the overflow tube behind the engine at the bottom of the fairing. It's right next to the gas overflow tube. Coolant will overflow slightly and puddle up under the bike depending on how it's been ridden. Usually not much and not often, but enough to notice.

NickH · October 24th, 2009, 09:38 AM

Thanks TrueFaith, I hope that's the case. I've taken it on a couple short trips at higher rpm city riding, so that must be the issue.

-Nick-

kkim · October 24th, 2009, 12:28 PM

I'd say you have a leak somewhere. The pictures of the green stuff on the oil filter cover and the pipe that leads down to that area should not have coolant on it. That is coolant, correct?

I would suspect it has something to do with this hose/pipe that is leading from the radiator.

NickH · October 24th, 2009, 01:52 PM

Yes, that was coolant.

I tightened those very clamps a couple turns a few hours ago, filled up the coolant, went for a ride, now I'm waiting to see if that fixed the issue...........hopefully everything is better now.

-Nick-

NickH · October 24th, 2009, 05:49 PM

Well, after the ride today and letting the bike sit for a couple hours, I'm not seeing any drips/leaks. Thank you to all who responded!

-Nick-

kkim · October 24th, 2009, 09:18 PM

So, you think it was just that the clamps were loose?

NickH · October 24th, 2009, 09:54 PM

Yes. I checked every hose and that was the only one with coolant on it. I cleaned it off and tightened the clamps....looks like everything is ok right now.

-Nick-
Posted via Mobile Device

kkim · October 24th, 2009, 09:57 PM

Thanks. I guess I should check mine the next time I have the fairings off.

Hope that solves your problem for good.

CZroe · October 25th, 2009, 04:18 AM

I saw these on eBay... colored coolant hoses?

komohana · October 25th, 2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

Thanks. I guess I should check mine the next time I have the fairings off.

wait...i thought you KEPT them off and installed them to ride

kkim · October 25th, 2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by komohana

wait...i thought you KEPT them off and installed them to ride

bah...

NickH · October 25th, 2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

Thanks. I guess I should check mine the next time I have the fairings off.

Hope that solves your problem for good.

Thanks Kelly. I hope it does too.

-Nick-
Posted via Mobile Device

NickH · October 28th, 2009, 04:41 PM

Came home from work today and saw a small puddle of coolant under the bike again........it's been sitting for 2 days and I'm not sure where the leak is coming from. I'll be taking the bike in tomorrow since it's under warranty. I'll let everybody know how it turns out.

-Nick-

NickH · November 11th, 2009, 10:43 AM

The stealership found a hole in the head!!! Glad the bike is still under warranty.

-Nick-
Posted via Mobile Device

Snake · November 11th, 2009, 10:51 AM

I'm glad you were able to find the problem while it is still under waranty. Since your bike will be in the shop for a while are they going to offer you a loaner bike?

randomwalk101 · November 11th, 2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snake

I'm glad you were able to find the problem while it is still under waranty. Since your bike will be in the shop for a while are they going to offer you a loaner bike?

loaner bike? Phonny mang

NickH · November 11th, 2009, 11:34 AM

They didn't offer a loaner bike....do most shops do that?

-Nick-
Posted via Mobile Device

Snake · November 11th, 2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomwalk101

loaner bike? Phonny mang

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickH

They didn't offer a loaner bike....do most shops do that?

-Nick-
Posted via Mobile Device

I realy don't think any motorcycle dealerships offfer loaner bikes but I think they should especialy if it turns out to be a waranty issue. I wonder what someone would do if the bike was their only mode of transportation.

NickH · November 11th, 2009, 12:20 PM

That's a good question....maybe they pay for a rental car or something.

-Nick-
Posted via Mobile Device

Alex · November 11th, 2009, 12:23 PM

Many BMW bike dealerships offer loaners when a bike is in for service. Mine does in San Jose, and it comes in handy when needed. I believe some Ducati dealerships do the same. I don't know of any dealerships near me that offer loaners if they only sell the typical Asian brands.

TrueFaith · November 13th, 2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickH

The stealership found a hole in the head!!! Glad the bike is still under warranty.

-Nick-
Posted via Mobile Device

Geez...that's insane on a new bike. I'd love to hear the dealership's explanation of how that happened, or if it's some kind of future recall issue. If you get any info and they don't just blow you off please post it.

NickH · November 14th, 2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFaith

Geez...that's insane on a new bike. I'd love to hear the dealership's explanation of how that happened, or if it's some kind of future recall issue. If you get any info and they don't just blow you off please post it.

Once I get the bike back, should be around Tuesday or Wednesday, I'll post up all the information they give me. I honestly have no idea how it happened.....it's my wife's bike and she does not ride like an average guy would.

-Nick-

NickH · November 17th, 2009, 10:30 AM

Went into the dealer today. Service guy said the Kawi rep was familiar with "the hole in the head" issue. It's a casting issue at Kawi. I'm glad I still had the warranty, the head alone was over 900.00....I get my bike back on Thursday.

-Nick-
Posted via Mobile Device

noche_caliente · November 17th, 2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickH

It's a casting issue at Kawi. I'm glad I still had the warranty, the head alone was over 900.00....I get my bike back on Thursday.

-Nick-
Posted via Mobile Device

Ouch!

NickH · November 17th, 2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noche_caliente

Ouch!

Ha, no kidding.

-Nick-
Posted via Mobile Device

NickH · November 23rd, 2009, 03:57 PM

I finally got the bike back today and was able to ride it home......

The total bill was just under $2,000 for parts and labor. I hope none of you have to go through this.

-Nick-

Samer · November 23rd, 2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickH

I finally got the bike back today and was able to ride it home......

The total bill was just under $2,000 for parts and labor. I hope none of you have to go through this.

-Nick-

Now I'm confused. I thought you said that the warranty covered it. Did you pay $2000 out of pocket?

why?

NickH · November 23rd, 2009, 04:21 PM

It was covered under warranty.....I just think it's crazy that it costs 1/2 the value of the bike.
Posted via Mobile Device

noche_caliente · November 23rd, 2009, 04:40 PM

Ouch! I sure as heck hope that we don't see it! But thanks for posting up about it and detailing what it was doing!

NickH · November 23rd, 2009, 07:42 PM

No problem.

-Nick-
Posted via Mobile Device

October 22nd, 2009, 05:10 AM	#1
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	2009 Ninja Coolant Leak Hey guys, I just noticed my wife's 250 is leaking coolant (slowly). Has anybody had this problem on their bike? I don't have any pics yet, but I will tonight....oh, the bike has 910 miles and has never been abused. Thanks, Nick Posted via Mobile Device

October 22nd, 2009, 08:17 PM	#6
Angel-be-Good ninjette.org guru Name: Ryan Location: San Francisco Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, '11 Street Triple R Posts: 337	I never noticed it, but during one of my services the shop told me they found a coolant leak--just a loose clamp in my case. __________________________________________________ The Sunday Best \| Current mileage: 50,000

October 23rd, 2009, 09:36 AM	#8
tjkamper ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Travis Location: Warwick, RI Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Clamps are a good place to check. If the bike has never been dropped I'm almost certian it is just a loose clamp or poorly installed hose. You could have a bad hose, but that is unlikely with only about 20 hours of total use. __________________________________________________ Addicted to anything that has an engine and rolls.

November 11th, 2009, 12:23 PM	#30
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Many BMW bike dealerships offer loaners when a bike is in for service. Mine does in San Jose, and it comes in handy when needed. I believe some Ducati dealerships do the same. I don't know of any dealerships near me that offer loaners if they only sell the typical Asian brands. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

November 23rd, 2009, 04:40 PM	#39
noche_caliente ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kim Location: mundo de ensueño Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.	Ouch! I sure as heck hope that we don't see it! But thanks for posting up about it and detailing what it was doing! __________________________________________________ Progrip tank pad, blue rim stripes, blue Pazzos, Roaring Toyz lowering kit, Puig DB in dark smoke, Cortech sport tail, super mini tank, and saddlebags, OES swingarm spools and Intuitive frame sliders

October 22nd, 2009, 05:46 AM	#2
bob706 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Mary Esther, FL Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 1998 HD Road King Posts: A lot.	Do you know where the leak is coming from?

October 22nd, 2009, 08:36 AM	#3
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	Not yet.....just saw the leak this morning and I'll look at it after work. -Nick- Posted via Mobile Device

October 22nd, 2009, 08:51 AM	#4
bob706 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Mary Esther, FL Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 1998 HD Road King Posts: A lot.	Hopefully it's just a clamp or something that needs tightening.

October 22nd, 2009, 11:40 AM	#5
LazinCajun ninjette.org guru Name: Anon Location: Atlanta, GA Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488	I'm 90% sure the service manual has a checklist of things to check for coolant leaks. If you don't have a service manual I don't mind typing out the info, but I don't have access to it right now.

October 23rd, 2009, 08:53 AM	#7
M ninjette.org member Name: M Location: Oklahoma Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 x2, Ninja 650R Posts: 165	Odds are overwhelming on a new cycle that it is a loose clamp. Probably a good time to check all of 'em.

October 23rd, 2009, 11:01 PM	#9
KELPHYN ninjette.org guru Name: Calvin Location: Quesnel, B.C Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R (sold), 2013 300SE Posts: 276	I have noticed a small drop of coolant under my bike once in a while but it's just a drop or two from the over-flow line that exits under the bike.

October 24th, 2009, 08:42 AM	#10
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	Here are some pictures that I took this morning.......... I can't seem to find a lose clamp.......the underside of the bike has coolant on it, so I'm not sure where the leak is coming from. Should I run the bike to see if I see a leak? Thanks, Nick

October 24th, 2009, 09:19 AM	#11
TrueFaith ninjette.org sage Name: Wayne Location: Brookfield, MA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Honda CBR250R Posts: 585	Actually, the odds are best that it's just coolant coming from the overflow tube behind the engine at the bottom of the fairing. It's right next to the gas overflow tube. Coolant will overflow slightly and puddle up under the bike depending on how it's been ridden. Usually not much and not often, but enough to notice.

October 24th, 2009, 09:38 AM	#12
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	Thanks TrueFaith, I hope that's the case. I've taken it on a couple short trips at higher rpm city riding, so that must be the issue. -Nick-

October 24th, 2009, 12:28 PM	#13
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	I'd say you have a leak somewhere. The pictures of the green stuff on the oil filter cover and the pipe that leads down to that area should not have coolant on it. That is coolant, correct? I would suspect it has something to do with this hose/pipe that is leading from the radiator.

October 24th, 2009, 01:52 PM	#14
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	Yes, that was coolant. I tightened those very clamps a couple turns a few hours ago, filled up the coolant, went for a ride, now I'm waiting to see if that fixed the issue...........hopefully everything is better now. -Nick-

October 24th, 2009, 05:49 PM	#15
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	Well, after the ride today and letting the bike sit for a couple hours, I'm not seeing any drips/leaks. Thank you to all who responded! -Nick-

October 24th, 2009, 09:18 PM	#16
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	So, you think it was just that the clamps were loose?

October 24th, 2009, 09:54 PM	#17
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	Yes. I checked every hose and that was the only one with coolant on it. I cleaned it off and tightened the clamps....looks like everything is ok right now. -Nick- Posted via Mobile Device

October 24th, 2009, 09:57 PM	#18
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	Thanks. I guess I should check mine the next time I have the fairings off. Hope that solves your problem for good.

October 25th, 2009, 04:18 AM	#19
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	I saw these on eBay... colored coolant hoses?

October 28th, 2009, 04:41 PM	#23
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	Came home from work today and saw a small puddle of coolant under the bike again........it's been sitting for 2 days and I'm not sure where the leak is coming from. I'll be taking the bike in tomorrow since it's under warranty. I'll let everybody know how it turns out. -Nick-

November 11th, 2009, 10:43 AM	#24
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	The stealership found a hole in the head!!! Glad the bike is still under warranty. -Nick- Posted via Mobile Device

November 11th, 2009, 10:51 AM	#25
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	I'm glad you were able to find the problem while it is still under waranty. Since your bike will be in the shop for a while are they going to offer you a loaner bike?

November 11th, 2009, 11:34 AM	#27
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	They didn't offer a loaner bike....do most shops do that? -Nick- Posted via Mobile Device

November 11th, 2009, 12:20 PM	#29
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	That's a good question....maybe they pay for a rental car or something. -Nick- Posted via Mobile Device

November 17th, 2009, 10:30 AM	#33
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	Went into the dealer today. Service guy said the Kawi rep was familiar with "the hole in the head" issue. It's a casting issue at Kawi. I'm glad I still had the warranty, the head alone was over 900.00....I get my bike back on Thursday. -Nick- Posted via Mobile Device

November 23rd, 2009, 03:57 PM	#36
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	I finally got the bike back today and was able to ride it home...... The total bill was just under $2,000 for parts and labor. I hope none of you have to go through this. -Nick-

November 23rd, 2009, 04:21 PM	#38
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	It was covered under warranty.....I just think it's crazy that it costs 1/2 the value of the bike. Posted via Mobile Device

November 23rd, 2009, 07:42 PM	#40
NickH ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Iowa Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Buell XB12Scg and 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 98	No problem. -Nick- Posted via Mobile Device

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Coolant leak	ttassinari48	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	December 23rd, 2012 11:59 AM
Coolant Leak ??	Redsvt	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	3	October 20th, 2012 08:24 PM
coolant leak	93etgocart	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	July 5th, 2012 11:21 AM
Coolant Leak?	CaliGirl	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	12	July 11th, 2009 12:54 AM
Coolant Leak	Rawr	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	12	May 11th, 2009 12:07 AM