Checking Coolant with the fairing on?

LazinCajun · October 7th, 2009, 01:35 PM

This is going to sound dumb...

I'm having trouble checking my coolant level with the fairing still on. I'm using the proper coolant (green, diluted properly etc.) but I just can't see where the level is inside the container with the bike upright. If I take the filler cap off with the bike on the sidestand, the coolant comes up to the level of the cap, so I can't imagine putting any more in there. I checked it with the fairing off, and the level is fine.

Is this just me? Any tips for seeing the coolant through the container while outdoors? I'd hate to have to pull a fairing off every time I want to check the level.

Kawikaze · October 7th, 2009, 02:39 PM

I use a mini flashlight key chain that I simply place up against the reservoir. Once the light shines through, it shows where your coolant level stands.

TrueFaith · October 8th, 2009, 01:45 AM

I used to use a good flashlight pointed in from the radiator area or below, but it can still be difficult to see the level on a bright day. I don't know why they didn't use a clearer plastic for the coolant jug, it's just a PITA.
I got so ticked off the other day I pulled off the front of the side cover so I could fit my fingers behind the fairing to screw off the coolant cap. Just the front grommet after I had losened the phillips nut holding the side cover on. I could see the level perfectly like that and it was actually a lot easier and less aggrivating than trying to see the level with a flashlight and I didn't have to touch the fairing.

backinthesaddleagain · October 8th, 2009, 06:03 PM

much easier on a dark night with a bright flashlight - seems kind of odd doesn't it.

CZroe · October 8th, 2009, 11:50 PM

I was able to see it with sunlight once shortly after I got the bike. Even a year and a half later I've had to dip in the reservoir every other time, usually after I get frustrated because I've wasted half an hour moving the bike in and out of sunlight trying my best to see it.

zail · October 11th, 2009, 09:40 AM

I think the difficulty of seeing the coolant level is one of the most annoying things about this bike! Esp considering it's something that should be part of a regular visual check!

October 7th, 2009, 01:35 PM	#1
LazinCajun ninjette.org guru Name: Anon Location: Atlanta, GA Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488	Checking Coolant with the fairing on? This is going to sound dumb... I'm having trouble checking my coolant level with the fairing still on. I'm using the proper coolant (green, diluted properly etc.) but I just can't see where the level is inside the container with the bike upright. If I take the filler cap off with the bike on the sidestand, the coolant comes up to the level of the cap, so I can't imagine putting any more in there. I checked it with the fairing off, and the level is fine. Is this just me? Any tips for seeing the coolant through the container while outdoors? I'd hate to have to pull a fairing off every time I want to check the level.

October 7th, 2009, 02:39 PM	#2
Kawikaze * Name: Daniel Location: East Bay CA Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R SE (Sold) Posts: 41	I use a mini flashlight key chain that I simply place up against the reservoir. Once the light shines through, it shows where your coolant level stands. __________________________________________________ I started out with nothing & still have most of it left.

October 11th, 2009, 09:40 AM	#6
zail ninjette.org member Name: zail Location: Bristol, UK Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250r Posts: 156	I think the difficulty of seeing the coolant level is one of the most annoying things about this bike! Esp considering it's something that should be part of a regular visual check! __________________________________________________ Bristol, UK - R&G Tail Tidy, Exhaust Hanger, Bar ends & Crash Protectors, Skidmarx Hugger & Double Bubble, SW motech mirror extenders, Scorpion Exhaust, Cycle Control levers & Rearset Adjusters

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October 8th, 2009, 01:45 AM	#3
TrueFaith ninjette.org sage Name: Wayne Location: Brookfield, MA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Honda CBR250R Posts: 585	I used to use a good flashlight pointed in from the radiator area or below, but it can still be difficult to see the level on a bright day. I don't know why they didn't use a clearer plastic for the coolant jug, it's just a PITA. I got so ticked off the other day I pulled off the front of the side cover so I could fit my fingers behind the fairing to screw off the coolant cap. Just the front grommet after I had losened the phillips nut holding the side cover on. I could see the level perfectly like that and it was actually a lot easier and less aggrivating than trying to see the level with a flashlight and I didn't have to touch the fairing.

October 8th, 2009, 06:03 PM	#4
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	much easier on a dark night with a bright flashlight - seems kind of odd doesn't it.

October 8th, 2009, 11:50 PM	#5
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 was able to see it with sunlight once shortly after I got the bike. Even a year and a half later I've had to dip in the reservoir every other time, usually after I get frustrated because I've wasted half an hour moving the bike in and out of sunlight trying my best to see it.