ANTIFREEZE question F650GS Dakar 2002

[Marks adventure]

Hi

I'm going to replace the water in my sons Dakar.

Can i use normal Antifreeze or is there a special one for bikes?

I have got some Pink antifreeze in the garage leftover from my car, will this be ok to use?

How much would i need to mix up for a complete Drain Down?

Thanks

 

[alimey4u2]

It is advisable to use the manufacturers recommended type/brand to be compatible with the materials within & about your engine....

 

[richc]

If what you've got is silicate and nitrate free - mix it 50/50 with water and you'll be ok. The BMW coolant (over here in the states) is about 2x the cost of the stuff in automotive stores, a gallon of it goes a long way (approx. 6 changes).

 

[Pingo]

have a look at this:

http://faq.f650.com/GSFAQs/Coolant_Change_FAQGS.htm

it's pretty straight-forward. use distilled water and mix it 50/50. massage the hoses and open the bleed nipple as you fill.
I got some blue antifreeze from my local Honda dealer; made by Fuchs I think.

While you're at it: if there's any of the black bmw hose clips left on your coolant hoses replace them with some proper screw type ones. the bmw ones have a tendency to come off.

 

[Beemerboff]

These things run hot - Motul do a next generation Organic coolant, Motocool which is boil proof to 277 F and It doesnt cost a lot more than the stuff which is good to 218F.

I found the only way I could get all the air out of the head was to put a length of clear plastic hose on the bleed nipple , hold the end up high , and start the engine and run it until the bubbles stopped - I'm anal about this because I had a air lock in the head of a car and --cked a good engine , and it was SWMBOs car, and she dined out on it for years----------.

 

[muzvmc]

I always use Rock oil Kool in mine. Just use it neat and it isn't that expensive.
Contains all the anti corrosion stuff and acts as a coolant as well.