[Sean Lamothe]

Hey all, I have a new to me 500 and I ordered a Haynes manual but in the mean time I’m doing a little maintenance.
I’m looking to top up the coolant.
I took a pic of the reservoir and circled what appears to be the fill line.
I’m just looking to confirm that’s correct and wanted to also ask if that’s the line at temp or cool.
Sorry if this is a common question. I did a search but didn’t see it.
I’m also as new to this forum as I am to the bike

 

[CRU]

Welcome and congrats on the bike. To answer your question, check it when it's cold. Here's a link to the service manual explaining the procedure.

Coolant Deterioration; Coolant Level Inspection; Coolant Draining - Kawasaki EN500 Service Manual [Page 52]

 

[Sean Lamothe]

Thank you!

Welcome and congrats on the bike. To answer your question, check it when it's cold. Here's a link to the service manual explaining the procedure.

Coolant Deterioration; Coolant Level Inspection; Coolant Draining - Kawasaki EN500 Service Manual [Page 52]

 

[Sean Lamothe]

Bah, couldn’t see the actual coolant inside the reservoir well but thought it was low.
I added some but wasn’t seeing the line on the reservoir and I ended up overfilling it.
I’ll have to drain some out now dammit

 

[Sabre-t]

Bah, couldn’t see the actual coolant inside the reservoir well but thought it was low.
I added some but wasn’t seeing the line on the reservoir and I ended up overfilling it.
I’ll have to drain some out now dammit

Sometimes it helps to hold a flashlight against the reservoir, but your reservoir is pretty clouded, so that may not work. If you do it in a fairly dark garage or shed, it might work. Also, some coolants will fluoresce when a black light is shined on them, but again, that might not work with yours.

 

[vulcandoc]

In answer to your first question - overflow tanks are to be checked when engines are cold.
When hot the coolant level will be higher since coolant expands with heat.
And you should check the radiator level as well to make sure it is as full and possible.
You could have other problems if the coolant level in radiator/engine doesnt stay full.