Good video.. The only thing I did differently was I watched my temp gauge and when it got to around 165, the thermostat opened up and you could then see the water start to circulate. At first the water will rise slightly (for that reason I under fill to about 3/4" from the base of the radiator cap neck) but as soon as it hits around 165F you will see the coolant moving around and then sink into the radiator below the internal fins. I then shut the bike off and refill to the base of the radiator cap. Typically no mess when when you do it that way... That's my story and I'm sticking to it... ;) Cheers everyone. Thanks Todd
Great reference video. I own a 2009 R1. My question is this...I was under the assumption that after draining the old coolant out it was better to fill up the system with distilled water and let it circulate. To flush the system completely. Drain that out and then fill it back up with the new coolant. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm about to flush out my system and want to make sure I'm doing it correctly. Thanks and keep up the great work.
thanks for the great video. I have been running on low coolant for a little while and after watching this video ready to head in the garage and get that flushed and topped off. Before watching I was ready to take it into a shop, not anymore. Thanks for the information and money this saved me.
Thanks! As far as the video, we do not have one on how to replace the clutch cable, but we will put this high on the list for you. Great idea! As far as finding one for you, I did a lot of searching and could not find one that was helpful. My suggestion is to watch an "Engine Rebuild" video and hopefully they will eventually get to the clutch to show you how it's done. Sorry we cannot be of more help at this time. Good luck and thanks again for the video idea.
Good to know, I'll ask Todd more about this. We run water (with a bit of "Water Wetter") to keep the temp down. Antifreeze works just fine and there are no problems with using it. The temp is a bit cooler with water and we've always used water. We are in Texas and do not suggest you use water in states or countries where you get freezing weather. Todd has over 80K miles on his R1 (he replaced his motor around 50K) and has never had a corrosion problem and always runs water with Water Wetter.
Exactly - if you don't get all the air bubbles out when you change the radiator fluid, then your sportbike will overheat after you finish the job and go out for a ride. Doesn't happen too often on sportbikes but we like to be thorough.
Glad you got it done! Sorry it took so long for the answer, we get tons of emails and comments AND we're also working hard to edit the next video so we're slammed busy over here... which is a good thing!
These videos are great, please keep them coming. The explanations are clear and most importantly the camera work is GREAT. Nice and close and in sharp focus. Best bike maintenance videos I've seen on the net, bonus that they're for an R1. Question: Do I need to drain the coolant to replace the thermostat, or is it high enough that if the bike is left for several hours the coolant will drain out of the housing?
I agree here -- and that is correct: DISTILLED water for anyone reading my comment. My bad for leaving that part out in the comment. Good catch and good reminder cummins
@descern3 nah, not really wasting product since you cut it off as soon as it bubbles and add more water (we use water because it doesn't really freeze in Texas)
From your description, it doesn't sound like there is a problem at this point. The R1 runs hot when idling or at a stop light, etc. Ours do the same thing. A trick I use is to turn the headlights down to low beams (as your fan gets a little more power this way to spin faster). Once you get rolling again, your R1 will cool down. Remember to turn the bright beams back on when the fan stops (if riding during daylight). Watch this video and try flushing your coolant system as that can help a bit.
Thanks for the tip! R1Videos .com is all about helping fellow riders and sharing info. It's great when we get tips from other riders as well. We'll give your method a shot and comment back with our thoughts. Thanks for sharing!
It was on the R1 when I bought it. We recently took it off because it didn't really serve a purpose. You couldn't really see any cars or bikes in it and I never used it. Some liked it for looks though. It was a stick on that you could probably find at an AutoZone or Pepboys or something like that.
This is a great video! Thank you. I'm watching this video step by step. I watched your oil change video too. Keep this going! These are extremely helpful!
Well, I made the mistake of storing my 2001 R1 with 7500 miles on it for 20 years wthout changing the coolant, and now I'm paying for it. The reservoir tank was dry, the radiator cap rubber is partially dried out, the coolant has rust in it from the corroded water pump impeller, I have to completely rebuild the water pump, I haven't even checked the radiator yet but I'm sure will have to flush several times and hope it cleans up OK, not to mention cleaning out the coolant passages in the engine. I can't imagine how crappy they must be by now.
You will lose some, but we don't think you need to drain. Might as well drain while you are at it though if it's about that time. Does this help? Glad you like the videos!
@thechristianbugok we chose not to refill with the green radiator fluid - we only put distilled water and a product called "Water Wetter" back into the bike. While this mixture doesn't have anti-freeze properties, it does allow our R1 to run a bit cooler.
Sorry for the wait - check out our post on the site (we've been behind with some new life events). OK, so yes, you could go that route and it wouldn't hurt. Not exactly how much it would help since your system can run either way (coolant, water, or even water + "Water Wetter" which is what we run down here in Texas). Sure, if you have time and want to be super thorough, it makes sense - - just not sure how much difference it ultimately makes. Might as well go for it if you have the time, right!?
@markus0933 Yeah, you would want to continue to use rad fluid. There is no problem at all using rad fluid, we just choose not to down here in the Texas heat since going with water and the "Water Wetter" alone makes the bike run a bit cooler. It doesn't have anti-freeze powers though. And thanks for the compliment! Be sure to see our website and become an "R1 Insider" and of course, email us anytime if you have a question or need a tip.
You can do distilled water only, distilled water and wetter, or 50/50 mix of distilled and coolant, or just coolant. Depends on temps you want to run and if you live where it freezes. If it freezes where you live, I'd stick with coolant. You don't want your bike to freeze up. Here is Texas we ain't worried about freezing temps. We are more concerned with running the R1 as cool as we can. So it's been water + wetter for years for us with no problems.
@haitim01 I spoke with Todd and we will get to that this week if possible - I'm still trying to edit the "break pads and break lines" series. Sorry for the wait, but it will be worth it!
Can I use Engine Ice instead of what you used? I saw a video where a guy used it and filled the radiator using only the engine ice and didn't need to put any distilled water with it.
every two years - - that's from Todd and we're both track riders and daily commuters. You could do it more often if you just wanted to. But you should check it every now and again (every month or so) to make sure your levels are right and that you are not filling up the coolant overflow tank.
Thanks for the video. Have a question though distilled water freeze faster than water, is it bad idea to use it in cooler temperature where it freezes. Thanks
Just about caught up with home life and both of us got new jobs. Planned on getting the cameras rolling several months ago, but couldn't get back on it. No worries - we ain't goin nowhere and more videos are planned. We'll be doing this until we're old and grey and still riding! Sorry for the wait!
@MetlHead37 Thanks, we're glad you watch and comment. Your bike is sick and so is the new video! I like the red and all the mods you did. We gave you some love at the end of this video along with some other really cool folks that watch and subscribe. I'm going to do an annotation link out to one of your videos to send a little traffic your way. Wish I could keep my R1 inside my house like you do! That's where she belongs to keep her clean and safe!!
Can you guys make a video on the gauge cluster wire harness? My 04 R1 is acting up, the gauge cluster would flicker on and off when I would fiddle with the wires going to the cluster. Thanks for the awesome videos btw! Just changed my coolant and oil!
guaranteed its at the bend going in. Its a bit of hassle fixing it unless you are at a decent level of electric repair or if the deteriorated wire isnt obvious. Its not always the power or earth cables either it can be another wire causing it. Youd be best off removing it and if you know someone good at rewiring ecelctronics will easily be able to fix the bad wire and possibly beef up the rest of them, or find a new custer thats off a crashed bike or a bike you know it works fine. You want to put a few twists on the cable when you plug it in so it has some tension throught the entire cable. Its the fact they dangle below the first bend causes that. KTM and BMW are the worst for it
@MetlHead37 this will be put on the list since we already did this a while back but didn't shoot it because R1Videos didn't exist yet. We'll go back and redo it for you though. Next video on the list will be shot in a couple weeks and will feature: How to install steel break lines, how to remove and change out front break pads, etc. Headed over to your channel now to check out the vid!
Should be for the most part - there are some changes as the models change from each "new bike" year, but you should be able to use the other videos as a general guide for your R6. Thanks for subbing and for watching. You never know, you might end up moving to the R1 some day. I went from a 1999 Yamaha FZR 600 to my current 2004 silver R1. Ride safe!
Yes its my first bike a 1996 Fzr, I've done a few upgrades , mods and preventive maintenance on it already. Just need to start a series.. I just don't know how to go about it
Leave the cap off to release the air bubbles when changing the fluids. You burp out the bubbles and turn the bike off right when it starts shooting out. Then refill it SLOWLY. Air bubbles will cause your bike to overheat after you put her back together and go ride. Not all that common, but can happen. Happens more in ATVs and so forth. Just follow the video and you'll be good to go! Thanks for your question. Robert on behalf of Todd - R1Videos . com
Won't happen. The water (or radiator fluid) you use to top it off is at room temp. Even if it were freezing, it would warm up as you top it off. That small amount no matter how cold can do no such thing. No worries homie.
I just subbed you guys because your videos are very very helpful to beginner bike enthusiast. I just have a question, I just bought a 1999 Yamaha YZF R6 and will all the maintenance done on newer R6's be more or less the same on mine? I understand that some parts might be different but just because of the difference in model. But same general idea right?
Another question after all the old coolant is out and before adding the new coolant can I use regular water just to clean up the system ? Because I'm actually using motorcycle coolant not distilled water
Yes, the bike had anti freeze in it to begin with, we drained that and added in the Water Wetter. So the procedure is the same no matter what you decide to use.
Lucky 13 to you! We already have this on our list to film. Hate to say it, but it's gonna be quite a while til we can get to it. Email us if you need any tips though. You can find out email address on our site. Good luck and thanks for watching.
@markus0933 yes, we do that so the R1 runs a hair or two cooler. We only use water and a product called "Water Wetter" as seen in the vid. However, this method will not keep your fluids from freezing. You should use radiator fluid if that works best for you. You can run it either way though, this is just a mod we do. We are in Texas and keep our R1's out of the elements so we don't need to run radiator fluid in our bikes. That help?
I had 2 bottles of coolant, 1 liter each but my cooling system needs 2.5 l, so I need 0.5 liter more, is it ok to use some distrilled/demineralized water?
If you use water, the water will freeze when you get freezing temps so you won't be able to operate your sportbike. If you are just storing your bike it shouldn't be a problem. Just don't overfill because water expands when it freezes. We use distilled water here in Texas, as it can get down to freezing but not very often and not for very long. When it does, we just can't go riding.
Funny, that was my first bike before the R1! I should have never sold it. No reason to, you won't get much for them. I got $1,800 for my 1998 FZR back in 2008. If I had it, we'd definitely put together a retro channel!!
The only thing im confused on is you drained COOLANT and added wetter and distilled water. Why not add COOLANT again since thats what came out the bike....plz reply
Hey question I think I blew my motor I was on on high revz and missed second gear popped it back in gear and black smoke came out the back.. what should I be looking for? ?
i have a 2005 r1 i live in the uk so as i have had the bike a couple of years think its time to change the coolant....ive bought the motul antifreeze its yellow in colour im a little worried watching your vid that as it was expensive when running the bike up to temp with the rad cap off i will loose alot of it...plus can the antifreez coolant cause damage to the paint work if it gets on it.....love the vids cheers
How often does the bike needs a coolant change and when do you know when to stop with the bubbles with the cap off just bought an 05 r1 when I'm riding it it stays between 187 to like 216 when I stop today I notice a lil piece of rubber melt and it had a lil splash of coolant well looks like I feel like one hose got a small leak if someone could help me out and when I give it gas while the bike is stop or neutral feels a lil rough when I rev it
Get domain name, website, yotube channel, camera, mic, editing software, and teach yourself. That's what we did. Oh, and a buddy to help is good to have too. I work with Todd (he's the guy you actually see in the videos, I'm the guy that does all the filming and editing and internet magic). Good luck! And I'd be glad to help you out further if you ever have a question or need a tip. We've learned a lot with this R1 Videos project!
I think the answer to your question is yes. We removed EXUP on both of our 2004 R1's and left it at that - no retune needed. What year is your Yamaha R1?
I have a few questions do I really need to do that ? Start the bike with the cap off ? Like I'm going to do my coolant flush this weekend but I'm using motorcycle coolant witch is not cheap out here in boston ma so I just don't want it to be wasted if I don't have to do this mandatory...another question can I use the water weater with coolant (I want my bike to run as cool as possible ..lol) another question since I got my bike back in 2009 the reservoir was in the low line but it been empty for the longest can I just pour coolant in there or i need to try to dry it out any ways ?
It seams to have to do a lot just to top up coolant, on my sp125 I think I have a coolant leakage, went from full to barley anything in the pot in a matter of 200miles (brand new bike) realised just today and hope no damage to the engine block was caused.
brake fluid will ruin your paint. I'd have to check with Todd about coolant harming your paint, but I do not think so. It is more important to get the air bubbles out of your coolant than anything else. Thanks for commenting, write us anytime.
I have a 2004 yamaha r1 and so far have used all of your videos to do the work on my bike, however are there more videos? I cant find the one on bleeding the brakes?
@SlickaOfCitySlickas thank you! Yes, those requests are on the list now. Thank you for suggesting, as we are open to any and all requests. Please be patient though, in order to provide you the best quality videos that are "extremely informative" we have to put in a ton of work on each video production. Glad we are able to help you! Check out the site and email us anytime if you need a tip or advice or just to say hello. Stay visible!
i just bought a 2006 r1 50th anniversary, and upon my ride home from purchasing it, i noticed that it likes to overheat when sitting at idle for a length of time. could this be because of air in the system? the fan does switch on at ~220 degrees, but the temp will continue to climb. advice?
Question please ...... If I just want to add coolant to my bike do I have to go through the whole process or just add it thru the reservoir in the back?
Not sure, I got my R1 (the silver 2004) used and the owner before me had several things on it. Like that mini blind spot mirror that I never used and eventually just ripped off and tossed in the garbage.
gotta get it just up to temp to get all the bubbles out, then you cap it. overflow tank catches the overflow, not the normal function of the radiator. hope this helps
Cant understand why you had to turn the bike on with the cap off and let it spew coola t all over tje place. You could jut rake the cap off and rock the bike left to right to displace the bubbles in the system. It will burp alot and just fill in more.
Hey guys...what type of coolant would you suggest to use in a 2006 R1...can you use the same coolant thats used in a car? I currently live in Illinois and am thinking of doing this maintenance work soon in my 2006 R1. Awaiting your advice. Thanks.
@haitim01 Can't hurt to try! Let us know if that works for you and we'll share your input with everyone. We pull everything off to get things out of the way when we burp out the fluids.
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May be 11 years old, but can now change out my radiator fluid. Thanks man.
Glad you found it helpful!
Good video.. The only thing I did differently was I watched my temp gauge and when it got to around 165, the thermostat opened up and you could then see the water start to circulate. At first the water will rise slightly (for that reason I under fill to about 3/4" from the base of the radiator cap neck) but as soon as it hits around 165F you will see the coolant moving around and then sink into the radiator below the internal fins. I then shut the bike off and refill to the base of the radiator cap. Typically no mess when when you do it that way... That's my story and I'm sticking to it... ;) Cheers everyone. Thanks Todd
Ryden McKenna i
Thx so much guys. I traded my r3 for an 05 r1. So I needed this
I just did the same, r3- 05 r1
Great video, I own an 06 R1 and wanted to change the coolant, after watching this video I feel more confident doing the job..
Great reference video. I own a 2009 R1. My question is this...I was under the assumption that after draining the old coolant out it was better to fill up the system with distilled water and let it circulate. To flush the system completely. Drain that out and then fill it back up with the new coolant. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm about to flush out my system and want to make sure I'm doing it correctly. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video, it helped me out a lot when changing my 2008 R1 to water wetter and distilled water.
thanks for the great video. I have been running on low coolant for a little while and after watching this video ready to head in the garage and get that flushed and topped off. Before watching I was ready to take it into a shop, not anymore. Thanks for the information and money this saved me.
Thanks! As far as the video, we do not have one on how to replace the clutch cable, but we will put this high on the list for you. Great idea! As far as finding one for you, I did a lot of searching and could not find one that was helpful. My suggestion is to watch an "Engine Rebuild" video and hopefully they will eventually get to the clutch to show you how it's done. Sorry we cannot be of more help at this time. Good luck and thanks again for the video idea.
You guys are awesome. About 4 of these R1 videos saved me this week!! Thanks
You're welcome, ride safe
I just bought a blue 06 I've been watching these alot. Thanks.
thanks a lot, it's so helpful, I'm gonna do it tomorrow cuz my bike gets to hot on street lights
Good to know, I'll ask Todd more about this. We run water (with a bit of "Water Wetter") to keep the temp down. Antifreeze works just fine and there are no problems with using it. The temp is a bit cooler with water and we've always used water. We are in Texas and do not suggest you use water in states or countries where you get freezing weather. Todd has over 80K miles on his R1 (he replaced his motor around 50K) and has never had a corrosion problem and always runs water with Water Wetter.
Exactly - if you don't get all the air bubbles out when you change the radiator fluid, then your sportbike will overheat after you finish the job and go out for a ride. Doesn't happen too often on sportbikes but we like to be thorough.
excellent videos, i love the mirror in the headlight assembly!
Glad you got it done! Sorry it took so long for the answer, we get tons of emails and comments AND we're also working hard to edit the next video so we're slammed busy over here... which is a good thing!
GREAT JOB, I HAVE A R1 IDENTICAL TO YOU AND WERE IN DOUBT ABOUT THIS MATTER, THANK YOU, AND CONGRATULATIONS
These videos are great, please keep them coming. The explanations are clear and most importantly the camera work is GREAT. Nice and close and in sharp focus. Best bike maintenance videos I've seen on the net, bonus that they're for an R1.
Question: Do I need to drain the coolant to replace the thermostat, or is it high enough that if the bike is left for several hours the coolant will drain out of the housing?
I agree here -- and that is correct: DISTILLED water for anyone reading my comment. My bad for leaving that part out in the comment. Good catch and good reminder cummins
Done and posted to the channel. Finally! Sorry for the 3 month delay on this.
@descern3 nah, not really wasting product since you cut it off as soon as it bubbles and add more water (we use water because it doesn't really freeze in Texas)
Glad our videos help! We are editing on 4 more so check back in on us. We shot more on brakes, how to change spark plugs, windscreen and more.
From your description, it doesn't sound like there is a problem at this point. The R1 runs hot when idling or at a stop light, etc. Ours do the same thing. A trick I use is to turn the headlights down to low beams (as your fan gets a little more power this way to spin faster). Once you get rolling again, your R1 will cool down. Remember to turn the bright beams back on when the fan stops (if riding during daylight). Watch this video and try flushing your coolant system as that can help a bit.
I call you my money saver! you saved me a lot of money!! thanx bro
you bet, thanks for watching!
In what way did he even saved you money? He just made you buy more gallons of water and antifreeze
Thanks for the tip! R1Videos .com is all about helping fellow riders and sharing info. It's great when we get tips from other riders as well. We'll give your method a shot and comment back with our thoughts. Thanks for sharing!
Just bought an 04 R1 trying to fix it up thx for the vids
Oh, and another idea for a basic maintenance video: throttle cable adjustment and maintenance for when the throttle is sticking. Thanks again!
It was on the R1 when I bought it. We recently took it off because it didn't really serve a purpose. You couldn't really see any cars or bikes in it and I never used it. Some liked it for looks though. It was a stick on that you could probably find at an AutoZone or Pepboys or something like that.
This is a great video! Thank you. I'm watching this video step by step. I watched your oil change video too. Keep this going! These are extremely helpful!
Cheers, did it on the weekend, drained a little then topped up, all good! *thumbsup*
Well, I made the mistake of storing my 2001 R1 with 7500 miles on it for 20 years wthout changing the coolant, and now I'm paying for it. The reservoir tank was dry, the radiator cap rubber is partially dried out, the coolant has rust in it from the corroded water pump impeller, I have to completely rebuild the water pump, I haven't even checked the radiator yet but I'm sure will have to flush several times and hope it cleans up OK, not to mention cleaning out the coolant passages in the engine. I can't imagine how crappy they must be by now.
You will lose some, but we don't think you need to drain. Might as well drain while you are at it though if it's about that time. Does this help? Glad you like the videos!
@thechristianbugok we chose not to refill with the green radiator fluid - we only put distilled water and a product called "Water Wetter" back into the bike. While this mixture doesn't have anti-freeze properties, it does allow our R1 to run a bit cooler.
Sorry for the wait - check out our post on the site (we've been behind with some new life events). OK, so yes, you could go that route and it wouldn't hurt. Not exactly how much it would help since your system can run either way (coolant, water, or even water + "Water Wetter" which is what we run down here in Texas). Sure, if you have time and want to be super thorough, it makes sense - - just not sure how much difference it ultimately makes. Might as well go for it if you have the time, right!?
Thank you for your reply. I have completely stock 2004 R1.
@markus0933 Yeah, you would want to continue to use rad fluid. There is no problem at all using rad fluid, we just choose not to down here in the Texas heat since going with water and the "Water Wetter" alone makes the bike run a bit cooler. It doesn't have anti-freeze powers though. And thanks for the compliment! Be sure to see our website and become an "R1 Insider" and of course, email us anytime if you have a question or need a tip.
Great video! Along with my workshop manual this was all I needed to do a successful coolant flush, top work!
You can do distilled water only, distilled water and wetter, or 50/50 mix of distilled and coolant, or just coolant. Depends on temps you want to run and if you live where it freezes. If it freezes where you live, I'd stick with coolant. You don't want your bike to freeze up. Here is Texas we ain't worried about freezing temps. We are more concerned with running the R1 as cool as we can. So it's been water + wetter for years for us with no problems.
@haitim01 I spoke with Todd and we will get to that this week if possible - I'm still trying to edit the "break pads and break lines" series. Sorry for the wait, but it will be worth it!
Cool, well you shouldn't have a problem. We just removed ours and all has been fine. Better performance for us!
Cool, thanks! I will flush the coolant this weekend and report back.
Can I use Engine Ice instead of what you used?
I saw a video where a guy used it and filled the radiator using only the engine ice and didn't need to put any distilled water with it.
every two years - - that's from Todd and we're both track riders and daily commuters. You could do it more often if you just wanted to. But you should check it every now and again (every month or so) to make sure your levels are right and that you are not filling up the coolant overflow tank.
motorcycle specific coolant (don't use the car stuff) - - Motul, Yamacool, Engine Ice, AMSOIL coolant - - anything that is silicate free
Glad you got the Swamp Thing piss out of that radiator in your R1. Thanks for watching, and glad it was helpful for you!
Thanks for the video. Have a question though distilled water freeze faster than water, is it bad idea to use it in cooler temperature where it freezes. Thanks
Just about caught up with home life and both of us got new jobs. Planned on getting the cameras rolling several months ago, but couldn't get back on it. No worries - we ain't goin nowhere and more videos are planned. We'll be doing this until we're old and grey and still riding! Sorry for the wait!
@MetlHead37 Thanks, we're glad you watch and comment. Your bike is sick and so is the new video! I like the red and all the mods you did. We gave you some love at the end of this video along with some other really cool folks that watch and subscribe. I'm going to do an annotation link out to one of your videos to send a little traffic your way. Wish I could keep my R1 inside my house like you do! That's where she belongs to keep her clean and safe!!
Can you guys make a video on the gauge cluster wire harness? My 04 R1 is acting up, the gauge cluster would flicker on and off when I would fiddle with the wires going to the cluster. Thanks for the awesome videos btw! Just changed my coolant and oil!
guaranteed its at the bend going in. Its a bit of hassle fixing it unless you are at a decent level of electric repair or if the deteriorated wire isnt obvious. Its not always the power or earth cables either it can be another wire causing it. Youd be best off removing it and if you know someone good at rewiring ecelctronics will easily be able to fix the bad wire and possibly beef up the rest of them, or find a new custer thats off a crashed bike or a bike you know it works fine. You want to put a few twists on the cable when you plug it in so it has some tension throught the entire cable. Its the fact they dangle below the first bend causes that. KTM and BMW are the worst for it
@MetlHead37 this will be put on the list since we already did this a while back but didn't shoot it because R1Videos didn't exist yet. We'll go back and redo it for you though. Next video on the list will be shot in a couple weeks and will feature: How to install steel break lines, how to remove and change out front break pads, etc. Headed over to your channel now to check out the vid!
Should be for the most part - there are some changes as the models change from each "new bike" year, but you should be able to use the other videos as a general guide for your R6. Thanks for subbing and for watching. You never know, you might end up moving to the R1 some day. I went from a 1999 Yamaha FZR 600 to my current 2004 silver R1. Ride safe!
Im Maryland our weather is very spontaneous, regular 50/50 Radiator fluid will be jus fine for those freezing nights
Yes its my first bike a 1996 Fzr, I've done a few upgrades , mods and preventive maintenance on it already. Just need to start a series.. I just don't know how to go about it
Leave the cap off to release the air bubbles when changing the fluids. You burp out the bubbles and turn the bike off right when it starts shooting out. Then refill it SLOWLY. Air bubbles will cause your bike to overheat after you put her back together and go ride. Not all that common, but can happen. Happens more in ATVs and so forth. Just follow the video and you'll be good to go! Thanks for your question.
Robert on behalf of Todd -
R1Videos . com
Won't happen. The water (or radiator fluid) you use to top it off is at room temp. Even if it were freezing, it would warm up as you top it off. That small amount no matter how cold can do no such thing. No worries homie.
I just subbed you guys because your videos are very very helpful to beginner bike enthusiast. I just have a question, I just bought a 1999 Yamaha YZF R6 and will all the maintenance done on newer R6's be more or less the same on mine? I understand that some parts might be different but just because of the difference in model. But same general idea right?
Another question after all the old coolant is out and before adding the new coolant can I use regular water just to clean up the system ? Because I'm actually using motorcycle coolant not distilled water
Yes, the bike had anti freeze in it to begin with, we drained that and added in the Water Wetter. So the procedure is the same no matter what you decide to use.
What do you guys think about using engine ice in place of the water wetter?
@martinnigsxf750 thanks, How to change and mod your breaks is next. I am part Polish so it's very cool to hear from you guys out there!
If you were using a different product, such as engine ice or anti freeze. Would you still leave the cap off while the bike warms?
Lucky 13 to you! We already have this on our list to film. Hate to say it, but it's gonna be quite a while til we can get to it. Email us if you need any tips though. You can find out email address on our site. Good luck and thanks for watching.
@markus0933 yes, we do that so the R1 runs a hair or two cooler. We only use water and a product called "Water Wetter" as seen in the vid. However, this method will not keep your fluids from freezing. You should use radiator fluid if that works best for you. You can run it either way though, this is just a mod we do. We are in Texas and keep our R1's out of the elements so we don't need to run radiator fluid in our bikes. That help?
I had 2 bottles of coolant, 1 liter each but my cooling system needs 2.5 l, so I need 0.5 liter more, is it ok to use some distrilled/demineralized water?
but couldnt you burp it with the cap still on but not tight jus loose and sitting on top so it doesnt get so messy with distilled water.
If you use water, the water will freeze when you get freezing temps so you won't be able to operate your sportbike. If you are just storing your bike it shouldn't be a problem. Just don't overfill because water expands when it freezes. We use distilled water here in Texas, as it can get down to freezing but not very often and not for very long. When it does, we just can't go riding.
Funny, that was my first bike before the R1! I should have never sold it. No reason to, you won't get much for them. I got $1,800 for my 1998 FZR back in 2008. If I had it, we'd definitely put together a retro channel!!
Will putting the distiller water in instead of coolant matter for winter storage? I live in iowa.
Love your detailed videos. But can you redo them with higher quality, like 1080p, because it's too blurred :(
your all R1 videos is very useful can i apply these methods on 2012 R1 ?
The only thing im confused on is you drained COOLANT and added wetter and distilled water. Why not add COOLANT again since thats what came out the bike....plz reply
Hey question I think I blew my motor I was on on high revz and missed second gear popped it back in gear and black smoke came out the back.. what should I be looking for? ?
i have a 2005 r1 i live in the uk so as i have had the bike a couple of years think its time to change the coolant....ive bought the motul antifreeze its yellow in colour im a little worried watching your vid that as it was expensive when running the bike up to temp with the rad cap off i will loose alot of it...plus can the antifreez coolant cause damage to the paint work if it gets on it.....love the vids cheers
How often does the bike needs a coolant change and when do you know when to stop with the bubbles with the cap off just bought an 05 r1 when I'm riding it it stays between 187 to like 216 when I stop today I notice a lil piece of rubber melt and it had a lil splash of coolant well looks like I feel like one hose got a small leak if someone could help me out and when I give it gas while the bike is stop or neutral feels a lil rough when I rev it
Get domain name, website, yotube channel, camera, mic, editing software, and teach yourself. That's what we did. Oh, and a buddy to help is good to have too. I work with Todd (he's the guy you actually see in the videos, I'm the guy that does all the filming and editing and internet magic). Good luck! And I'd be glad to help you out further if you ever have a question or need a tip. We've learned a lot with this R1 Videos project!
I think the answer to your question is yes. We removed EXUP on both of our 2004 R1's and left it at that - no retune needed. What year is your Yamaha R1?
Hey, that water wetter u put in at the beginning spewed out when u ran the bike right? Do u put in more after u top it off?
I have a few questions do I really need to do that ? Start the bike with the cap off ? Like I'm going to do my coolant flush this weekend but I'm using motorcycle coolant witch is not cheap out here in boston ma so I just don't want it to be wasted if I don't have to do this mandatory...another question can I use the water weater with coolant (I want my bike to run as cool as possible ..lol) another question since I got my bike back in 2009 the reservoir was in the low line but it been empty for the longest can I just pour coolant in there or i need to try to dry it out any ways ?
It seams to have to do a lot just to top up coolant, on my sp125 I think I have a coolant leakage, went from full to barley anything in the pot in a matter of 200miles (brand new bike) realised just today and hope no damage to the engine block was caused.
your burning up coolant..doesnt always mean a leak
brake fluid will ruin your paint. I'd have to check with Todd about coolant harming your paint, but I do not think so. It is more important to get the air bubbles out of your coolant than anything else. Thanks for commenting, write us anytime.
Gracias por tus vídeos
Hi great video! whats the alen key bolt in shot at 6:38? (the largest silver one just above the hose). Thanks!
I have a 2004 yamaha r1 and so far have used all of your videos to do the work on my bike, however are there more videos? I cant find the one on bleeding the brakes?
should be links bro
Overheat, yeah possible, but that won't cause your R1 to idle high. Are you hearing the fan come on maybe when it gets overheated? Let us know.
Ahhhh that makes sense. Thank you Robert.
thanks,but why leave the cap off the radiator when warming it up?
I did this today!
Cheers for the video
@SlickaOfCitySlickas thank you! Yes, those requests are on the list now. Thank you for suggesting, as we are open to any and all requests. Please be patient though, in order to provide you the best quality videos that are "extremely informative" we have to put in a ton of work on each video production. Glad we are able to help you! Check out the site and email us anytime if you need a tip or advice or just to say hello. Stay visible!
Out of curiosity, who do you run the bike before topping it off?
i just bought a 2006 r1 50th anniversary, and upon my ride home from purchasing it, i noticed that it likes to overheat when sitting at idle for a length of time. could this be because of air in the system? the fan does switch on at ~220 degrees, but the temp will continue to climb. advice?
Question please ...... If I just want to add coolant to my bike do I have to go through the whole process or just add it thru the reservoir in the back?
Not sure, I got my R1 (the silver 2004) used and the owner before me had several things on it. Like that mini blind spot mirror that I never used and eventually just ripped off and tossed in the garbage.
gotta get it just up to temp to get all the bubbles out, then you cap it. overflow tank catches the overflow, not the normal function of the radiator. hope this helps
Cant understand why you had to turn the bike on with the cap off and let it spew coola t all over tje place. You could jut rake the cap off and rock the bike left to right to displace the bubbles in the system. It will burp alot and just fill in more.
Sounds good, let us know if you need any help or have any questions.
Hey guys...what type of coolant would you suggest to use in a 2006 R1...can you use the same coolant thats used in a car? I currently live in Illinois and am thinking of doing this maintenance work soon in my 2006 R1. Awaiting your advice. Thanks.
Thanks so much for making these vids man!
We will add this to our growing list for you!
I heard distilled water is pretty bad though?
@haitim01 Can't hurt to try! Let us know if that works for you and we'll share your input with everyone. We pull everything off to get things out of the way when we burp out the fluids.
De are in Italy température get around Zéro so Who do u suggest? Antifreeze for aluminium Radiat? Any brand? Thanks Bro
Non si capisce Bro scrivi inglese o arabo?
is there a way to do this without water spilling out the radiator when you run it. im using engine ice and dont want that all over my bike and floor
put a microfiber cloth over it. You can also see it go damp when the coolant starts spitting