Found the answers to my above question in the owners manual. Of all places!!

When I removed the white plastic coolant reserve bottle it was badly lined inside with what
appeared to be black mould or something. I tried bleach, vinegar, hot water, all 3 combined and
managed to shift a little of it but not happy. So I went down to our local beach where I live and
borrowed a cup full of sand, poured half into the coolant bottle, added a little water and shook
it like mad for a minute or so and then rinsed it all out. Result? One sparkling clean coolant bottle
with no sign of black mouldy stuff. Yeah, finally a win.

No to go and chase up my thermostat and hose.

Wayne

Thanks Alan.

Bike has just clicked over 100,000 ks (2000 model). I have owned it for just 12 months.

Temperature gauge, on hot days and waiting for traffic lights to change, has crept up a little
too high for my liking. I checked the coolant overflow reservoir and it showed plenty of fluid
so I thought it might be a good idea to check the thermostat. I removed it yesterday and tested
in hot water, with a thermometer and it did not move. I am satisfied that it's seized and look
to replace it.

However, when I took the radiator cap off, there appeared to be no fluid in the system and looking
a little closer revealed that the tube from the overflow to the radiator cap housing was very very
hard and had actually split, so I am pretty sure this is where the fluid has gone.

Today I am replacing the hose and the thermostat, refill with fluid and fingers crossed, it will all
end well.

I don't have a service manual and will be looking to see if the coolant capacity includes the overflow bottle
and what the coolant/water mix ratio is.

cheers,
Wayne

Sad to hear about the loss of your father. Sincere condolences.

Glad to hear your on the mend.

 And yes, Shiney and Carroll are good eggs.

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