Coolant replacement

[Randy]

Is the service manual requiring me to remove the swingarm so that I can drain the coolant reservoir ?  Or am I misreading/misunderstanding this part of the process.

[Matlock]

No, you are correct, but it is completely unnecessary in my opinion, just syphon out the old coolant, or suck it out if you have a suitable pump.

[Randy]

Thank you for the feedback.  Validates what I was thinking but it is curious why they would want you to go to all that trouble.  The service manual provides a wealth of information but sometimes the information makes things more complicated than it needs to be. 

[thetrecker]

+1 to Matlock's reply.
Just suck it out with a syphon. If you open the radiator cap it will let the link pipe between the cap and resevoir drain too.
You will notice that the entry and exit pipes to the radiator are located about half ways up on the side of the radiator so any coolant below that point will not drain, I removed the radiator and got almost a litre more of the old stuff out, worth noting if you are confused the amount you let out/ put in does not match what the manual says.

Tom

[Randy]

Thank you for taking time to respond.  When you change your coolant again will you take the radiator off or did you find it more trouble than beneficial ?

[thetrecker]

Hi Randy,
I took off the radiator to paint the sides of it as it seems they are prone to flaking the paint off even with careful maintenance. I done this during a big service and noticed the location of the entry/exit pipes then. Takes a lot of stripping to remove it but I will remove it again in a few years and blow out the fins and check for items rubbing /wearing through the rad and give everything a good clean up high behind it. Peace of mind that the coolant is completely flushed is good for me.

Cheers
Tom 

[Randy]

Tom,

Any tid-bits of wisdom with regard to removing the radiator or follow the service manual directions?

Regards,
Randy

[Bulitt]

Replaced my coolant yesterday per the service manual, disconnecting the hoses, etc.  Drained it and a little over 2.5 quarts is all I could get back in it.  Rode it, burped it, cooled it, topped it and that is all it would take…….

2017 DCT.