I have searched and researched online trying to determine how to top off my 2011 630 with antifreeze. Owners manual specifies Castrol Motorcycle Coolant, which I am unable to find for sale anywhere in the US. Next, tried to determine composition of Castrol Motorcycle Coolant. No joy. Some people report the OEM coolant the bike is shipped with is European G11 spec coolant (which contains silicates), some claim it is European G12 spec (no silicates). Many sources state that silicates will destroy seals and waterpumps, etc. and should not be used in motorcycles. Also, mixing G11 and G12 is to be highly avoided, so can't afford to get that wrong. First preference is to match the Castrol and just top it off. If that cannot be accomplished (which seems to be the case), I am willing to drain and refill but would like to use something as close as possible to what the manufacturer is recommending. What is everyone else doing?
I believe most people had to flush out the original coolant within a year, if you were to drain yours you would find a lot of sediment in the coolant. You can use any coolant that is aluminum compatible.if you can get your hands on some XF coolant it would be highly recommended.
For a quick off the shelf solution you can use OEM Honda - available at any Honda car dealer. It's silicate free and designed for aluminum.
Well I put XF Coolant to the test this Thursday night. I was with CJH on his new BMW R1200GS (air cooled) and we were trapped on the interstate due to a crash some miles ahead. We had to just creep along, stop, creep, stop, etc., until the GS got too hot to continue riding, so we pulled off behind a sign to let things cool. The fan on the 630 never even came on even though the outside temp was 95 F. We eventually cut out of there off-road style and found another way around the mess. Pretty good test of the coolant I think.
Thanks everyone for the quick responses. I will definitely drain out the original coolant. XF coolant looks pretty good. Will also check out the Honda. What is the best way to flush out the OEM stuff that is in the bike now?
As EricV said. The honda Type II car coolant is what I use. There was a lot of sediment when I drained my 630. Cam.
Lots of sediment in mine, garage thought I had topped up with river water. Can't believe you still have to sit in traffic instead of just nipping between the cars down the white line, is one of the great benefits of riding a bike.
