After reading several posts with bits and parts on how to properly flush the cooling system I did it a couple of hours ago and wanted to write my version on how to do it.
I recently read in Motorcycle Consumer News that the Suzuki fan switch 17680-50F10 starts the fan at 98C (208F) instead of 102C (216F) and its a simple swap with the KTM part. If you look online (Maybe even this forum) there are apparently other brands that also start earlier than the KTM part. I used the Suzuki $56 delivered.
As the owners manual says and its preached regularly in this forum, the front end of the bike has to be 50cm from the ground (2ft). I was able to accomplish this by hanging it from the open rafters in my garage. I used my Cycle Cynch Handlebar tie down http://www.amazon.com/Cycle-Cynch-Integ ... B005FYQLJU to hang the bike with a Haul Master 1/4 ton handle hoist http://www.harborfreight.com/garage-sho ... 67144.html.
To support the bike I used soft straps tied to the handlebar and tie downs from other rafters to remove the weight from the hoist.
I started the process by removing the radiator covers, removing the radiator cap and bolt located on the top left side of the radiator.
I then removed the drain bolt located here:
After the old coolant drained, I reinstalled the bolt on top of the radiator and the drain bolt and filled the system (Very very slowly), with a 50/50 mix of white distilled vinegar and distilled water, as per Motorcycle Consumer News May of 2013 (Coolant System Flush) to clean the system. I let it get up to temperature (I actually confirmed that the fan kicks in earlier) and shut if off.
I tried to let the bike cool down (All of this is happening as the bike is hanging from the rafters), and refilled with distilled water to flush any remnants from the vinegar/distilled water. So bike up to temperature, fan kicks on again and shut off.
Flush the water out, button everything up and filled with Engine Ice ($20/jug) and you only need one. I had the bike running while I filled with coolant to make sure air bubbles are not being trapped.
Interesting note, I always fill the tank with fuel before I get home and as I had the bike hanging from the rafters, I was getting a little gas leak from the overflow hose under the bike until I put her back down.
I went for a short ride, all seems normal and the fan kicks in at 7/10 digital bars instead of 8 as before. Remember to always fill the system very slowly to allow all air to be burped out of the system. Baby needs burping.
I will check coolant level later today, and go for a 200 mile ride tomorrow to make sure all is good.
