K1200RS Coolant Overflow

[drj737]

I am the proud new owner of a 2003 K1200RS. It only has 1100 miles on it. Just like new except I am concerned that it sat for a long time but it was in a climate controlled warehouse. I picked it up in Dallas for a 250 mile ride back to Houston. At my 1st stop i noticed radiator fluid dripping in a puddle. I pulled the seat off. Started the bike and watched the reservoir fill to the top and fluid squirt out the top of the cap.

There is nothing in the manual i was given that address coolant level and how to check it. With the bike level and coolant "cool" it is just barely above the "MIN" level. When I let the bike idle and the temp goes up to red line (just before the fans click on) the reservoir fills to the top.

1. IS this normal?
2. Could I have a stuck thermostat?
3. Where it the thermostat and can I change it? Anybody know how?

The bike runs cool while riding. Just below mid range on the gauge. Just gets hot when idling. How will this run when it gets TEXAS HOT this summer ?

Thanks
Darrell

[SHIVA]

welcome to the forum. the bike needs a full fluid change, considering it's been sitting for so long before it's taken out on the road.

[drj737]

welcome to the forum. the bike needs a full fluid change, considering it's been sitting for so long before it's taken out on the road.

Yes the fluids except the coolant were changed buy the dealership I purchased the biker from. I just want to know why the coolant level needs to be so low or it overflows.

Thanks

[SHIVA]

the K1200RS will not overheat, unless there is something wrong with the fans. its normal operating temperature is above mid level on the temp gauge. no matter how hot, the two fans will do a great job of exhausting the heat away from both the rider and the engine. your dealer should have flushed and changed the coolant as well. How long the bike was sitting, before you bought it?

[Bernardo]

Hi Darrel, welcome to the forum

Another tip...
Is possible you have air in the coolant system, caused by a little drainage, may be imperceptible or bad filling/change or bleeding.
This issue is the same as other engines, so please try a search within quotes "air in the system", you find there causes and solutions like this:

"What to do after coolant overheat?" viewtopic.php?f=3&t=19047

or