Do you add fluid to the radiator or the reserve jug?

[toetruck21]

Going on an 800 mile road trip tomorrow and was checking all fluids and noticed the reserve jug was below the lower level line.  The radiator was down maybe two cups at the most.  Do you guys add fluid into the jug or radiator?  I topped the radiator off and added some to the higher level line in the jug.  Is this going to cause problems?  Last thing I need is to be 400 miles away from home with the heat index of 115 and kicking myself for adding to much fluid and causing a different problem.  I usually try to keep my mouth shut around here as to not prove to you all how ignorant I am but I thought I better just check on this one.  Thanks for any help!

[shortleg]

  Add to reserve tank, fluid run from tank to
radiador.
             Shortleg[Dave]

[Gryphon Rider]

If the radiator is down, I would fill that first, then top up the reserve jug to the appropriate line.  If there is a leak in the system, as the radiator cools it will suck in air through the leak rather than coolant from the reserve jug.  Air in the radiator compromises its cooling ability.  Do what you have to today to tighten the hoseclamp at the thermostat (because it is a known source of leakage), keep a quart of coolant in your saddlebag, and monitor your coolant level throughout the trip.  I'm sure you know to only open the radiator when it's cool.

[hubcapsc]

I had my side cover off yesterday, and there was no coolant in the tank, but the bike was cold.
I remember reading up on it in the manual last time I wanted to check to make sure
I had enough, and I guess it is time to check again. This thread jogged my memory
enough to go look in Dag's online manual for the not-remembered details...

 - Add coolant at the reserve tank. Do not remove the radiator cap except to refill or drain the system.

 - Check the coolant level of the reserve tank with the engine running at normal operating temperature.
    The level should be between the "UPPER" and "LOWER" level lines with the motorcycle upright on a level
    surface. If the level is low, remove the reserve tank cap and fill the tank to the "UPPER" level line with a
    50/50 solution of distilled water and recommended antifreeze.

-Mike

[MP]

I had my side cover off yesterday, and there was no coolant in the tank, but the bike was cold.
I remember reading up on it in the manual last time I wanted to check to make sure
I had enough, and I guess it it time to check again. This thread jogged my memory
enough to go look in Dag's online manual for the not-remembered details...

 - Add coolant at the reserve tank. Do not remove the radiator cap except to refill or drain the system.

 - Check the coolant level of the reserve tank with the engine running at normal operating temperature.
    The level should be between the "UPPER" and "LOWER" level lines with the motorcycle upright on a level
    surface. If the level is low, remove the reserve tank cap and fill the tank to the "UPPER" level line with a
    50/50 solution of distilled water and recommended antifreeze.

-Mike

That works, as long as there is no air leak in the system.  If there is, the coolant will NOT suck back into the radiator, and it will overheat, although there is plenty in the tank.

MP

[Mosa]

I think yer good toetruck... filled the tank, then the reservoir... U shouldnt run into trouble unless as was said earlier U have a leak somewhere else... check on the reserve tank a couple times early in the ride... it may show a little high depending if the radiator expanded some of that cold fluid out into the tank, but it should normalize out... if it does after a warming up and cooling down a few cycles then  U dont have anything to worry about... enjoy your trip...

Mosa