Radiator cap on interstate

[ShiftHappens]

I am changing the coolant and am having a difficullt time removing the radiator cap. I have it loose, but hit the faring when trying to take it all the way off.  What is the trick?

Also, the coolant that came out is green. I bought the honda 50/50 from  honda auto dealership. Do I have to get the residual out, or can the be mixed? 

[ShiftHappens]

Yeah, idiot me. Turn the handle bars! I have to get used to this fork mounted faring!

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I'ld drain it, flush it with water, and refill it with the news stuff. I do mine every two years, I've got 140k on my 2000 I/S.

[hubcapsc]

obligatory animal hugger remark: don't let your dogs or cats have access to
radiator fluid, they think it is sweet, but it is poison...

-Mike

[Canuck]

Also, the coolant that came out is green. I bought the honda 50/50 from  honda auto dealership. Do I have to get the residual out, or can the be mixed? 
[/quote]

Honda MC coolant is green and the auto is blue.  Same stuff, different color.  They are both silcate free - which is the important part.  You save a few bucks buying the auto stuff.  There are other brands suitable as well.  I think you can find them in the Tech Board section.

[jer0177]

It would not be a bad idea to rinse out the residual - do NOT use tapwater though.  Pick up a couple of gallons of distilled water from the Walmart or grocery store.  Don't forget to drain and flush your reserve tank (hidden behind the left side cover) too.

Even though you're just using the water to flush with, and such a small a small amount will remain in the system, why take chances with the minerals in the tapwater when it's so easy to come by distilled?

[Jess from VA]

Even though you're just using the water to flush with, and such a small a small amount will remain in the system, why take chances with the minerals in the tapwater when it's so easy to come by distilled?