Got the cold weather coolant leak today

[Jess from VA]

It's common and has happened before.

I snugged the hose clamps before.

I lost maybe a third/half cup this morning in the cold.  As soon as the bike warmed up, no more leak (as usual).

My question is how do you check coolant level?  The Honda manual says nothing at all about this.

My coolant is pretty new (I'm not changing it), I'm certainly fine down a third/half cup, but it may happen again riding in the cold.  Does the reserve tank tell you if you are low?  It says to fill to the top line (full is 3.9 quarts, with 1.1 in the reserve tank).  Do you open the radiator neck and look?

I remember wondering about this when it happened before some years ago, and can't remember what I did.   

[Chrisj CMA]

You check and fill if necessary at the overflow tank. There is a minimum and a maximum line. It's behind the left side cover of course

[Jess from VA]

Thanks Jeff. 

[sandy]

If the engine is cold, you can open the radiator cap and look in. It should be full to the neck.

[h13man]

I would check and top off the radiator as mentioned and tank also otherwise address leaks as necessary. Had drip at the lower hose connection thus a touch torque on the clamp. That was probably 8 yrs. ago.

[Peteg]

This issue seems chronic on my bike. Whenever it gets cold the upper hose starts leaking at the thermostat housing. It looks like the upper hose has been tightened so many times it's probably at risk of splitting at the clamp some hot day. I just ordered a new hose. I assume that will take care of it.

I guess my question is - do you guys think the new hose will take care of it, or should I do something like use Permatex when I install the new hose?