K11 Owners Group

RAL88

Since ws ready to flush out the radiator on the K100 I have been reading back threads on antifreeze. Considering the my BMW dealer is 100 miles roung trip I did some fact finding. From what I have read and found on the net (for what that is worth) it appears the it was important to have Nitrate/Nitrite free and phosphate free antifreeze because the water in Eruope is harder than what we find in the states and these chemicals will precipitate out with hard water thus plugging the radiator. Silicates are also a problem but more with seals failing on honda water pumps because of the gasket material they used.

The best antifreeze I have found that meets this criteria is Peak Global. It is Nitrate/Nitrite free, phosphate free, silicate free and uses OAT (organic acid technology) which is recommended for aluminum engines. I just flushed out my K100 so I will see how it does. $11.99 for a full strength bottle.

They call the color of it amber but it looks piss yellow to me.
_________________
Rich

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and make it work better"
*************
'96' K1100LT-SE
'97' R850GS-R

Mystic Red · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 6:03 pm Post subject:

You'll be fine. Never notice a difference. I use some pretty orange $h!t in mine.
_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

Flying Duck · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 6:31 pm Post subject:

Phil Marvin · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 2:24 am Post subject:

I've posted this before. I've used Wal Mart's brand, Prestone and Texaco. I mix it 40% anti-freeze 60% DISTILLED water. I've never had a problem with coolant. You DO NOT need a silicate-free anti-freeze. Honda needed silicate-free anti-freeze because of their seals in the Gold Wings. BMW uses different seal technology and the BMW seals are not destroyed by the silicates like the Honda seals were (are?).
_________________
Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin in El Paso, TX
'94 K75A/3
'95 K75RTP

drmalacarne · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 6:39 am Post subject:

I use pure Motul Motocool in my 1994 K1100LT. I dont put water.
And I change it every year.
"Anti-corrosion and anti freeze, Protection -25°C/-13°F Nitrite free / Amine free / Phosphate free..MOTUL MOTOCOOL EXPERT is a ready to use cooling liquid, antifreeze and anti-corrosion for bikes cooling systems. Based on monoethyleneglycol, MOTOCOOL EXPERT contains reinforved hybrid anti-corrosion additives suitable for light aluminium alloys used for bike engine design.

Protects the cooling system from freezing ( -25°C / - 13°F) and metallic parts from corrosion. Provides an excellent thermal exchange and then engine cooling efficiency. Avoid engine overheating with its high boiling point : 133°C/271°F (+1.5 bar ). Outstanding anti-corrosion and anti-cavitation properties that remain while ageing. Seals, durits and plastic parts friendly.

Ready to use, do not add any water."

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-946-motul-motocool-expert-ready-to-use-cooling-liquid.aspx
Guilherme.
_________________
1994 K1100LT SE n° 0267
1998 HD Heritage Springer 95th anniversary
Yes, a Hog and a Beemer can live together!

Phil Marvin · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 11:13 am Post subject:

Hi, Gui,
I'm not familiar with the product. I've never seen it here. From the description, I would not expect you to have any problems with it. Most anti-freeze sold in the USA is good for temperatures of -34F (-37C), either the "ready to use" or the standard anti-freeze mixed with water at a 50% ratio. BMW's specification for K-bikes is 40% coolant, 60% water, which I suspect is close to what is in the Motul anti-freeze you are using.
_________________
Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin in El Paso, TX
'94 K75A/3
'95 K75RTP

RAL88 · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 11:22 am Post subject:

On the back of my BMW antifreeze bottle it recommends 60/40 or 50/50 depending on the riding conditions/outside conditions.
_________________
Rich

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and make it work better"
*************
'96' K1100LT-SE
'97' R850GS-R

Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 11:35 am Post subject:

Unless you live at the North Pole you're better off with 40/60 as water has better thermal transfer propeprties than anti-freeze. Although the pre-mixed 50/50 stuff won't do any damage.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Mystic Red · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 7:06 pm Post subject:

I ride regularly in -30's.
_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

malcolmt · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:18 am Post subject:

My local BM dealer in Joburg sells Castrol summer/winter coolant rather then their own stuff.
_________________
******************************
A Bike on the road is worth two
in the shed
******************************