Triumph Street Scrambler - Owner's Manual > Cooling System

To ensure efficient engine cooling, check the coolant level each day before riding the motorcycle, and top up the coolant if the level is low.

Note:

A year round, Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (known as Hybrid OAT or HOAT) coolant is installed in the cooling system when the motorcycle leaves the factory. It is coloured green, contains a 50% solution of ethylene glycol based antifreeze, and has a freezing point of -35ºC (-31ºF).

Corrosion Inhibitors

Warning

HD4X Hybrid OAT coolant contains corrosion inhibitors and antifreeze suitable for aluminium engines and radiators. Always use the coolant in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.

Coolant that contains anti-freeze and corrosion inhibitors contains toxic chemicals that are harmful to the human body. Never swallow antifreeze or any of the motorcycle coolant.

Note:

HD4X Hybrid OAT coolant, as supplied by Triumph, is premixed and does not need to be diluted prior to filling or topping up the cooling system.

To protect the cooling system from corrosion, the use of corrosion inhibitor chemicals in the coolant is essential.

If coolant containing a corrosion inhibitor is not used, the cooling system will accumulate rust and scale in the water jacket and radiator. This will block the coolant passages, and considerably reduce the efficiency of the cooling system.

Coolant Level Inspection

Note:

The coolant level should be checked when the engine is cold (at room or ambient temperature).

Street Cup, Street Twin, Bonneville T100 and Bonneville T120

1. Expansion tank cap
2. MAX and MIN marks

Position the motorcycle on level ground and in an upright position. The expansion tank can be viewed from the left hand side of the motorcycle, towards the rear of the engine.

Check the coolant level in the expansion tank. The coolant level must be between the MAX and MIN marks. If the coolant is below the minimum level, the coolant level must be adjusted.

Street Scrambler

1. Expansion tank cap
2. Maximum mark
3. Minimum mark

Position the motorcycle on level ground and in an upright position. The expansion tank can be viewed from the left hand side of the motorcycle, towards the rear of the engine.

Check the coolant level in the expansion tank. The coolant level must be between the MAX and MIN marks. If the coolant is below the minimum level, the coolant level must be adjusted.

Thruxton and Thruxton R

1. Expansion tank cap
2. MAX and MIN marks

Position the motorcycle on level ground and in an upright position. The expansion tank can be viewed from the right hand side of the motorcycle, towards the rear of the engine.

Check the coolant level in the expansion tank. The coolant level must be between the maximum (top) and minimum (bottom) marks. If the coolant is below the minimum level, the coolant level must be adjusted.

Coolant Level Adjustment

Warning

Do not remove the expansion tank or radiator pressure cap when the engine is hot. When the engine is hot, the coolant inside the radiator will be hot and also under pressure. Contact with this hot, pressurised coolant will cause scalds and skin damage.

Caution

If hard water is used in the cooling system, it will cause scale accumulation in the engine and radiator and considerably reduce the efficiency of the cooling system. Reduced cooling system efficiency may cause the engine to overheat and suffer severe damage.

Note:

• If the coolant level is being checked because the coolant has overheated, also check the level in the radiator and top up if necessary.
• In an emergency, distilled water can be added to the cooling system.

  However, the coolant must then be drained and replenished with HD4X Hybrid OAT coolant as soon as possible.

Street Cup, Street Twin, Street Scrambler, Bonneville T100 and Bonneville T120

Allow the engine to cool.

The expansion tank cap can be removed from the left hand side of the motorcycle, towards the rear of the engine.

Remove the cap from the expansion tank and add coolant mixture through the filler opening until the level reaches the MAX mark. Refit the cap.

Thruxton and Thruxton R

The expansion tank cap can be removed from the right hand side of the motorcycle, towards the rear of the engine.

Remove the sprocket cover.

Remove the cap from the expansion tank and add coolant mixture through the filler opening until the level reaches the maximum (top) mark.

Refit the cap. Refit the sprocket cover to 9 Nm.

Coolant Change

It is recommended that the coolant is changed by an authorised Triumph dealer in accordance with scheduled maintenance requirements.

Radiator and Hoses

Warning

The fan operates automatically when the engine is running. Always keep hands and clothing away from the fan as contact with the rotating fan can cause injury.

Caution

Using high pressure water sprays, such as from a car wash facility or household pressure washer, can damage the radiator fins, cause leaks and impair the radiator's efficiency.

Do not obstruct or deflect airflow through the radiator by installing unauthorised accessories, either in front of the radiator or behind the cooling fan. Interference with the radiator airflow can cause overheating, potentially resulting in engine damage.

Check the radiator hoses for cracks or deterioration, and hose clips for tightness in accordance with scheduled maintenance requirements. Have your authorised Triumph dealer replace any defective items.

Check the radiator grille and fins for obstructions by insects, leaves or mud.

Clean off any obstructions with a stream of low pressure water.

Throttle Control

Warning

Always be alert for changes in the 'feel' of the throttle control and have the throttle system checked by an authorised Triumph dealer if any changes are detected. Changes can be due to wear in the mechanism, which could lead to a sticking throttle control.

A sticking or stuck throttle control will lead to loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

Throttle Inspection

Warning

Use of the motorcycle with a sticking or damaged throttle control will interfere with the throttle function resulting in loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

To avoid continued use of a sticking or damaged throttle control, always have it checked by your authorised Triumph dealer.

Check that the throttle opens smoothly, without undue force and that it closes without sticking. Have your authorised Triumph dealer check the throttle system if a problem is detected or any doubt exists.

Check that there is 1 - 2 mm of throttle grip free play when lightly turning the throttle grip back and forth.

If there is an incorrect amount of free play, Triumph recommends that you have your authorised Triumph dealer investigate.

See also: