Coolant help

Hi guys, failrly new to biking and was wondering how I cna check the coolant level on an S 2002. I have checked the manual and it sort of shows the place I should be able to see a level indication, but I just can't find it on the actual bike. I am probably being DUMB, but if there is anyone out there who has pictures and how to do it, then that would make my day.
In fact the whole how to replace the Coolant tutorial would be brilliant!

IAN

[rictus01]

right well this is two things really,

firstly checking the level, if you look threw the big hole in the righthand (sitting on the bike) fairing you should see a plastic container (black) with a translucent window, stand the bike upright and shake it a bit and you can see the indicated level, make sure it's between the two marks, although you are correct and it's not at all clear.

secondly, to change the coolent, make sure you use distilled water ( battery water from a car place will do) and anti-freeze, mixed 50/50, measure out the right amount to start with (will be in the manual) then remove the lefthand fairing panel, level the bike.
On the righthand side remove the waterpump drain bolt (careful to put a container under it) it will only trickle to start with, then remove the rad cap and it'll come out faster (you'll need to move the container away a bit when you do this).

Once drained, re-fit the drain bolt (making sure the washer is in good condition and the seatings are clean), start to refill from the rad cap from your measured amount, you won't get it all in at first, but once you have most of it in leave the rad cap off and start the bike (careful to not stand directly over the rad at this stage), as the bike warms the thermostate will open and the level will fall add more liquid until you've got the full amount in.

turn the bike off, replace the rad cap and check for leaks on the system, once this is done run the bike up to temp (once again checking for leaks).

Allow to cool (15 minutes to be safe) then remove the rad cap and check level again (add more if needed/ sometimes it may spit a bit out) replace the cap and the fairing panel.

take the bike for a ride (keeping an eye on the temp), after check as per the first bit (if you can).

Cheers Mark.

I found it easier to read the level if you hold a torch flat against the expansion tank, lights up the coolant and you see it much more clearly.

HI Thank s for the help there guys.
Will go check it tonight when I get home from work. Took the cae to work this morning. Bloody freezing here in Auckland NZ. I'll let you know how it goes!
IAN