I pop the radiator cap, remove the lowest hose and let her flow. I stick a garden hose in the the mouth of the radiator to flush out any silt / debris that may be in there. If the radiator has to be removed for any reason (change plugs / check valves / whatever) take it down to the car wash and power wash any bug ass off it. Pick the lil rocks out and straighten the fins.
Back when I ran with a thermostat Id take it out clean it and drop it in a pot of hot water to make sure it functions at the proper temp. ~ 106 - 110 deg F if I remember right. Then I stick the garden hose in the thermostat housing (both sides) and flush through there.
I also take the water pump cover off and inspect the fins - make sure there is no silt / corrosion build up on them.
Inspect the coolant reservoir - clean if needed. If there is sludge in the reservoir, chances are someone used automotive radiator fluid. Automotive radiator fluid contains silica which is bad for bikes. So if it was used, you have to make sure to flush the silica out of the system.
White vinegar is good for cleaning corrosion out of the cooling system. Take thermostat out. Put cooling system back together. Top cooling system off with vinegar. Take bike for a few miles and drain. If needed repeat. White vinegar is like a buck a gallon - super cheap and very effective. Better than what you can buy at the parts store!
If you flush the system with vinegar, you will need to run the garden hose though it again to ensure that the vinegar is flushed out. Put the thermostat back in if you want to.
I choose to run without a thermostat. It takes a lil longer for the bike to "Warm Up", but the bike runs much cooler without it. - your choice
Usually radiator fluid is 50/50 mix of Radiator fluid and distilled water - NOT TAP WATER! Read the bottle to see if it has already been mixed at the factory.
Put her all back together, except rad cap, and ALMOST top her off with mixed radiator fluid. Add fluid to reservoir. Squeeze all the hoses to work out air bubbles. Fire bike up and let it idle. Keep adding fluid as needed until its full. If you did not put the thermostat in the step gos quick.
Once your satisfied that you got her topped off, put the cap on and take it out and get her warmed up to the point that the thermostat opens. Drive around town for a while...
Once she has cooled down, or before you next bike ride, check the rad fluid, make sure she is topped off. Sometimes air can sit in the juggs (cylinder cooling sleeves) and after a good ride the air works its way around and the system and collects at the highest point - usually the radiator neck / cap. So its a good idea to check the radiator fluid after your initial ride to make sure it is topped off. Once that is done, your set! Though, checking the rad fluid should be part of your bikes pre-trip inspection
changing coolant
2007 CBR 600RR Two bros. C/F slip on--Dynojet usb P/C--Custom mapped--Vortex sprocket -1 front+2 rear--DID X-ring chain--hh pads --Pilot power rubber--competition werkes F/E. Oem blue solo seat cowl and no rear bitch pegs!(no offense to any bitches meant)
2000 CBR929RR- Cams, Micron cf pipe and headers, Power commander 3 (custom mapped), heads, decked, ported, polished, zero gravity shield, Frame sliders, polished frame and swingarm, remote controlled red neons, Stainless Braided front and rear brake lines. RK 520 race chain and -1/0 Vortex sprockets, bitch pegs and rear seat removed, OEM rear seat cowl, Pirelli Diablo Rubber.
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