How to Change the Coolant in a 2006 Honda CR85
Shop parts for a 2006 Honda CR85 Dirt Bike.
Regularly changing the coolant in your 2006 Honda CR85 is essential for peak performance and the long-term health of your engine. The CR85's high-revving, liquid-cooled two-stroke engine runs hot, and clean coolant helps prevent overheating and corrosion, especially when the bike is ridden hard on the track or trail. Use the following MotoSport-exclusive step-by-step guide to safely and thoroughly replace your coolant–and keep your Honda running cool every ride.
What You’ll Need
- Fresh, premixed motorcycle coolant or concentrate mixed with distilled water (never tap water)
- 8mm or 10mm socket/wrench (depending on drain bolt size)
- Catch pan for old coolant
- Funnel
- Shop towels or rags
- New copper or aluminum washer for the drain bolt (recommended)
- Gloves and eye protection
Steps to Change Coolant
- Let the bike cool completely. Never open the radiator cap on a hot engine—dangerous steam and hot coolant can spray out.
- Remove the seat and left side shroud. This will give you easy access to the radiator and drain bolt. These plastics come off quickly with a socket or screwdriver.
- Place the catch pan under the water pump drain bolt. The water pump is generally located at the lower right side of the engine. Look for a small bolt at the bottom of the pump cover—this is your drain bolt.
- Remove the radiator cap. This relieves pressure and allows the coolant to flow out quickly and completely.
- Remove the water pump drain bolt. Allow all the coolant to drain out into your pan. It may be helpful to gently rock the bike side to side to get all fluid out.
- Inspect the drain bolt washer. Replace it with a new copper or aluminum washer for leak-free reinstallation.
- Reinstall and torque the drain bolt. Tighten the bolt to manufacturer spec (typically about 10 Nm or 7 ft-lb for most dirt bikes).
- Slowly fill the radiator with fresh coolant. Use a funnel for steady, spill-free pouring. Fill to the base of the radiator neck.
- Bleed air from the system. Tilt the bike gently left and right, and squeeze the radiator hoses to burp out any trapped air. Top off the coolant if needed.
- Replace the radiator cap, shroud, and seat.
- Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Keep an eye on the coolant level as it circulates. Shut off the bike, let it cool, and recheck the level. Add more coolant if necessary.
Important Tips for 2006 Honda CR85 Owners
- Check coolant level regularly in the catch tank and radiator. Two-strokes run hot–never let your CR85 get low on coolant.
- Only use motorcycle-safe coolant. Never use plain water or automotive coolant with silicates, which can damage seals and water pump parts in motorcycles.
- Coolant drains should be done every year or at the start of the riding season for optimal performance.
- The CR85 uses a lightweight aluminum radiator–avoid over-tightening the radiator cap or drain bolt to prevent stripping threads.
- If you ride in extreme temperatures or muddy/wet conditions, check for clogged radiators and flush more frequently.
Changing your coolant is a fast, critical way to ensure reliability on your Honda CR85 for every moto, from gates drops to trail rides. Stay on top of maintenance for legendary big-bore mini performance.
Related Shopping Categories
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Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.