Noticed some white, ashy looking mess on bottom of bike this evening. Started cleaning it up and realized it was the green coolant that had dried. Will check it out thoroughly tomorrow.
I've read several threads on older Storms leaking coolant from loose hoses, so guess I'm officially in the club now.
Anectodately it seems reasonable common. The tank is very easy to lift off so I'd do that & check the connections rather than bothering with a return for warranty.
Visually, the radiator hose connections look ok. I found a short hose under the tank that appeared to be slightly loose (no clamp). I secured it by hand but not sure if radiator related. But leak is definitely under the tank. Hopefully I can cure the leak, then have it checked thoroughly when I go in for the 1st service in a few weeks. Will have more time later today or tomorrow to work on it.
No need to remove the tank. The small coolant hoses that are most commonly left loose from the factory can be tightened with a screwdriver from underneath, with the tank in place.
Thanks Speedgelb986S,. I did not have much time to mess with it tonight due to other obligations but did check the two clearly visable clamps. Each had a fastner that could be adjusted with a flat head screwdriver and both felt snug. I'll hope to have more time to trace the leak tomorrow after work.
my 2014 had the exact same problem, tightened the hoses under the tank, no need to remove anything except the cover over the coolant reservoir to check and add coolant.
have had no leaks now for 800 miles.
I guess this is a very common problem.
I had the same issue with my 2014 1600. Took it back to the dealer till they got it right. It was such a minor leak that I didn't even need to top off the coolant.
So the clamps I thought were snug needed about a quarter turn each. I took a quick test ride and seems all good. I'll take a longer ride tomorrow and see if that was the cure. I hope so as I still need to get in a couple hundred more miles before the first service.
Dropped my Storm at dealer this morning and explained my perpetual coolant leak. I've torqued down the hose clamps as much as I'm comfortable with but dealer thought it might be leaking from the gasket underneath - said they've already replaced a few. Will know next week.
Son of a biscuit!! The leak is back and appears to be the manifold again. I tightened up all the bolts to spec, which is not all that tight, and hopefully this will help until I can get back to the Dealer. PITA!!
So dealer delivers bike and tech says found two clamps not sufficiently tight after a thorough pressure check. One under the tank and one on the front side of engine. Crossing fingers this now resolved.
I had the same thing on my 2013 Thunderbird Storm. Coolant was leaking from the three smaller radiator hoses under the tank just above the radiator fan. It was dripping down onto the case forming the ashy looking spots you're describing. If the fan is blowing, it may end up in other places.
There are two phillips head clamps and one flathead clamp that are fairly easy to get to. I found that I had to retighten these clamps multiple times within the first few months of ownership, then it just stopped. Hopefully, that will be the case for you. I know it's frustrating, but you're in good company!
I think the dealer finally got my leak resolved. 100+ miles yesterday and no evidence of leaks. I don't think my dealer wanted another "bring back" so it was tested thoroughly by tech this time.
I still have spots of white ash under the jugs occasionally. It's very subtle but there, so I know a miniscule amout of coolant is escaping somewhere. Due for 6000 mile service soon so maybe Dealer will get it right at that time.
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