Red Seal Motorcycle Technician Practice Exam

How do you check the coolant level in a liquid-cooled motorcycle?

1. By shaking the motorcycle and listening to the sound

2. By inspecting the coolant reservoir through the sight glass

3. By feeling the radiator temperature

4. By checking the engine temperature gauge

The correct answer is: By inspecting the coolant reservoir through the sight glass

The method of checking the coolant level by inspecting the coolant reservoir through the sight glass is a reliable and effective approach. Many modern liquid-cooled motorcycles are designed with a transparent sight glass on their coolant reservoirs, which allows the technician to easily see the coolant level without needing to open any caps or dismantle components. This feature provides a clear indication of whether the coolant level is within the recommended range, which is crucial for maintaining proper engine temperature and preventing overheating. Using the sight glass is advantageous because it eliminates guesswork and potential contamination that could occur if the reservoir cap is removed. It also ensures the technician can check the coolant level conveniently and safely, as it minimizes the risk of coolant spills or exposure to hot engine components. In contrast, options like shaking the motorcycle or feeling the radiator temperature do not provide an accurate or reliable measure of the coolant level, while checking the engine temperature gauge indicates the engine's operational temperature rather than the coolant volume itself.