so I am the proud new owner of a 2008 v strom 1000. The bike is awesome and I know I'll keep it for a while. I'm going to get a factory service manual but in the meantime I have a question.
1) The little coolant reservoir inside the fairing shows the coolant below the L line. Do I need to add coolant and can I buy it at an auto store? I plan to try to put new fluid in eventually but am waiting to get a manual. In the meantime I am just trying to figure out if I need to add any fluid.

It should be above the L line. I used Honda Premixed coolant obtained from one of the two motorcycle shops here. Need to be careful about buying from an autoparts store unless you know what you are buying as you need coolant for an aluminum coolant system and the wrong stuff will ruin your waterpump as well as screwing other things up. Maybe one of the others who buy from autoparts suppliers will pop on here and tell you what is safe.

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Doug in Kentucky (Semper Fi)
Live in the moment, for only the moment is real.
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2007 Wee-Strom
2009 Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive
2001 Honda Helix (Sold)
1980 Honda Express (my toy!)

Any name brand automotive coolant is ok to top off with...as long as it says it is approved for use in aluminum engines/radiators. Most if not all are in todays market. Do NOT use the red/orange coolant, typically these will be the extended life/GM replacement fluids. Should be yellow or green. You can buy the "premixed" versions that are 50% water/antifreeze. They are comparitively expensive but very handy in some situations.

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'12 DL 650- '04 DL 650- '03 DL 1000- '04 R 1150 RT

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thanks for the help...runs off to the store....

I bought my in the motorcycle store.... I bought the Suzuki brand it is sold premixed 50% as necessary. It matched the color. I like to stick with Suzuki brand on all fluids, except oil.