Motorcycle Repair: yamaha yzf r6 cooling, coolant level, honda bikes

Question
QUESTION: I am running a yamaha yzf r6 '99 and having problems with the cooling system .There is no coolant in the engine and I would be starting it after a long time.Do I have to fill the engine also with coolant.Also how will I avoid air from getting trapped . Can i idle it for long since i have to check whether the sys works or not

ANSWER: Yes you have to fill the engine with water, although this will happen automatically when you fill the radiator. Yes you will have to bleed the air out.  This should be described in your manual, together with what coolant you have to use.  Look for the section on coolant flushing.  Good luck,  Jan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanx for your reply
There is another doubt and i would be grateful if you can answer it .How do I bleed the air out? Do I have open the thermostat for that since without any water thermostat will not open and without bleeding the air out water will not fill???


Answer
No you do not have to take out the thermostat, the coolant will be able to flow through it.  It clearly states in my profile that I ONLY work with aircooled Honda bikes.  Your manual should give you the information you need.  However look at the engine and decide where the high points are on the water lines, and see if there is a blanking plug on the system in the high locations for bleeding air off.  If not you may not need to bleed it, but run it with the radiator cap off for a while and see if you can see the coolant level drop, or if you can see it circulating.  If you can see it circulating then the system should have no airpockets left.  Good luck,  Jan