How do i check the coolant level in my 97 1100 shadow

Check coolant level and thermostat placed at the bottom of radiator.
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It sure sounds like a stuck-open thermostat to me. The coolant is flowing through the radiator when it is not supposed to. The car does not have any airflow through the radiator when it is sitting still, and when you take off the air blows through the radiator, thus causing the engine to cool down. The thermostat controls the flow of coolant through the radiator to keep the engine at operating temperature.

the easiest way to see the coolant level is to shine a flash light up from underneth the plastic tank, located between the the engine and rear tire. now follow the fillcap located above the right side passenger foot peg. there will be a vertical one inch slot in a chrome cover. behind this slot are two very faint lines . one low, one high about a half inch apart. I found that carefully tilting the bike to the right makes it easy to see just how low the coolant is. a really small diameter piece of tubeing jammed into a tiny funnel will prevent a mess when topping off.

There reall isn't much to do except change the engine oil and filter, replace the spark plugs, and check the air filter. Other important normal maintenance items are; check all fluid levels (brake fluid, clutch hydraulic fluid, coolant level, final drive oil level), and tire pressures. Your motorcycle requires very little in the way of tune-up maintenance.

that's all there is. coolant should be to the top of the fill tube. check it only when the motor is cold. DO NOT open the cap when hot!!!