The Best Silicate Free Coolant / Antifreeze for Your Motorcycle
Just like engine oil, coolant is one of those motorcycle fluids that you need to choose very carefully. The market for antifreeze and coolants is crowded; you'll find products that are great, and you'll also find those that do more harm than good.
With that in mind, we've scoured the internet, in search for the best quality motorcycle coolants which contain safe additives for your engine.
Maximize the efficiency of your radiator; use high-quality, silicate-free coolant for your motorcycle! Find the best options in this guide
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Table of Contents
Is Car Coolant Okay For Motorcycles?
Depending on the type of car coolant you have at hand, you might be able to safely use it on your motorcycle.
But before you do that, you need to check a few things to ensure it’s 100% safe for your motorcycle engine and transmission.
Firstly, the car coolant MUST contain ethylene glycol. For starters, this is a substance with an incredibly low freezing point.
Secondly, the coolant MUST NOT contain any silicate. Silicates are anti-corrosive chemicals that are quite helpful in cars as they help inhibit aluminum corrosion. For motorcycles, however, they can attack your water pump or seals. This explains why all motorcycles coolants are silica-free.
As you can see, car coolant might not be safe for motorbikes.
Instead of going through all the hassle of trying to establish whether the car coolant you have contains the chemicals mentioned above, we suggest that you go for motorcycle-specific coolant.
See, the motorcycle coolant is specially formulated for your bike, so you’re 100% sure it contains just the right composition of chemicals and additives for your bike’s engine.
Since you’ll be replacing your coolant only once every 2 years, there’s no point in endangering the life of your motorcycle engine just to save a few bucks.
The Best Silicate-Free Coolant / Antifreeze for Your Motorcycle [Top 10 Picks]
A good coolant keeps your bike operating optimally, provided you follow the recommended usage procedure. Here is a list of the best motorcycle coolants to help you pick the correct product. Our list combines the best motorcycle coolants to fit varying operating conditions.
1. Maxima Coolanol 50/50 Performance Blend – Best Overall Coolant
Maxima Coolanol ticks all the boxes for motorcycle maintenance, which is why it stands at the top of our list.
This liquid prevents rust and corrosion and dissipates heat. Maxima Coolanol has a freezing point of -34 °F, protecting against freezing in winter. It also has a boiling point of 265 °F, thus raising the temperatures of your cooling systems with a 15-pound radiator cap.
The Maxima Coolanol 50/50 Performance Blend is ideal for those looking for a value-filled coolant.
Important Features
Corrosion and rust protection: It contains high-quality ethylene glycol that protects the engine from rust and corrosion in magnesium and aluminum cooling systems.
Raise the boiling point: The coolant increases your cooling system's boiling point with a 15-pound radiator cap.
Antifoam agents: This fluid contains antifoam agents that increase cooling capacity. It does this by lowering water pump cavitation.
Ready-to-use: It is a 50/50 ready-to-use blend of deionized water and high-quality antifreeze.
2. Red Line Super Cool – Best for Reducing Engine Temperature
The Red Line Super Cool is a WaterWetter product rated for racing bikes. It has a composition of good WaterWetter percentage and purified deionized water.
The fluid decreases temperatures by up to 30 °F, increasing your system's coolant efficiency. This is great for handling even the most extreme temperatures. It also uses cutting-edge technology to reduce or eliminate bubbles and vapor barriers that form on hot metal surfaces.
This fluid can reduce scaling by decreasing cavitation and complexes with hard water. It also significantly improves heat transfer by breaking down the surface tension in the coolant. This, in turn, warms up the engine quicker.
Important Features
Lowers engine temperatures: Red Line Super Cool reduces bubbles and vapor forming on hot metal surfaces. This, in turn, lowers the engine temperatures.
Corrosion and rust protection: It cleans and lubricates water pump seals. It also reduces corrosion, rust, and electrolysis.
Enhances heat transfer: It has an excellent heat transfer compared to glycol-based coolants.
Versatility: You can use this fluid with all modern bronze, brass, aluminum, copper, and cast iron cooling systems.
Compatibility: Red Line Super Cool is compatible with new or used antifreeze and coolants.
3. Engine Ice High-Performance Coolant – Best for Racing Bikes
This coolant is ideal for street or racing motorcycles, ATVs, cars, and snowmobiles. It’s popular on many tracks worldwide and is legal in CCS and ASRA road races.
Engine Ice High-Performance is phosphate-free, non-toxic, and biodegradable. It has a boiling point of 256 °F and a -26 °F freezing point. It will also lower race temperature by an average operating temperature reduction of 10 °F to 20 °F.
All the coolant formulas are specially designed so the engine doesn't lose power through excess heat. The formula keeps the operating temperatures at optimal performance and provides dependable horsepower.
Important Features
Optimum performance: You don’t lose power through excess heat; your operating temperatures stay optimal.
Reduce operating temperatures: It reduces temperatures and provides dependable power regardless of the terrain.
Superior corrosion protection: The formula prevents corrosion within all cooling systems. These include magnesium, copper, solder, cast iron, and aluminum.
Excellent characteristic: It has thermal conductivity and an excellent high heat capacity.
4. Zerex Original Formula Green Coolant – Best Corrosion Inhibitors
Zerex Original Green Coolant offers great protection for your engine's cooling system. It is a quality product that safeguards against leaking, freezing, and boiling. This product has a boiling point of 265 °F and protects from temperatures as low as -34 °F.
The coolant has patented organic acid corrosion inhibitors to protect against rust and corrosion. It also mixes with demineralized water, thus reducing deposit formation in your engine cooling system. Additionally, it contains additives that ensure the coolant does not corrode old engine parts.
Important Features
Corrosion prevention: It has phosphate additives that safeguard against scale, rust, and corrosion.
Long service life: The coolant has a 150,000-mile or 5-year guarantee to protect the engine against failures.
Freeze protection: It has an unsurpassed anti-boil and freeze protection performance. Both characteristics outperform normal industry standards.
Quality additives: The high-quality additives protect against leaks and are not dangerous to hoses or the bike finish.
5. EVANS NPG Waterless – Best for Extreme Temperatures
The Evans NPG Waterless Coolant has a wide temperature range, allowing riders to operate in any condition. Its boiling point goes up to 375 °F, and its freezing point lowers to -40 °F.
This extended boiling point eliminates the boil-over and vapor barrier, which may lead to pre-ignition and hot spot problems. This, therefore, generates low pressures and minimizes stress on refrigeration components.
Evans NPG Waterless Coolant contains no water, eliminating cavitation and lining erosion of the water pump. During installation, ensure you remove all water and old water-based coolant. We recommend flushing the system with Evans Prep fluid after draining out the old coolant for effective results.
Important Features
Fuel efficiency: The coolant improves combustion and fuel efficiency for more power by eliminating engine shock.
Superior corrosion protection: This product minimizes electrolysis problems and reduces corrosion.
Compatibility: Designed for all CNG, LP, light diesel engines, and modern, classic, and vintage vehicles.
Heat protection: Evans coolant does not vaporize and prevents refrigerant loss. This reduces overheating of the engine.
6. Star Brite Star Cool Synthetic PG Coolant – Best for Sealing Leaks
Star Brite coolant can last 250,000 miles in gasoline and 750,000 miles in diesel engines. It also has a boiling point of 265 °F and freezes to -26 °F with a 15-pound radiator cap.
The coolant comes pre-mixed with deionized water and is safe for water-cooled diesel and gas-powered engines. It contains a mixture of propylene glycol base and a special poly organic additive that upholds engine temperatures.
The coolant passivates the engine metal surfaces to create a barrier to engine parts, thus preventing corrosion. In addition to that, Star Brite Synthetic PG coolant can seal fissures and pinhole leaks.
Important Features
Heat reduction: Star Bright Star Cool Synthetic reduces temperatures faster than other refrigerants.
Antifreeze, anti-boil technology: Protects your engine against extreme temperatures, from -26F to 265F.
Improves horsepower: A revolutionary PCT additive maintains the engine temperature for maximum horsepower.
Easy to use: It is for use outside the bottle and comes pre-mixed with deionized water.
7. Ford Motorcraft Gold Coolant/Antifreeze – Best for Short-Term Solutions
Ford Motorcraft Gold Coolant is great for off-road, street-sport, all-terrain, and street-cruiser vehicles. It contains the prestone AF2100, which prevents corrosion and extends the life of your engine.
The fluids come formulated to protect up to 265 °F. It also decreases temperatures by up to -34 °F, increasing your system's coolant efficiency.
This coolant is compatible with all coolants, making it ideal for short-term solutions and emergencies. Though the coolant may be pricey for some users, it guarantees the best cooling performance and efficiency.
Important Features
Long service life: Protects your engine system for a long time, improving your bike's performance.
Antifreeze technology: The coolant provides anti-boil, antifreeze, and corrosion protection all time round.
Heat protection: The 50/50 blend of distilled water and the coolant protects against freezing and high temperatures.
Corrosion prevention: Contains prestone AF21OO that reduces corrosion and keeps your engine running efficiently.
8. Royal Purple ROY01600 Purple Ice – Best for Budget
The Royal Purple Ice coolant is a synthetic, great-performance radiator coolant. It has a 2-in-1 wetting agent and corrosion inhibitor, which prevent corrosion and rust. They also facilitate heat conduction outside the radiator.
The coolant lowers the engine heat by up to 22 °F by reducing the surface tension on metal surfaces. Lowering the surface tension ensures heat travel much easier and faster, radiating away from your bike.
Selling for an economical price, the coolant gets you the best performance for your money. It is highly recommended for glycol or water-pressurized cooling systems.
Important Features
Long service life: It ensures the system is clean, prevents overheating, and extends the pump's service life.
Corrosion prevention: Improved aluminum protection helps protect against corrosion, erosion, and electrolysis.
Antifreeze technologies: It provides total protection in coolants, antifreeze mixes, and water.
Heat reduction: It reduces the surface tension of coolants, allowing more heat to dissipate outside.
Maximum protection: Royal Purple reduces the hot spots in the cylinder heads to reduce the chances of engine failure.
9. Honda Refrigerant (type 1) 06764-V09-M20 – Best Stock Coolant
Honda produces this efficient engine coolant using organic inhibitors to keep the radiator clean. It has an aluminum component that protects against rust and corrosion on the oil-cooling components of the engine.
The product requires no added corrosion inhibitors. It is high-quality and will protect your motorcycle for 60,000 miles in gasoline or diesel engines. Besides, its boiling point goes up to 265 °F, and its freezing point lowers to -34 °F.
Honda Refrigerant type 1 is ideal for all Honda motorcycle models, especially those operating on a factory coolant. It is pre-distilled and doesn’t rely on the addition of water.
Important Features
Corrosion prevention: It has high-tech organic corrosion inhibitors which offer high resistance.
Antifreeze technologies: The coolant uses an advanced type-2 "blue" formula. This is compatible with the initial "green" coolant.
Long service life: It is more stable with a longer shelf life. The formula is also friendly to the seals and protects them from leaking.
Heat reduction: It contains a quart of coolant and a patented inhibitor that reduces the heat on your engine.
10. Valvoline Zerex Antifreeze Refrigerant – Best Defoamer System
Valvoline Zerex Antifreeze Refrigerant has the highest grade of virgin ethylene glycol. It has an oat formula with a lower pH to protect the engine against rust, scales, and corrosion. The formula also contains nitrites to protect your engine's cylinder liners.
Valvoline's high-quality defoamer system keeps your hoses and bike finishes in the best condition. Mix the concentrated orange formula with demineralized or clean tap water during application. Ensure it is in the ratio of 50:50 for temperatures between -34 °F to 265 °F, 60:40 for -62 °F to 270 °F, and 70:30 for -84 °F to 267 °F.
Important Features
Efficiency: High anti-boiling performance and unsurpassed freeze protection, exceeding industry standards.
Corrosion prevention: High-quality additives that offer protection against corrosion, rust, and leakages.
Antifreeze protection: The resistant organic acid technology protects the cooling system from freezing.
Heat reduction: The coolant design cools your engine, thus improving your motorcycle performance.
What to Look for Before Buying?
When shopping for the perfect coolant for your motorcycle, the following factors must come into play:
Boiling & Freezing Points
The ideal coolant for your motorcycle should have high boiling and freezing points.
A coolant that comes with a high boiling point will do a better job at channeling away heat from your motorcycle engine. Look for coolants with a boiling point of over 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
The coolant should also have the ability to prevent engine ice. The average freezing point for a coolant should be -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pre-Mixed Coolant
You’ll come across motorcycle coolants in two distinct forms—pure and mixed.
The mixed one already comes mixed with deionized water, making it different from the pure form which requires you to do the mixing on your own.
So, which one should you get?
In our opinion, getting the pre-mixed is better. This is because it comes ready to use, so you won’t have to go through all the hassle of messing with distilled water as you try to achieve the right proportions and overall solution concentration.
Anti-Corrosion Properties
Your bike’s engine contains aluminum, brass, alloy, and other metallic parts that can get easily attacked by corrosion and attract costly damages.
To help prevent this, the best motorcycle coolant should contain corrosion and rust inhibitors which help keep corrosion off your engine for an extended lifespan.
Ingredients
We also suggest that you go through the list of ingredients that come with the coolant you wish to buy.
The most common ingredient in motorcycle coolants is ethylene glycol. It’s widely used due to its low freezing point and cheap production cost.
Keep off coolants that contain silicates, phosphates, and other harmful substances. These can not only damage your engine’s magnesium and aluminum components but are also environmentally unfriendly.
If you’re an advocate for nature, consider investing in organic-based products.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Often Should I Change My Motorcycle Coolant?
The coolant life usually varies depending on the type used as well as the operating conditions.
That said, experts recommend that the lifespan of standard motorcycle coolant should be 2 years.
Check your bike’s user manual for more info on the manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance recommendations.
2. What Happens if I Don’t Change My Motorbike Coolant?
Bad things will happen!
The coolant of your motorcycle usually goes bad after around 2 years. After this, it transits from being helpful to being a villain inside your engine. It becomes more acidic and can start eroding the interior of your radiator, engine, and water pump.
As you can see, not changing your motorcycle coolant after every 2 years, can lead to costly damages, making you spend more than you could have spent on a coolant in the first place.
3. Can I Use Water Instead of Coolant on My Motorcycle?
Not a good idea! Water alone cannot work on your motorbike’s coolant tank, no matter what the climatic conditions in your area are.
There’s a reason why motorcycle coolant exists. It contains additives that help broaden the water’s freezing and boiling range.
This helps ensure regular water doesn’t freeze and cause serious damage to your motorcycle.
Water alone can even eat away the interior of your bike engine.
The best water-based coolant for your motorcycle should contain the coolant itself and pure (distilled) water mixed in a ratio of 50/50.
4. Does Motorcycle Coolant Go Bad?
No. Unlike the coolant being used in your motorcycle radiator, the coolant sitting in a can doesn’t degrade. And this means it shouldn’t expire any time soon.
You just need to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how to store the coolant to ensure it stays in top shape for years.
The Best Silicate Free Motorcycle Antifreeze: Our Verdict
Coolants help to keep your motorbike engine running within a safe temperature limit. For this reason, the best motorcycle coolant should come with high boiling and freezing point to be able to do its job perfectly well.
Moreover, the perfect coolant should come with corrosion inhibitors to help ensure the metallic parts of your engine don’t rust or corrode with time.
Our list of the top-rated motorcycle coolants above features best-performing coolants with impressively high boiling/freezing plus added corrosion inhibitors.
You can order one of these coolants today to keep your engine running with maximum efficiency… and for longer.
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