Motorcycle coolant: The complete purchasing guide
That you are a seasoned endurist who heats his engine in the technical paths or a daily biker who swallows the kilometers, the temperature management of your engine is non-negotiable. The coolant is the essential “caloporter” fluid that guarantees the health of your mechanics. Choosing the right product is life insurance for your engine, but in the face of different technologies, standards and brands, how to navigate it?
Don't panic, Freenduro guide you to make the best choice in 2026.
Our Top 3 best motorcycle coolants
If you are in a hurry, here are the 3 products that stand out the most in our complete selection. Each responds to a specific need: extreme performance, controlled budget and the best technical compromise.
Focus on our Top 3: a choice for every need
- For the budget under control: the Voca Racing Tight offers modern features (OAT, without silicates) at an unbeatable price per litre. This is proof that you can maintain your motorcycle efficiently without breaking the bank.
- For absolute performance: TheEvans Powersports is unique. His Waterless Technology which removes boiling makes it the ultimate solution for the hard enduro, where motorcycles suffer enormously from heat.
- For the best compromise: the Putoline Ultracool 12 represents the perfect balance. It delivers first-class performance (high boiling point, long-term protection) at a very competitive price.
⇩ Read our comprehensive buying guide to understand everything ⇩
Why is a specific motorcycle coolant essential?
Contrary to popular belief, water alone can under no circumstances replace a coolant. The latter is a complex formula designed for three vital tasks:
- Dispose of heat: it captures excessive calories from the engine to dissipate them via the radiator.
- Pushing the temperature limits: thanks to the glycol, it lowers the freezing point (up to -35°C) and raises the boiling point (above 130°C).
- Protecting the circuit: its additives combat rust and corrosion, protecting the water pump and modern aluminium alloys.
Understand the technologies to make the right choice: IAT vs OAT
The main difference between liquids lies in the technology of their anticorrosion additives.
- IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology): “classic” liquid (blue/green), for older motorcycles. Lifespan of approximately 2 years.
- Organic Acid Technology (OAT): modern “universal” liquid (pink/red/yellow), perfect for recent aluminum engines. Long service life (up to 5 years).
The case of G12 and G13 standards: What is it?
Coming from the automotive world, these standards indicate precisely the technology used:
- G12 / G12+: Technology Liquid OAT (organic), often pink/red. High performance, not miscible with old mineral liquids.
- G13: a more ecological (glycerin-based) evolution of G12, miscible with G12.
⚠ Can pink and yellow liquid be mixed?
You never trust color. The golden rule: mix only liquids of the same technology (OAT with OAT). Poor mixing of organic and mineral can create thick mud This will clog your radiator and cause immediate engine overheating.
Key points to compare on the can (label)
- Boiling point: aim above 125°C.
- Freeze protection: -25°C is a good base for France.
- Compatibility: it is imperative that you check the words “protects aluminium“.
- Lifespan: A long life liquid (OAT) is a major advantage.
Our selection of the best motorcycle coolants
Here is a summary table of our complete selection for enduro and road.
| Product | Type / Standard | Boiling point | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evans Powersports | Waterless (Waterless) | 180 °C | Extreme Performance (Hard Enduro) |
| Voca Racing Tight | Organic (OAT) | ~ 135 °C | Unbeatable price (the cheapest) |
| Putoline Ultracool 12 | Organic (OAT/G12) | ~ 135 °C | The best value for money |
| Ipone Radiator Liquid | Organic (OAT) | 136 °C | Versatility and high performance |
| Motorex Tight M3.0 | Organic (OAT) | > 135 °C | Quality “first fitting” KTM / Husqvarna |
| Motul Motocool Expert | Hybrid (HOAT) | 133 °C | The great reliable classic |
The Motul case: Motocool Expert vs Factory Line
The Motocool Factory Line (red) is the ultra-performing version intended for competition with a boiling point at 136°C. For classic enduro or road use, we recommend the Motocool Expert (yellow) which already offers exceptional protection for 80% pilots.
Express tutorial: how to drain its coolant?
⚠ Security alert: Do not NEVER this operation on a hot engine at the risk of severe burns by vapour spraying.
Step 1 – preparation : Cold motorcycle on flat surface, place a recovery bin. Locate the radiator cap and the Purge Screw (often located on the water pump housing).
Step 2 – emptying : Open the radiator cap to create an air call, then unscrew the purge screw. Allow the circuit to drain completely, then re-screw the purge screw with a new seal if necessary.
Step 3 – filling and purging of air : fill slowly with the radiator. Clean the air gently tilting the bike or starting the engine for a few moments, plug open. Complete the level and adjust the expansion vessel between the ‘MIN’ and ‘MAX’ markings.
Step 4 – Recycling : Used liquid is extremely polluting. Do not throw it in the wild: bring it to the dump in a closed can.
The Freenduro trick: Should the calorstat be removed in order to heat less?
If you practice enduro, you may have heard of the deletion of calorstat (or thermostat). This is a common change on enduro motorcycles.
Why remove the thermostat on an enduro bike?
- Flow restriction: even open, it slows down the flow of liquid. By removing it, the flow to the radiator is maximised at low speeds.
- Risk of breakdown: a closed blocked calorstat is the immediate overheating and the breech joint secured.
Attention: Your engine will take longer to heat. Let it warm up quietly before rolling hard.
How to do it?
- Locate the upper durite coming out of the breech.
- Option 0 €: Remove the internal thermal valve (spring/coupelle) keeping the original seal.
- Kit option: replace the whole with a Reinforced Durite Kit (Samco type) which removes the thermostat housing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What coolant to put in a motorcycle?
Choose a liquid organic (OAT), without silicates, as recommended by most modern builders.
Is it the same for car and motorcycle coolants?
No, no. Motorcycle liquids are without silicates to protect water pumps and aluminium alloys that are more fragile than on a car.
Is there a special liquid for 2-stroke motorcycle?
No, no. The circuit is identical on a 2T or a 4T, the choice depends on the materials of the engine and not the cycle.
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