dvmoe

I just bought a 2008 honda shadow spirit. I see where the coolant level cap is but don'e know how to get it off. It is behind the compartment where my user maunal and tools are located. The book tell how to check it but it is also the same place you would add the coolant. Also when my bikw gets hot from a long ride, when I gear it down to 1st gear only, there is a sound that sounds like it is trying to go into gear. Otherwise the bike does fine. Can you give me any answers to these questions? PS> I am a new member.