Checking coolant F650 without removing sidecover
 

I have a 2000 F650GS Dakar. Not sure how many other models this applies to, but despite all the cute engineering from BMW including an inspection slot cut into the LHS plastic cover, it's impossible to see the coolant level! Yeah, very lame. (Maybe others have different experience? Perhaps possible with very dark green coolant?)

Anyway, I'll cut to the tip...

What I do is take a small torch (say AA MAGLITE) and direct it from behind the sidecover, up/under/behind the reservoir. This back lighting provides the required contrast and when you shake the bike about a bit you can see the level!

Probably works best in the shade/in doors.

If I leave the batteries in my maglight (carried in my mapcase), they go dead after a few days. Must be the vibration, causes the circuit to close and the batteries to discharge.

so, have to think your solution needs a bit to be desired.

Ahh...ok, doesn't have to be a Maglite if that's letting you down. I just tried with my single LED headlamp and that also works very well. Basically any smallish bright-ish light. I've had no problems carrying various lamps/torches (flashlights in your speak!) although I usually carry them buried in my luggage in the rear.

Also, just experimented with the bike in darkness and the technique works even better, so I guess tip 2 is: check your coolant in the evening while you're camped!

Quastdog, try buying a new maglite. My maglite survived 3 months in my tank bag without it ever killing the batteries. Never heard of that problem before.

I keep trying to think of a way of attaching/removing the side panels on my dakar without the hassle of removing the indicators panel everytime.

baswacky.

I use my mobile phone screen illumination to check the oil level on my K1200. The small oil window is recessed behind the belly pan in a dark nook. Obviously, it depends on your phone model but it's worth a try if you haven't got a torch handy.
Stephan