Dumped all the coolant to replace with new Honda 50/50 coolant. Noticed while draining down that some coolant collected in the curved part of the lower crossing hose where I disconnected it from the right radiator. Could be my imagination, but sure looked like almost microscopic flecks of aluminum were mixed into the coolant there.

I think this is original coolant from 2002 since the PO told me he'd never changed it. Possible break-in residue from the factory build process? Or the water pump break-in?

The bike has no leaks, no overheating issues and the old coolant otherwise looked brand new, ie: no discoloration apparent. The drain hose on the pump weep hole fitting was dry.

 

Yeah, that's normal. Just buy a couple gallons of distilled, flush it out, and refill. I use the orange long life stuff. Don't get the green. It has silicates in it which will make your water pump mechanical seal **** the bed quickly.