Radiator guards

[BIGBOSSMAN]

Well summer is almost here, and with summer comes the next to useless Transit NZ and local councils road repairs. Essentially their take on road improvements is to plaster it with tar and then sprinkle tons of pea gravel all over it.
This is not good news in terms of biker safety, while anyone with a front mounted radiator (VTR-SP1 fans rejoice) could be in for a costly repair or replacement radiator.
Fatzx10R has the rad off his bike in for repair because of a stray stone, hopefully it can be done as a new one will set him back $1400 from a Kwaka dealer:sick:
So I've made myself a stone guard out of fine mesh - I was going to buy one from an Ebay dealer buy they were $100US + postage.
So to sum up: Protect your expensive radiator from harm by investing in a stone guard, the cost of mine was negligible - about $10 and a bit of time and effort.
You'll be glad you did...:niceone:

[Gremlin]

damn, thats cheap mesh. But I agree... a mate holed a radiator 600km into the bikes life... the first service was expensive. :shit: I have made radiator guards for mine ever since.

Metal suppliers should have sheets for around $40 I think, I didn't know, and paid $60 from Ripco for the Racepro Racemesh (3 different sizes).

Just make sure its not too fine, or else your engine temps will have a healthy increase.

[Blackshear]

Well summer is almost here, and with summer comes the next to useless Transit NZ and local councils road repairs. Essentially their take on road improvements is to plaster it with tar and then sprinkle tons of pea gravel all over it.
This is not good news in terms of biker safety, while anyone with a front mounted radiator (VTR-SP1 fans rejoice) could be in for a costly repair or replacement radiator.
Fatzx10R has the rad off his bike in for repair because of a stray stone, hopefully it can be done as a new one will set him back $1400 from a Kwaka dealer:sick:
So I've made myself a stone guard out of fine mesh - I was going to buy one from an Ebay dealer buy they were $100US + postage.
So to sum up: Protect your expensive radiator from harm by investing in a stone guard, the cost of mine was negligible - about $10 and a bit of time and effort.
You'll be glad you did...:niceone:
Bruh. I'm pretty damn sure you can make a cheaper one, and then fill it with gold sand. Not because it's useful, but because it'd still be cheaper.

But having said that, I have no idea.

[Owl]

Totally agree Bigbossman, but I paid $30 for my mesh.:crybaby: I also got some rubber edging from Pararubber to give it that finished look.:2thumbsup

[gtr boy]

thanks for the reminder gary,my bro in law mentioned that a while ago but i forgot so i will do mine this weekend i think as weather gunna be shitty,got my oil cooler as well in the front so need to keep stones outa there...:dodge:

[Pussy]

We got the Aussie Radguards on both of our sem fiddys. They cost a bit, but are VERY well made, fit perfectly, and work very well. They're worth it for peace of mind

[sAsLEX]

Huh..... my 89 Honda NC30 had them as standard........ crazy ?!


My modern Honda has an aftermarket one in Pink!


I wonder why they have ditched the 300 gram mesh that would save the bike a fair bit of grief?

[bucket boy]

Well summer is almost here, and with summer comes the next to useless Transit NZ and local councils road repairs. Essentially their take on road improvements is to plaster it with tar and then sprinkle tons of pea gravel all over it.
This is not good news in terms of biker safety, while anyone with a front mounted radiator (VTR-SP1 fans rejoice) could be in for a costly repair or replacement radiator.
Fatzx10R has the rad off his bike in for repair because of a stray stone, hopefully it can be done as a new one will set him back $1400 from a Kwaka dealer:sick:
So I've made myself a stone guard out of fine mesh - I was going to buy one from an Ebay dealer buy they were $100US + postage.
So to sum up: Protect your expensive radiator from harm by investing in a stone guard, the cost of mine was negligible - about $10 and a bit of time and effort.
You'll be glad you did...:niceone:
Do you no if zx14 is the same radiator if it is i got a brand new won he can have for $400

[BIGBOSSMAN]

Hey dude, yes I think it is - send fatzx10r a pm, I don't think he's had the radiator repaired yet, possibly it could be unfixable.

Cheers!

[Gremlin]

Hey dude, yes I think it is - send fatzx10r a pm, I don't think he's had the radiator repaired yet, possibly it could be unfixable.
Knowing how other manufacturers have gone with their rads... I would guess the rad is much too flimsy to be fixed (I do hope I am wrong).

As soon as you try to touch them to fix em, they melt in your hands...

[Morcs]

Mt eden will sort the kwakas out pretty cheap.

[vgcspares]

Waste paper basket from the warehouse for $4.99 pair of scissors and the Chinese made expanded mesh did both the rad and oil cooler. Came black painted and still looks good. Helps if the rad comes with a plastic grill cos the mesh then wraps around it, so no sharp edges.

[steelestring]

Yea dude your gaurd looks great! I was wondering what mounting points you used on the kawa. and or any other bits needed to secure it. I got a couple to make up. My radiator already has been through some heavy fire and will be good to get it sorted.

[Gremlin]

These pics may help:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb236/_Gremlin/2004%20ZX-10R/BeforeandAfterGrill2.jpg?t=1225330407
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb236/_Gremlin/2004%20ZX-10R/BeforeandAfterGrill1.jpg?t=1225330407

Basically, I zip tie it on above and below, but I make the grill so tight, that on the sides, it tucks into the radiator itself.

Above and below, there should be mounting points to loop the tie around, otherwise, you can also go through the bottom or top of the radiator itself, usually

[BIGBOSSMAN]

Interestingly take a look at my third pic - the fender in particular.
A ride up to Mangawhai just after I bought the bike resulted in damage to the fender - a stray stone (boulder) from phukking Eviltwin's ZX10R tore a chunk off the thing.
I was pissed off of course, but at least I could ride it home. If that had hit the rad I'd have needed a trailer + the cost of a replacement radiator I reckon. Not good.

[2wheeldrifter]

Looks good indeed, not only little stones etc but all those summer bugs just clog everything up!

"Guess you will be takin your bike to the Bikini wash" :blink:

[snuffles]

just built my own, cost me $15 for the mesh and another $70 for the polar fleece i melted when I forgot the grinder sparks are hot....DOH:clap:

[fatzx10r]

allright the bike's all go, my mate has fixed the radiator and done a shit hot job. plan B make a gaurd for it now. cheeer's for the offer and help though bucket boy and bossman :niceone:

[my_r32]

Well, unfortunately I found some road works on my travels yesterday. Went extremely slowly through them.........parked up at the bf's place 2 mins later, took a look at at all the stones sitting in the belly pan....then looked at the radiator, sure enough some of the stones had hit it, made little dints in places, so looks like I'll be investing in one very soon as well. Dont need anymore mishaps:crazy:

[HungusMaximist]

Good reminder, I keep tell myself to put up a mesh but keep putting off.

What would be the best thing to cut metal mesh?

[Gremlin]

tin snips should cut through easy as

[discotex]

Can anyone suggest a nice cheap source for mesh in Auckland?

Was planning on getting a radguard but AU$195 vs <$50 and a bit of time is a no-brainer really.

[steelestring]

I think that the alu. mesh bin from the warehouse sounds the biz... same stuff and dam cheap..... like someone said. Even comes with a rubber edge to finish off the ends. Then i will just relace as soon as it gets too shagged and dirty hehe :niceone:

[Gremlin]

Can anyone suggest a nice cheap source for mesh in Auckland?
someone should be able to tell you of cheaper options, but I go to repco, racepro racemesh, a sheet at $60. (what it looks like) (http://www.racepro.co.nz/mesh.htm)

[discotex]

I think that the alu. mesh bin from the warehouse sounds the biz... same stuff and dam cheap..... like someone said. Even comes with a rubber edge to finish off the ends. Then i will just relace as soon as it gets too shagged and dirty hehe :niceone:


someone should be able to tell you of cheaper options, but I go to repco, racepro racemesh, a sheet at $60. (what it looks like) (http://www.racepro.co.nz/mesh.htm)

Thanks guys :niceone:

[my_r32]

I think that the alu. mesh bin from the warehouse sounds the biz
is it possible for someone to post pics of this guard made from a bin? Need a cheap option, and just need an idea of how this got fitted to the bike :)

[Forest]

That's a good idea.

But I think I'll just stick to oil & air cooled bikes. :)

[imdying]

I put it between the tanks on my SV, can't even tell it's not part of the radiator. I made it from aluminum expanded mesh, and I cut it about 2-3mm too wide. That way it bows out slightly, which keeps it off the fins. Cable tied in place between the tubes, you'd never spot it... perfect :yes:

[clint640]

Another good cheap source of mesh is used truck/heavy equipment air filters. Fish one out of the skip at your local diesel workshop & snip the mesh off.

Bugger paying $60 for the same thing at Repco.

Cheers
Clint

[Greyham]

thats awesome, i will make one for my bike

[TOTO]

I think that the alu. mesh bin from the warehouse sounds the biz... same stuff and dam cheap..... like someone said. Even comes with a rubber edge to finish off the ends. Then i will just relace as soon as it gets too shagged and dirty hehe :niceone:

Great idea. Will be buying a bin tomorrow :yes:

[LBD]

Jest a word of caution...okay a few words.

The guard in the first pics look like SS wire mesh, though I may be wrong. Two things to watch with that,, Nice as it looks....

1) Keep it away from any aluminum because it is much harder and any vibration type movement will wear through thin aluminum quick as a flash.

2) Second concern with Stainless steel mesh. If you live near the coast or are not selective with detergents or not hosing it off properly, your SS mesh will last forever because SS is a very noble metal. Not so with your Aluminum, if your not careful you will set up a nice battery between the two, and in serious cases you can watch the aluminum fizzle away.

3) For the water cooled monster riders out there, watch out for the clearance between the radiator and the trailing lip of your $400 to $500 CF front mudguard. I broke about 4 inches of mine doing a serious stoppie...:mad:

[Renegade]

would your insurance cover this?? like a car windscreen is covered, surely if it costs $1400 for a radiator insurance would cover it.

[TOTO]

Ok I went today and bought me a bin for 10bux, cut it up to shape, and zip tied it. Quite pleased with the result :niceone:

[LBD]

would your insurance cover this?? like a car windscreen is covered, surely if it costs $1400 for a radiator insurance would cover it.


Is a good question and if stone damage caused a hole then I would think so.

But I would prefer not to be parked on the side of the road with a holed radiator...at night...in the rain...out of phone coverage....50 miles from the nearest civilation

[Warr]

Ok I went today and bought me a bin for 10bux, cut it up to shape, and zip tied it. Quite pleased with the result :niceone:
Top marks I say. And all within budget as well :)

[HenryDorsetCase]

That's a good idea.

But I think I'll just stick to oil & air cooled bikes. :)

you will need a guard for that big oil cooler you've got sitting out front.

I went to coulter wireworks and got a stainless mesh offcut for $5.

Suggested by AllanB on this forum and its worked a charm.

[yachtie10]

One person has commented on the size of the mesh and some of the ones I have seen pics of seem too small to me.
In my thinking the holes need to be quite big to allow decent airflow
this would depend on the bike and how it was ridden
how big could the holes be before it was too big?

I am looking for some mesh right now for my bike (I will have a look at warehouse)

[LBD]

One person has commented on the size of the mesh and some of the ones I have seen pics of seem too small to me.
In my thinking the holes need to be quite big to allow decent airflow
this would depend on the bike and how it was ridden
how big could the holes be before it was too big?

I am looking for some mesh right now for my bike (I will have a look at warehouse)

Hole size and wire or mesh size, its a ratio. However have a look at the radiator itself, most mesh will flow more air that the radiator, I should not be to concerned about the hole size...

[dipshit]

Try places like Ullrich Aluminium for some nice aluminium mesh screens. Aluminium is also much easier to cut down to the right size with a peer of side cutters.

[dipshit]

Hole size and wire or mesh size, its a ratio. However have a look at the radiator itself, most mesh will flow more air that the radiator, I should not be to concerned about the hole size...

Too small a mesh could create a boundary layer that could stop the majority of air flow through it. Mesh about the size or just slightly smaller than typical road chip would be ideal.

[LBD]

Too small a mesh could create a boundary layer that could stop the majority of air flow through it. Mesh about the size or just slightly smaller than typical road chip would be ideal.

To true, I tend to leave out that which is covered by common sense.

[dipshit]

To true, I tend to leave out that which is covered by common sense.

Then why did you say...

"most mesh will flow more air that the radiator, I should not be to concerned about the hole size"

Remember fine mesh is what is used as windbreak material.

[LBD]

Then why did you say...

"most mesh will flow more air that the radiator, I should not be to concerned about the hole size"

Remember fine mesh is what is used as windbreak material.

Cause common sense dictates you would not use wind break material for a radiator grill....or would you?:no:Then again your name is dipshit....

[Badger8]

Ok I went today and bought me a bin for 10bux, cut it up to shape, and zip tied it. Quite pleased with the result :niceone:

You never fail to impress me with your strange ideas mate :2thumbsup

On a side note i have plenty of black mesh from repco (that racepro stuff) left over from when i did my little 250 back in the day. If anyone wants to shout me a beer they can drop by and make one for their steed :yes:

[dipshit]

Cause common sense dictates you would not use wind break material for a radiator grill....or would you?:no:Then again your name is dipshit....

You would think wouldn't you. Yet some of those wire mesh screens posted here look to be getting that way.

This is one i made for my bike with some aluminium mesh....

[LBD]

You would think wouldn't you. Yet some of those wire mesh screens posted here look to be getting that way.

This is one i made for my bike with some aluminium mesh....

Using the Rad side guard like you have is a tidy way to fit it. My daughter is about to pick up a new SV650...might suggest it to her.

I have the same mesh on my monster...

[dipshit]

Using the Rad side guard like you have is a tidy way to fit it. My daughter is about to pick up a new SV650...might suggest it to her.


At the moment i am watching it like a hawk to make sure there is no chafing going on. I also put a couple of washers under the side guard screw points to keep the guards off the tanks a bit more, because the mesh underneath the front edge pushed the back lip into contact in a couple of places. So far so good.

[LBD]

here is a pic of my guards made and fitted by a bloke in Chch for me....cause I don't have the time. His name is Stuart and can be contaccted through Craig at Casbolts if anyone is interested....

[TOTO]

here is a pic of my guards made and fitted by a bloke in Chch for me....cause I don't have the time. His name is Stuart and can be contaccted through Craig at Casbolts if anyone is interested....

cool man. Love the small guard for your second radiator on the bottom too. primo job.:yes:

How much did he charge you lazy boy ?

[LBD]

cool man. Love the small guard for your second radiator on the bottom too. primo job.:yes:

How much did he charge you lazy boy ?

Lazy boy...I resemble tha:eek:.....resent that...:laugh:

PM to you