Radiator guards?

[pauly]

The BMW rad guards for my last bike were less than £50, I'm wondering if the rads actually need protecting and if anyone has ever holed one?

 

[Ajj]

Yes rad/oil needs protection.
Yes I have put a hole in the rad.
It is questionable if the BMW protectors are any good because of the large openings.

 

[fast_ryan]

The BMW rad guards for my last bike were less than £50, I'm wondering if the rads actually need protecting and if anyone has ever holed one?

Radiator guards are absolutely essential on both the S1000RR and M1000RR. From experience the BMW ones are useless and there are plenty of better alternatives available.

 

[Jay1000rr-r]

for the sake of £50 it's defo worth it

 

[alex]

I use the Evotech offerings.

But if you're budget conscious then I hear the RRG's on eBay are well made. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303416000157

 

[lightning_bob]

Evotech the best, my bike was only week old when I fitted mine and already could see evidence of stones hitting the rads

 

[bananaman]

Had RRG on all mine

 

[Ajj]

for the sake of £50 it's defo worth it

Not when a new rad is about £600.
You would be better off buying one from China.

 

[IMORTAL_Indian]

I have had the pleasure of 2 stone chips hitting the rad and causing a leak. And have always had rad guards….

 

[pauly]

Had RRG on all mine

Looks like I could perhaps get the wire through the rads without removing the side fairings. Except where the fan is on the water radiator?

 

[bananaman]

I use lock wire, threads through easily if you're patient

 

[pauly]

I use lock wire, threads through easily if you're patient

Did you have to take the fairing side panels off? I know that's not a big job, but I wouldn't do it if I didn't have to?

 

[bananaman]

Did you have to take the fairing side panels off? I know that's not a big job, but I wouldn't do it if I didn't have to?

From memory, yes. Need to get to the back of the radiator to secure the wire Feed it through where you can

 

[pauly]

I reckon I could get my hand behind the radiators to twist the lockwire, without removing the fairing panels. I bought the BMW guards last time, because I had £45 of goodwill to use.