What does it guard?
Do I (really) need it?
What is cost?
Is it worth it?
EZ to install?
Best brand/manufacturer

Also where to get quality tank cover?

Thanx
TIB

Hi Tib...COX radiator Guards.I think about 80 bucks?Silent insurance.Simple install.

What does it guard?

A radiator guard is a square sheet of steel mesh that bent and shaped to fit over the front of your radiator. It protects the delicate fins of your radiator from being bent by rocks that get shot up off the road from the front tire. The gaurd might also protect the radiator from larger debris but it is designed mainly to deflect small stones.

Do I (really) need it?
What is cost?

Look up Cox radiator guard for pricing. Some are pretty expensive for a piece of steel screen and welded framework. I believe there are other companies that make them in different price ranges. I have seen examples of rad guards that were home made.

Is it worth it?

definitely would seem so if you have a lot of rocks and pebbles on your roads. Radiators are a lot more expensive. I live in an urban area city that snowplows. There are lots of stones in spring. I never hear the rock strikes but I do have a few bent fins. A few small bent spots is not going to make a difference for radiator efficiency. I bend them back out with a toothpick every couple years. To me, I'd rather do this than carry the extra weight. The rad guards are nice but they look kind of street roddish rather than race track which is my appearance preference, usually. If you should hit a larger chunk of asphalt, the guard might save your radiator though. I have not yet. That sort of thing is maybe more of a hazard in rural areas where the streets are not blown clean by constant traffic.

EZ to install?

Best brand/manufacturer

Also where to get quality tank cover?

....or did you mean to ask about aftermarket fuel tank cap recommendations? Lots of choices there. I like Evotech fro style and lightweight. A cheap Chinese copy of any big name gas cap will be fine.....maybe not as light but should work for you. I got one for $40. Good quality. Anodizing colors are sometimes off but carving and fit are as good as anything made in the US.

* Last updated by: Rook on 6/12/2015 @ 7:58 AM *

For me...not getting stuck somewhere out there is the best reason.Imagine having to leave your beautiful bike on the roadside somewhere and have to walk.Say bye bye to yer stallion.Unless of course you have a cell phone...which I don't.

Hi Rook!

tib, have a look under the front of your bird and see how much of a large, vulnerable surface area of radiator that is, perfectly positioned to hoover up road debris.

That there is no stock radiator guard is a bit puzzling imho.

Installing a Cox is a bit easier if you remove the front fairings to do it, I found. Others have been able to get away with avoiding that.

Hi Grn!

My busa has an oil cooler radiator right under the engine cooant radiator, The oil cooler has a mesh guard. The coolant radiator does not, same as the 14. I don't believe any sport bikes come with them stock. Good idea but I know I would have taken it off by now anyway...LOL

A radiator guard is one of those things you don't need-until you REALLY need it. But by then it's too late. Cheap insurance.

Definitely get a radiator guard. IMO order it today and don't ride until you get it installed. I'm actually pretty serious about this.

Cox or RadGuard are popular options (and there are still a few others), each having slight benefits over the other.

That was EZ.
Ask a question and get answers and advice. Works most every time on this forum. i DIG IT. Since my "driveway" is a 1/4 mile dirt and gravel road, I'll heed Vic's advice. I just ordered a new guard and should get it within a week.
But this time I'm gonna search for a how-to from Rook BEFORE I try to install it.
I'm learning.
Thanx
TIB

Sorry, no rad guard install how-to by me. This might help. It's for the Gen2 but I believe the Gen1 is the same.

Instead of a radiator guard I decided to get a front fender extender and keep the muck and rocks out of my radiator, just ordered it. http://projektd.com/product_info.php?cPath=26_29&products_id=126&osCsid=d0a1fc0cb483a1ef95e803ed2e5907f2

Rook, my ZRX did have a stock radiator mesh screen, so it wasn't a big leap in expectation. I suppose there are different standards for fully faired bikes as opposed to nekkids.

I have a Cox guard. The radiator fins are too easily damaged. Peace of mind.
The wiring to the horn was rubbing the new guard a little when I turned the bars ('07). I just tweaked the wiring a little to keep it in the clear.

The new radiator guard was delivered. Thanks to Cox for qwik & EZ shipping. Now I gotta install it.
WHAT THE ???! No how-to by Mr. Rook? How will I ever manage? I've been known to screw up tire inflation. I don;'t know how to install it. It looks like Rookster don't either (HAHAHAHA)

anyone got any advice, handy-dandy tips, or pontential problems to be on the lookout for?
Thanx
TIB

Wise investment, first thing the previous owner of my bike did. How much for a new radiator? No brainer in my book