Rad Guard - Mike's vs R&G

[HeliBif]

So, I know people here are touch and go on the appearance of the various rad guards out there. I'm the same way.

I've narrowed down to 2 choices (and *maybe* a 3rd from S Africa, pending photos).
Mike's Grilles - http://www.mikesgrilles.com/index.htm

or

R&G - http://www.rg-racing.com/browseType/...e/RAD9013.aspx

Both can be ordered in black, both are unobstrusive, and they are both similarly priced.

I know there are people on here with either of these, so any feedback/photos/suggestions would be most appreciated.

Cheers!

[wingedwraith]

I fitted the R&G Rad and Oil cooler guards today on my '07 S3. I like the look of both of them and they go on relatively easily, the bolts are not a problem to remove and the guards provide a good level of protection and in black look pretty unobtrusive. They weigh virtually nothing so do not add extra to the total weight of the bike to any extent.

They suggest the use of cable ties (supplied) to hold them together however I felt that would make it look tacky so I left them off, the bolts hold everything pretty securely so I don't think it will make much of a difference.

No experience of the other grilles so can't comment. I'll chuck some pics up tomorrow when I get a second.

Neil

[DEcosse]

I haven't bought any yet but it's always on my list of things to add
I think when I do I would go with the Beowulf - I like the fact that there is no wire wrap or tie-wrap fixing!
Also there is a pretty robust offering from Thunderbike - hugely expensive though!

[Speedy Russ]

Cox Racing makes 'em too in case you are interested.

Mine is dirty in this pic:

[HeliBif]

Thanks for the added options guys! Any of those sold out of N America, so's I can save on shipping?

I was a bit concerned about the tie-wraps for the R&G too. So, is it just held on by the bolts on the bottom?

P.S. Just looked at the links. Beowulf is too bling for my liking, Thunderbike's mesh looks a bit too thick & coarse. Cox looks pretty good, though no pics on their site. Russ, do you have any closeups?

[DaveM]

There is also a brand here called RADGUARD which is more robust than other offerings I have seen.

I have one on my Sprint which protects both the oil cooler and radiator.

http://www.radguard.com.au/

Available in Black or natural anodized.



DaveM

[HeliBif]

Cox is based in Oregon, so it's probably my best option. They don't appear to have black for an '07 on their product list, so I'll have to contact them.

Edit: Scratch that, I'm an idiot. They do have it, I was reading the wrong column.

[DEcosse]

I think on the Sprint (or maybe Daytona) the Radguard looks fine behind a fairing, Dave. Again I really like the 'proper' frame & mounting design.
On a naked S3 however it maybe looks a little too cumbersome (especially the 10 bar model) for me in that one-piece design.

[DaveM]

You could be right Ken, it sure is a strong piece of kit though, and as already saved my radiator from a big stone once, I got a fair sized dent in the guard that would have broken fins etc on the radiator had it gotten through.

I have seen Zip tied guards and that leaves me cold.

Cheers,
DaveM

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by DaveM

...already saved my radiator from a big stone once, I got a fair sized dent in the guard that would have broken fins etc on the radiator had it gotten through....

& some think these are just cosmetic ......