Radiator guard (homemade)

[Ken M1]

I'm not real happy with the selection of radiator guard available for the Street Triple. I'm wondering if anyone has considered making one of stainless (or powder coated) steel wire/mesh screen, cutting it size, and zip tying (as many of the aftermarket co. do anyway) to the radiator?? Would be a cheap, easy fix. Any thoughts?

[Ken M1]

After an exhaustive search, came across THIS!
http://www.newenoughhp.com/track_gar...h_screens.html
PERFECT!!!! I'm gonna trim it (no edge trim..but oh well. will be nice and simple), zip-tie it up, and be done with it! Can't beat the price either!

[GarbageKID]

that's a good website to order gear and parts from. i've had nothing but good experiences with them and it's where i get lots of stuff, they're also really good with returns and everything.

[wozza.ie]

Originally Posted by Ken M1

After an exhaustive search, came across THIS!
http://www.newenoughhp.com/track_gar...h_screens.html
PERFECT!!!! I'm gonna trim it (no edge trim..but oh well. will be nice and simple), zip-tie it up, and be done with it! Can't beat the price either!

you can fold it over on itself so it doesnt scratch anything (reckon it'd be very sharp on the edges), and then get some screen trim maybe to edge it nicely?

[f1xedgear]

Originally Posted by Ken M1

After an exhaustive search, came across THIS!
http://www.newenoughhp.com/track_gar...h_screens.html
PERFECT!!!! I'm gonna trim it (no edge trim..but oh well. will be nice and simple), zip-tie it up, and be done with it! Can't beat the price either!

Had to say thanks for this lead, Ken--so I joined up after lurking for some time. I've been waiting for Cox Racing to post details of their rad guard, but you've found a great alternative. Appreesh!

[GarbageKID]

hey f1xedgear, im assuming you ride fixed gears, so do i. what kind've bike do you have?

[f1xedgear]

Originally Posted by GarbageKID

hey f1xedgear, im assuming you ride fixed gears, so do i. what kind've bike do you have?

Yo fixie! I'll pm ya.

[Ken M1]

I ordered the Helix mesh (18" X 18") round hole version. I'm going to cut it to size so it covers ENTIRE radiator (with about 3/4" longer top to bottom). I'm going to then snip and bend tabs back so as to make tidy zip-tie anchors. Then I'm going to run Hi-temp silicone bead stripes across vertically (and around the inside outer edges). That way no metal to metal contact and screen will be anchored with zip ties (two top, two bottom) so as to be easily removed. Spoke with my "mentor" (my 66 yr old dad who is a resto-rod expert and a better fabricator that I will EVER be) and he whole heartedly endorses it.
Aluminum finish "round hole" mesh = $41
Hi-Temp silicone = $6
Heat resistant zip-Ties = $3
Cool custom guard, CHEAP = Priceless :-)

[Ken M1]

I finished the radiator guard yesterday (tried to attach pic but said file was too big?). I took the Helix mesh (aluminum finish, round hole) and cut it 10 3/4" to fit between the side tanks. Then cut top and bottom so as to leave 1/4" past edge of top and bottom (forget the exact measurement). Fit was so good I didn't bother with the silicone strips (bends to an exact fit!). Zip tied it at all four anchor points (2 top, 2 bottom). Mesh shield will NOT budge! Took 20 minutes. Rode for 93 miles today with NO temp difference. Works/looks like a champ (I could occasionally hear a pebble "ping" off it)! Well worth the measly $41 (usd) it cost. All you need is some tin snips and 1/8" zip ties (to fit through the holes left exposed top and bottom at anchor points). Why spend $100 ?? Just passing the tip along

[f1xedgear]

Ken inspired me to go the homemade route. So, for what it's worth here's my story: on my visit to the hardware store to get a pair of tin snips (US$14), I looked at some "hardware cloth." Their stock of 1/8" was out so I got a roll of 1/4" 23 gauge (US$7). I cut two square(ish) pieces and folded over the edges (1") to 15" wide (to cover the side tanks) x 10 1/2" high (to have some over for ziptying as Ken describes). I overlaid to cross the square pattern, secured with light wire in two places, spray painted black, and mounted the next morning. 30 minutes max (not including drying time!). Good enough for me.