So after looking at radiator grills/protectors for my bike and seeing how much they were selling for, I decided to make one for my bike for less than half the price. I found this piece of perforated steel sheet on my house from a DIY project I did before and started measuring. The sheet metal has big enough perforations in it and enough of it that that there should only be minimal restriction of airflow to the radiator and shouldn't cause it to run hotter than normal but at the same time its small enough to deflect road debris like rocks etc.
After measuring and cutting I came up with this 2 pieces for the radiator and the oil cooler.
Using my leg, I then put a slight bend on the radiator piece to match the curvature of the radiator.
A couple of coats of primer and paint and this is what I ended up with.
Mounting the oil cooler grill was easy, simply sandwich it with the lower fairing piece and put the bolts back on.
The radiator piece required a little more work but I found the easiest way of securing it is by using some safety wire or radiator zipties. I also put some door trim on the sides so it looked cleaner.
And the finish product looks something like this
So far, its holding up really good and its been working out the way it should. I been out for a few rides maybe 3-4 hr run and i haven't noticed any changes in the temp so its not restricting any airflow to the radiator.
Mission accomplished...
After measuring and cutting I came up with this 2 pieces for the radiator and the oil cooler.
Using my leg, I then put a slight bend on the radiator piece to match the curvature of the radiator.
A couple of coats of primer and paint and this is what I ended up with.
Mounting the oil cooler grill was easy, simply sandwich it with the lower fairing piece and put the bolts back on.
The radiator piece required a little more work but I found the easiest way of securing it is by using some safety wire or radiator zipties. I also put some door trim on the sides so it looked cleaner.
And the finish product looks something like this
So far, its holding up really good and its been working out the way it should. I been out for a few rides maybe 3-4 hr run and i haven't noticed any changes in the temp so its not restricting any airflow to the radiator.
Mission accomplished...
. I have enough of the same perforated sheet metal left for maybe 12-15 sets (radiator and oil cooler) if anybody is interested. I'd say $30 shipped for a pre-cut set, no paint, no mounting hardware, and you have to bend it to shape yourself. Total cost to do this DIY with paint, door trim and*radiator zipties is less than $50 maybe less depending on what you already have laying around your garage.
