sweetfa65
Expert Class
Posts: 110
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posted September 04, 2008 02:50 PM
Stainless radiator guard.
It's no secret that these bikes can get pretty warm at times. After fitting another brand of guard to my own bike, I'd noticed an increase in running temperature in most conditions. In heavy traffic and high heat the bike wouldn't really cool down much until I got up around 70-75 kph. Realising the restriction of airflow by the guard, I set about making my own purpose built radiator guards. When I made mine, I had to buy a large amount of the stainless mesh I had chosen, so I decided to make several of them and sell off the spare one's just to recover the cost of the materials. The guards are the result of wanting to install a radiator guard on my own bike that looks great, fits perfectly, offers better protection, and flows more air than other radiator guards available. Anything that keeps the heat down on these big beasts and offers excellent protection to the fragile exposed radiator cores has to be a good thing. I know lots of people might say "it's just a radiator guard, no big deal", but we all know on the ZX14 it is a big deal, especially in summer. The problem with lots of other radiator guards is that the surface area of the mesh contributes to the poor airflow and overheating potential. Flimsy expanded mesh types would also cause a deflection of the air, contributing to the decrease of air speed and volume through the radiator. IMHO.
The improvements I made with my guard are as follows.
1: It fits correctly and snugly into the sides of the radiator tank gutters.
2: A slightly narrower mitred frame moulding creates a more secure, snug & slightly lower profile fit. The frame is made from non-abrasive nylon, internally reinforced with stainless ribs.
3: It contours perfectly to the radiator curve.
4: Most importantly, I've used a slightly more open stainless mesh than other guards available. The wire gauge is the same, so structural integrity and protection is not compromised, but the hole size is 2.25mm sq, in contrast to the 1.5mm sq in other guards available. An improvement in airflow of 50%.
5: The guards are made from a high grade stainless steel mesh, offering maximum protection from rocks and other road or track debris.
Attention to detail includes such small points as mitred and plastic welded corners on the frame material, and small rubber buffers have even been fitted to the inside just to ensure the guard does not rub against the radiator core. The guard fits snugly into the tank gutters and is locked in place with nylon ties.
If for no other reason, these guards look great on the bike and add a nice finishing touch.
If any one's interested, I'll sell them for $75.00 AU each + postage which is about $20.00 AU. That's about $77.00 US delivered. Better postage could be ahieved by sending several at once. I've also listed them on eBay if anyone prefers that avenue. Item # 330268079697.
Finish is available in either shiny stainless steel, or powder coated gloss black.
Pictured below is one of the black powder coated guards installed on my bike.
 
 
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'2013' SE Spark Black & Golden Blazed Green ZX14R. Bog stock after trading my 07 ZX14.
  
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phil
Expert Class
Posts: 420
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posted September 04, 2008 03:31 PM
Looks nice, I wish my Staintunes would come, going on two and a half month wait.
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"Look at Dad, trying to look young again."
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sweetfa65
Expert Class
Posts: 110
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posted September 04, 2008 05:11 PM
 Edited By: sweetfa65 on 4 Sep 2008 18:16
Cheers,
They must have had to wait for one of our Olympic rowers to return from Bejing to paddle them out to you (he he). Quick tip from the educated, when you install your pipes make sure your swing arm stand lugs (if fitted) will clear the mufflers with suspension compressed. I had some spacers behind mine that had to be removed after leaving a small dent on the inside of the left can.
Ps: It would be great to exchange notes/maps when you get yours fitted and dialled in. I got mine dynoed, but would be great to see comparison maps.
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'2013' SE Spark Black & Golden Blazed Green ZX14R. Bog stock after trading my 07 ZX14.
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Superman T
Pro
Posts: 1831
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posted September 05, 2008 11:05 AM
sweetfa65- Radiator guard looks great!
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phil
Expert Class
Posts: 420
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posted September 05, 2008 05:37 PM
quote:
Cheers,
They must have had to wait for one of our Olympic rowers to return from Bejing to paddle them out to you (he he).
Ha, I was thinking a dugout full of Aboriginals.....
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"Look at Dad, trying to look young again."
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sweetfa65
Expert Class
Posts: 110
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posted September 05, 2008 07:48 PM
Edited By: sweetfa65 on 5 Sep 2008 20:50
quote:
quote:
They must have had to wait for one of our Olympic rowers to return from Bejing to paddle them out to you (he he).
Ha, I was thinking a dugout full of Aboriginals.....
Yeh, that'd be economy freight : )
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'2013' SE Spark Black & Golden Blazed Green ZX14R. Bog stock after trading my 07 ZX14.
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