sweetfa65
Expert Class
Posts: 110
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posted September 11, 2008 11:58 AM
ZX14 Stainless radiator guards
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.
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.
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 $65.00 AU each + postage which is about $20.00 AU. That's about $68.00 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 # 330270101530.
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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zuminazx
Expert Class
Posts: 128
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posted September 11, 2008 06:11 PM
how about one for a 12r? They're even easier to make, no bending required!
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sweetfa65
Expert Class
Posts: 110
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posted September 11, 2008 07:49 PM
quote:
how about one for a 12r? They're even easier to make, no bending required!
I'd love to help, but I already cut my sheet of stainless mesh and made guards to suit the 14's. I'd have no reference for the fixing points for your 12R either. My bike was the trial bike to get the performance and dimensions that I wanted exactly right. They're actually flat and they flex into the sides of the radiator tanks to form the curve when fitted, like a big flat spring. I'm just selling these at the cost of my materials.
Sorry mate.
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'2013' SE Spark Black & Golden Blazed Green ZX14R. Bog stock after trading my 07 ZX14.
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