The rad on my 1098R had just decided to pop. I see Ducati want over 600 notes for a new one ffs. I spoke to an engine builder that said he'd fitted a few Chinese one's (80 quid) with no problems. I'm bloody tempted to try one. Has anyone here had any experience with far eastern radiator fun?
I have not had any experience but may I make a suggestion! Have you looked in to getting it reconditioned/repaired ? Years back I had to get a heater matrix built for a project car cost me £12.50 to get one made up nearly from scratch. On Saturday my 848 SF rad started leaking my local dealer says they use a refurb company so still waiting to hear the outcome.
the lower rad for mine is £487 upper rad is 6 hundred and something. Can't believe they are so expensive car rad is so much bigger and quarter of the cost. How can Ducati justify the price
Eas easy tiger your not pulling mine down and neither are Ducati. More than one way to skin a cat (ps that's just a phrase and no cats were actually skinned)
My rad went , if I remember it cracked on the mounting bracket . my local Ducati stealership replaced it foc . I was quoted £ 100 to repair the damaged one Air cooled bikes are the way forward
Dude. Seriously. You have a highly strung tuned homologation special kicking out the better part of 200 that has high demands of most components including the cooling system. And you want to cheap out with a knock off rad? Stop being a pikey and treat the R to the best. Do you use 95ron supermarket petrol as well? Nankangmoto tyres? Your R deserves better!!!
I'm pretty sure that's what Ducati fit as standard hence why they spend more time in the work shop than they do on the road. Two days of damp weather riding and my bolts look like they have sat in a salt bath for a month. Cheap shit alloy
I would never buy cheap shite engine parts, chassis or rubber. In fact I run kr106/108 and cheap they ain't. But a rad is a static coolant vessel. Nothing more nothing less. Is the Ducati one 7 times better, as reflected in the price? Doubt it. And by the way, my super duper 1098R original radiator has just shat itself.
Good old Terry at Italia Moto, Lincoln has sorted me out with an exchange/refurb deal. 200 notes with all new spacers, damper pads and bolts. I bought a Chinese one for 80 quid. The quality and feel seem spot on. I'll keep it boxed and carry it as a spare for trackdays. Recently did Almeria and there were a few rads punctured, including Simon Crafar's.
Was going to suggest a re-core but I'm also in the same mind re the Chung Chong rad, if your engine builder has had no problems with them why should you? I'd do exactly as you have and grabbed one for emergency spares.
Mate, the Chinese rad seems fine. I've worked in engineering all my life and generally speaking if something looks right it usually is. And I ain't spunking 650 notes on one!
