For the sake of a few quid is it worth the risk? Rad guard or new rad? I know what id prefer to pay out for!
I agree on the cost differences, but realistically, what are the chances of damaging the radiator I know I'm tempting fate and a big bill, but has anyone ever damaged a radiator without one ? Also, is it worth getting top and bottom, or just bottom as that's the area most likely to get hit with errant stones etc ?
My experience of rad issues is.. You get a problem when you REALLY don't need it. They are vulnerable in their location to stones and other sh*t. Not worth the risk IMO.
had one go on my 675, cost me best part of £350 (i think) to get it fixed, instead of 60 the rad guard would have cost i dread to think what an 899 rad costs
Might as well go for top and bottom if you're considering them. There's no reason not to really other than it'll cost a few quid extra.
Just looked up the cost of a new radiator for my 899 Subsequently, have ordered radiator guards just in case
As above. Takes 5 minutes. Sometimes the little metalistic bush/bolts can be a bit of a helmet. Realistically no more than a 10 minute job though.
On mine one of the screws was, er...screwed! It was a ball-ache to get out but managed it in the end. As long as you don't come across any issues like that then indeed, it's a 5 minute job.
nope, im doing a long term test, when I have a problem, I will buy a new one and protect it. rear leds are protected by the shorter Ducati tail tidy.
A guy in service in my local dealer did say to me they've replaced a fair few. I guess it's the same with any of the rads/coolers that are down low. Few years back it was usually a free area and it was just the headers you could see. I've heard and seen a number of issues with stones going through these bottom rads, also some have a fan behind them and the road sh*t can collect in it. Which is another issue entirely.
I put one on the oil cooler on my 848 Evo because within the first 100 miles I got a massive stone chip which fortunately didn't split the rad. However on the 899 the lower water cooler is MUCH bigger than the Lower on the 848 and I just don't think it's worth the hassle for £40-50. I've never used them on my Daytona's or the CBR6 etc because they just had he one radiator at the top but directly behind the wheel, not so keen about!
I got the evotech lower (essential) and upper. Lower is a breeze to fit but I'm dammed if I can fit it without removing the fairing? Which looking at the instructions should not be necessary, I gave up anyway!
After seeing how much a replacement radiator costs, I decided to be better safe than sorry Anyway, look what turned up today That's tonight's faffing sorted
Here's my bike I picked up today. How do I remove the left fairing to get to the battery? Too cold here now:fearful: Have removed all the screws but I am unable to get the fairing off....
