Radiator abuse!

[shaggs147]

Just thought I'd treat the bike to a jet wash to remove what looked like cow pats from half of Devon and Cornwall's cattle and Dartmoor ponies (I know, ponies don't produce cow pats before anyone asks!) which was nicely collected on last weeks excursion down there.
I was suprised to see what punishment the radiator receives - after washing off the crud and dead flies, I noticed how badly damaged the fins were, I guess it was bound to happen due to its position in respect to the front wheel.
Fearing the worst that at some point the radiator is bound to get holed, I noticed that some of you have fitted radiator guards and fender extenders.
Have you found this to be an effective way to combat the radiator problem, or do the fins still get a battering?
I would have thought Kawasaki would have given the rad a bit more protection from new. 

[Winston Smith]

Beowulf Rad Guard is most of our choices

[ChrisB]

I have a Beowolf rad guard to protect the rad. Easy to fit and blends in well. Guess the makers have to balance the prospect of damage with air flow efficiency. Put too much in front then the rad cant do it's job.

[Winston Smith]

Have had mine at 32 degrees through Paris peripherique with no from restricted airflow due to Rad guard.

[zedmeister]

For me the Extenda fender is enough, i have fitted one to all three GTRs i have had, and they do a good job of keeping the crud of the radiator and pipes, although the solid sides of the radiator do get a covering of grime, i just clean them with a toothbrush and alloy wheel cleaner brings them up a treat.

[Kwikasfuki]

Fender extender for me as well. Worked a treat so far, and mine on 44k plus miles

[Kwikasfuki]

Or see this thread for a cheaper solution: http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,1266.0.html

[shaggs147]

Ok thanks I'll have a look into both ideas and see whats going on ebay and the like too.
Seems like the extender saves most of the crud getting in first of all, and the guard finishes off the protection.
The home made guard also looks tidy I think. Some projects to be done me thinks! 

[shaggs147]

Just a thought - which fender extender did each of you go for and how does it look on the bike?

[viper]

i looked at quite a few and went for the powerbronze one, as it is a bit longer than the others and a better overall shape , approx £20-£25


http://www.powerbronze.co.uk/product_makemodel.aspx?OBJ_ID=1564303&freetext=KAWASAKI GTR1400

[Kwikasfuki]

Whichever you get, don't forget to screw the bugger in

[Winston Smith]

Whichever you get, don't forget to screw the bugger in

Thus spoke the voice of experience!! 

[shaggs147]

Yeh looks good that, bloody typical though, out of stock!

[O.C.]

Beowulf rad guard for me... good product and cheaper than a replacement rad

[Lonewolf]

Beowulf rad guard for me too, plus a fenda extender, (screwed on). Otherwise they can fall off cant they Asif?