Anyone installed a radiator cover?

[bioman_imp]

I am considering getting a protective cover for the oil radiator. Not absolutely needed, but you never know. Something [url=https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Radiator-Grille-Cover-Guard-Protector-For-Honda-CB1100-2013-2018-2017-2016-2014/113827627232?hash=item1a80a7c0e0:g:im4AAOSwo-ldNgex&vxp=mtr]like this.
Has anyone on the forum tried this out?

Apart from looks and obvious protective value, I am not sure to what extend this cover will perhaps block cool air reaching the radiator. Or is this negligible? Or perhaps this is a good thing if one rides often in cooler temperatures?

Curious to find out what you think.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Never considered one for an oil cooler. Considered many times for a water cooler, but never pulled the trigger.

It almost "feels like" dash trash. Dunno.

Maybe offroad riding, yes.

[Bheezy27403_imp]

Passed over these for years because,
1. NEVER had a stone/debris strike that has caused any damage to the region.
2. I am always concerned about air flow on an air cooled engine.

[zirconxi_imp]

I had DIY one using stainless steel grill net riveted to an aluminium frame for the fun of it. Only got hit once with stones from a leaky tipper trucks. The net protected my oil cooler, but not my tank... The needs for such protection are very much depends on your riding condition. My ninja got a stone lodged in the radiator protector cover before when i travel at highway speed and got hit by debris from tipper trucks. and My face got cut before when i wore open face helmet once a while... And don't ask me how many times I had change my car's windscreen.... But I believe there are places much safer with stricter enforcement in other parts of the world....

[bioman_imp]

Well, yes, I get hit regularly with gravel (especially in the early season when all the snow has melted while the roads are still full of the gravel they used to keep the roads driveable) and other debris, especially when riding behind big trucks like e.g. logging-trucks. So a radiator cover is not totally nonsensical. I agree that perhaps there are more useful things to buy, although it is only US$ 25...

As for looks, beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder, but I often think that the radiator seems to hang there somewhat unfinished, naked. In my opinion a cover makes sense. But my only worry is that it may obstruct the air flow too much. On my (air/oil cooled) Moto Guzzi Griso the oil cooling is often described as too vigorous, so many riders in fact try to close the air intake a bit, depending on the weather. But perhaps the CB1100 is cooled perfectly so one should not change that...

[GoldOxide_imp]

I had DIY one using stainless steel grill net riveted to an aluminium frame for the fun of it. Only got hit once with stones from a leaky tipper trucks. The net protected my oil cooler, but not my tank... The needs for such protection are very much depends on your riding condition. My ninja got a stone lodged in the radiator protector cover before when i travel at highway speed and got hit by debris from tipper trucks. and My face got cut before when i wore open face helmet once a while... And don't ask me how many times I had change my car's windscreen.... But I believe there are places much safer with stricter enforcement in other parts of the world....

I hear ya. I am on my fourth windshield on my current cage.

I get hit by rocks on the freeway and most of the time I don't even know where they came from. Likely just kicked up by some truck tire up further ahead. Comes with the riding territory.

[pekingduck]

There are two circuits in the oil flow system. The main circuit pushes oil through the oil filter and then to the crank and rod bearings, cams, balancer and transmission.

The smaller circuit pushes unfiltered oil through the oil cooler and then around the jackets encircling the spark plugs, then dumps it back into the sump unrestricted, not through any bearings. I doubt that the oil in that circuit would get cold enough to need to cover the cooler.

I doubt the oil cooler would be damaged up there, but on the other hand, I doubt the protective guard would do any harm either.

[IvG_imp]

I suppose it comes from one's personal experience. I had three water cooled bikes before the CB and never had a problem with damaged radiator. I didn't think I need protection for the CB either until I found an impact mark on the oil cooler. I don't know when this happened. Probably it's been thrown by onother vehicle. A small stone from the staff they spray on the roads in the winter. Nothing serious but it made me think that fitting a protector is not so bad idea after all. And it never gets too hot here in Scotland so I don't think the cooling can be an issue. I have fitted R&G protector. It's pricey but fits well and looks good. It has been on the bike for two months now and several winter rides. I can't comment how it affects the cooling because it's still cold here. But once again I don't think there will be much difference unless it gets very hot here.

[bioman_imp]

id try it. I had a guard on my grom cooler because it was super low at one time, and my my LCrd. Never had a cooling issues. I however painted both mine black to 'disappear' visually. I wouldn't worry too much about it hurting airflow unless it gets caked with bugs or boulders.

That is my plan. I did a similar 'paint job' for my MG Griso and that turned out to be quite nice. I will post a picture when I have received & installed it.

[furious_blue_imp]

Well, yes, I get hit regularly with gravel (especially in the early season when all the snow has melted while the roads are still full of the gravel they used to keep the roads driveable) and other debris, especially when riding behind big trucks like e.g. logging-trucks. So a radiator cover is not totally nonsensical. I agree that perhaps there are more useful things to buy, although it is only US$ 25...

As for looks, beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder, but I often think that the radiator seems to hang there somewhat unfinished, naked. In my opinion a cover makes sense. But my only worry is that it may obstruct the air flow too much. On my (air/oil cooled) Moto Guzzi Griso the oil cooling is often described as too vigorous, so many riders in fact try to close the air intake a bit, depending on the weather. But perhaps the CB1100 is cooled perfectly so one should not change that...

Wow, it's an eye opener hearing about catching rocks that high up. I never realized how good I've had it living in the rock free world...