Question Re. Radiator Protectors

[MrTim_imp]

So I'm setting my CB up for some long distance riding and feel that a radiator protector may be a worthwhile investment. However I've seen a few people warning that radiator protectors can impede airflow and make the engine run hotter than it should.
Could anyone who's installed one be able to share their experience?

[Delphisa]

I have not tested it, but I am interested in this item:
[url=http://www.rg-racing.com/browseBike/Honda/CB1100/2013/OCG0018BK.aspx]R&G Oil Cooler Guard for Honda CB1100

I would be very surprised if this could reduce airflow and impede engine heat dissipation. On my previous bike (Suzuki Bandit) there was such a guard from stock and never had problem.

[CB4ME_imp]

And yet there's been much discussion on their possible adverse effects, although not on a CB1100. It would be interesting if someone had an oil temp guage on their bike and one of these.

[lola_imp]

So I'm setting my CB up for some long distance riding and feel that a radiator protector may be a worthwhile investment. However I've seen a few people warning that radiator protectors can impede airflow and make the engine run hotter than it should.
Could anyone who's installed one be able to share their experience?

Just my opinion and experience. I would definitely put one on youre oil cooler and I am pretty sure that you will not see any higher temperatures with the Oil cooler guard on it. I do not have it on my CB1100 yet but If I were to do long distance riding then It would be nice to have some added security from flying rocks.....

I do have a radiator guard on my other bike which is water cooled and I did not see any difference in temperatures when I did a test using a temperature guage. I did a test with and with out the Radiator Guard, Different days,same daily route, same outside temperature and there was no difference.

just my .02 cents

enjoy the tour

[enzo_imp]

I have some mozzy gauze on mine no problem
[attachment=944][attachment=943]I have fitted a piece of aluminium mozzy screen and have had no problems. These bikes have a oil temperature warning light. http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1189

[The Spaceman_imp]

What type of roads do you plan to ride on?

I ride on pavement only, and have never dinged a radiator or oil cooler in 40 years. But, if were planning a trip to Alaska or riding on lots of dirt or gravel roads, I'd consider a guard.

[MrTim_imp]

What type of roads do you plan to ride on?

I ride on pavement only, and have never dinged a radiator or oil cooler in 40 years. But, if were planning a trip to Alaska or riding on lots of dirt or gravel roads, I'd consider a guard.

I'll be riding almost entirely on sealed roads, maybe a couple of sections of gravel but just about the entire thing sealed.

[The Spaceman_imp]

What type of roads do you plan to ride on?

I ride on pavement only, and have never dinged a radiator or oil cooler in 40 years. But, if were planning a trip to Alaska or riding on lots of dirt or gravel roads, I'd consider a guard.

I'll be riding almost entirely on sealed roads, maybe a couple of sections of gravel but just about the entire thing sealed.

If you like the looks of the guard, go for it. But unless the roads in Oz are a lot different than here, I'd say the chances of your cooler/radiator getting holed on pavement are very slim.

[meowguy_imp]

Quote:I'd say the chances of your cooler/radiator getting holed on pavement are very slim.
And any object that punctures your oil cooler is no doubt going to go right through your legs or blow out a knee. What type of a cover do you have for your legs?

[AzBob_imp]

Guards such as these heavily impede airflow. If I recall, drag increases by the square of velocity. So, you're looking at some huge air impedance at 60mph. The oil cooler is up very high and unless you're riding off-road somewhere that your stock tires probably won't take you anyway, you're probably never going to have any kind of problem with rocks.

If you're curious, take the guard and have someone drive you at 60mph in a car, and stick it out the car window. That blast of air you're struggling to hold the thing up against is the force being impeded by the guard.

Bikes with guards from the factory have already had their math done and the radiator is larger than it would otherwise be without the guard.