Raptor radiator screen
Posted: |November 6th, 2016|, 7:19 am
I don't know if this applies to the Vee-Raptor models too, but the unprotected radiator matrix on my 1000 has always looked horribly vulnerable and, at the very least, it collects bug gunge. The radiators on almost all naked water-cooled bikes are ugly, and the manufacturers generally seem to lose interest in styling at this point. At least the Raptor rad is neatly curved rather than plank-like, but maybe it's not a good idea to draw attention to it?
I've not found any custom-fit aftermarket screens; certainly no tasteful ones I'd like to put on the front of such a quality bike, so I thought I'd make my own, using expanded stainless mesh. The makers (The Mesh Company) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131863878103 claim this particular style passes 62% of air, so I reckon that's plenty in the temperate weather of the UK. I bought an A3-size panel and cut it to size so that the sides just locate behind the lip of the left and right header tanks when it's formed into a curve. The top and bottom edge are trimmed with a rubber beading, and the screen is simply held in place by fine stainless wires pushed between the fins of the matrix and twisted together behind. No need to fabricate brackets!
The finished screen could be blown over with black paint to make it invisible but, at the moment, I'm happy with the shiny stainless look.
See what you think!
Nick
I've not found any custom-fit aftermarket screens; certainly no tasteful ones I'd like to put on the front of such a quality bike, so I thought I'd make my own, using expanded stainless mesh. The makers (The Mesh Company) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131863878103 claim this particular style passes 62% of air, so I reckon that's plenty in the temperate weather of the UK. I bought an A3-size panel and cut it to size so that the sides just locate behind the lip of the left and right header tanks when it's formed into a curve. The top and bottom edge are trimmed with a rubber beading, and the screen is simply held in place by fine stainless wires pushed between the fins of the matrix and twisted together behind. No need to fabricate brackets!
The finished screen could be blown over with black paint to make it invisible but, at the moment, I'm happy with the shiny stainless look.
See what you think!
Nick