Custom radiators - too cheap or am I missing something?
 

I was thinking of getting a custom radiator for my S4R but always left it on the back burner due to thinking 'custom = big bucks".

Got given this link earlier: http://www.paceproducts.co.uk
and priced up a custom rad for the Monster. At the moment it is 420 x 190 x 30mm. By increasing the depth of the rad to 40mm, it would in theory allow us to make the rad 300mm wide and 200mm high. This would mean the rad would be flush with the frame (120mm off the width) and still allow clearance for the spark plug with no loss of volume capacity. I am no expert in the ifs and buts of radiator cooling but it would seem that this would work.

So, after having done the maths, I look up the relevant radiator core for this size. Ok, where's the catch? My custom size radiator will cost £63!! OK, there's VAT to be added and possibly a few quid here and there for filler caps etc but I must be missing something here? Anybody had a custom rad made and was it really this cheap.

Suspiciously yours

simon

If that's what race products have quoted you, then you've got your answer. However, make sure it has all the various brackets and such for mounting, hose connections, temp sensor, etc. Often the details can add to the cost. Lastly, the original radiator is curved so that there is sufficient wheel clearance for a fully compressed fork. Make sure all these are taken into consideration.

Hmmm...Im a bit sceptical too mate !! Speak with Grant (Grunter) on the the UKMOC as hes been getting Viv @ V-Tech to do a custom radiator so hes got a head start !!

Cheers
Nat

Spoke to them today and the price quoted on their website is for the core only. As they don't manufacture an off the shelf Monster rad, it would have to be a custom job. In addition to the core price, there would be a minimum £140 charge for fabrication work + extras for hose connections etc. I have sent pictures of the original rad and they will be giving me a ball park price on the custom radiator. I am expecting a total bill of at least £300 so not quite the bargain I expected.

As I get prices, I may see if there is enough interest from existing S4/S4R owners to do a group discount. It seems that the custom fabrication work is the expensive part. I'll post the response as soon as.

And the moral of this story? If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Best regards all.

Simon

Simon,

I would be interested in the price for a new ,slimmed down radiator.

Let me know how you get on .

Cheers

Phil

I still reckon that's pretty good value when you consider how much it will improve the look of the bike. £300 is easily spent on stuff that makes far less of a difference, IMO.

A cunning plan
 

Thanks for the interest. The existing rad is 420x190x30mm (ish) and the optical bulk of the radiator is how much it sticks out either side. The idea is to slim the width to 300mm (so that it is line with the frame) and increase the depth to 40mm and keep the height consistent with the original (190mm). This will have approx the same rad volume as the original and so long as it is curved, I dont envisage any clearance problems.

The other issue to sort out is the fans as they stick out either side but I will check clearance issues and whether both fans are actually necessary with the experts. The other option is to extend the radiator so that is much longer but it will restrict access to the spark plug so would prefer to avoid this if possible. I have also heard of running higher pressures which will allow a smaller rad but that is another option to explore if Plan A doesn't work.

I'll keep you posted

Best regards

simon

I am basing it on my (very) basic knowledge of radiators and yes, if it can be done for around that, I will still consider it to be a pretty good price. I just wish I hadn't bought the carbon radiator 'guards' now as they weren't cheap - the money should have been put towards this project instead.

Best regards

simon