[Nate]

Hey guys,

Question here, has anyone put a radiator guard on your z650 or do you think it would be a good thing to add? I found one made by R&G for $65 but wanted to know your opinions before spending the money. I would assume where one intends to ride would play some role in the importance of having one. I mainly will be riding my bike around town and on the freeway (no major gravel truck routes or anything).

Thanks.

- Nate

 

[Tremonte]

With the way the Z650 likes to run on the warm side, I personally wouldn't want to add anything that could potentially restrict airflow. As long as it didn't do that, it would be a nice addition.

 

[JACoH]

I put the genuine Kawasaki accessory guard on mine, just for peace of mind. Don't really need a rock directly hitting the radiator. It's kinda like buying the security system after the burglary.

 

[Nate]

Hmm a good point that I didn't consider initially. Here is a link to the guard I was referring to, it looks like it would still allow good air flow, what do you think?

http://http://www.twistedthrottle.com/r-g-radiator-guard-for-kawasaki-z650-17

 

[Shamsul Kamal]

Buy an ordinary car radiator mesh grill, cut to size and with 6 bolts and 12 nuts. DIY done.

 

[JACoH]

I've used R & G and Cox brand radiator guards on other bikes, and none obstructed air flow to the point of overheating. I would think that sales would plummet on these items if they did. Even Kawasaki makes their own, so must think it is even slightly useful in protecting the expensive radiator. I have also made my own; they all protect the radiator, and Kawasaki provided it with 4 mounting tabs to make it easy to mount.

 

[Stitch]

I really don't think you'd have much to worry about with the guard restricting air flow as I'm sure that's all been tested prior to them released said product. But, I think it's always great to have one just because why take the risk to get caught without one? Pros outweigh the cons, and if it saves you from a ton of rocks, it potentially paid itself off

 

[Nate]

All valid points everyone, I'm going to go through with purchasing one. Cheers for the feedback.

 

[Stitch]

All valid points everyone, I'm going to go through with purchasing one. Cheers for the feedback.

Which one will you be purchasing? Unfortunately the link you provided isn't working so I'm really unable to tell which product it is haha.

 

[Nate]

Which one will you be purchasing? Unfortunately the link you provided isn't working so I'm really unable to tell which product it is haha.

Oh sorry lol. I'll be purchasing the one by R&G.

 

[1952paul0]

Hey guys,

Question here, has anyone put a radiator guard on your z650 or do you think it would be a good thing to add? I found one made by R&G for $65 but wanted to know your opinions before spending the money. I would assume where one intends to ride would play some role in the importance of having one. I mainly will be riding my bike around town and on the freeway (no major gravel truck routes or anything).

Thanks.

- Nate

I fitted the r&g One and its fine no overheating works just the same as without.

 

[moreorles]

With the way the Z650 likes to run on the warm side, I personally wouldn't want to add anything that could potentially restrict airflow. As long as it didn't do that, it would be a nice addition.

I'm not sure these bikes do run warm like everybody says. I tend to think its just calibration of the Temperature bars in the display that lead everybody to "think" they are running hot. I have the new model which displays the actual temperature and its always what I would call normal.

 

[1952paul0]

I'm not sure these bikes do run warm like everybody says. I tend to think its just calibration of the Temperature bars in the display that lead everybody to "think" they are running hot. I have the new model which displays the actual temperature and its always what I would call normal.

Oh for sure your right, otherwise we would all be constantly topping up and sitting by the road side watching the stem rise. It`s just a little disconcerting when you see the gauge rising above what you would normally perceive to be correct, IE. Halfway up the gauge.

 

[1952paul0]

Hmm a good point that I didn't consider initially. Here is a link to the guard I was referring to, it looks like it would still allow good air flow, what do you think?

http://http://www.twistedthrottle.com/r-g-radiator-guard-for-kawasaki-z650-17

Your link not working.

 

[Lego_Tim]

Hi, I have never had a stone through the radiator in many years of riding .....yet.
And having a guard isn't a guarantee something small and hard won't get through and damage the rad.

But seeing the price Mr Kawasaki is asking for a replacement radiator is £527.98 inc VAT here in the UK, there is a good argument to buy a guard if you can afford it. Then if you ever notice a dent in it, you know you had made the right decision.

Check out KEPCC for their spares prices.

 

[Chris Perron]

Which one will you be purchasing? Unfortunately the link you provided isn't working so I'm really unable to tell which product it is haha.

Purchased this grill guard off Amazon…
Fits great on my 2020 z650…plenty of air flow.

 

[1952paul0]

I'm not sure these bikes do run warm like everybody says. I tend to think its just calibration of the Temperature bars in the display that lead everybody to "think" they are running hot. I have the new model which displays the actual temperature and its always what I would call normal.

It Is just calibration. I put a temp probe and it was fine. It`s just a worry when you see the gauge rise but its ok.