Modified Radiator Covers, Tiger 800.

[gumpt1oo]

Since I got my Tiger I have never liked the bulky plastic covers for the radiator. I think it makes the bike look very bulbous, and it seems to direct heat from the engine onto the riders legs. My last few bikes have been twins with no fairings/plastic so am used to getting the wind blast!
So here is what I have done.
I removed the lower side/radiator covers ,


My only reservation in doing this is that the side covers do act as scoop to direct air at the radiator as you can see here,


On further examination, the side covers actually prevent air getting to the solid ends of the radiator as they are fully concealed within the covers. The area within the red line in this picture is completely covered. so I figured what I have lost in airflow from the 'scoop' I have gained in surface area.


So having bitten the bullet, I removed the upper covers, marked out the area with all the fixing lugs that I wanted to remove.


And carefully cut them down with a coping saw and reshaped the bottom of the covers.


continued........

 

[gumpt1oo]

Here are some before and after shots when I got the modified upper covers refitted.










I have not ridden it yet to decide whether it has made any difference to the heat coming up from the engine as I'm still recovering from surgery and unable to ride at the minute, but visually I really like it!

 

[hemibee]

Looks good . . . Now to get you healed so we can get a ride report.

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

That took some guts to do that, . I hope that you'll be happy with the test ride when you can. It does look nice as well.

 

[CarlS]

I like the looks; but it seems to leave the radiator awfully exposed, especially for off pavement riding. I need the radiator guard for my bike.

 

[gumpt1oo]

I agree Carl, it is probably not a good idea if you ride off road, mine never leaves the tarmac.
Having said that, the guards themselves are bolted directly to the radiator so may not offer too much protection in a heavy fall.
I wouldn't have removed them before I fitted the engine guards. I held a straight edge across the upper guard and the engine guards and the radiator, and if you laid the bike down the radiator would not contact the road.


I think if I were removing them and going off road I would fit some bars like this guy has on his Dakar machine. He has removed the radiator covers covers too.

 

[CarlS]

It's not the dropping the bike that concerns me, it is the front tire kicking up debris, stones, or gravel off road into the radiator. I have heard crap hitting the radiator guard when off road. Now if I could come up with something like the guard on that good looking Dakar bike, I would ditch my radiator side covers in a heartbeat.

 

[gumpt1oo]

Hi Carl, I have a radiator guard fitted that protects the delicate parts of the radiator from stones and debris.
I got it from Germany, Radiator Covers Triumph Tiger 800/ XC 11-14 logo black
It is very good quality powder coated stainless steel, this is how it looks fitted.




I did add some neoprene rubber to the back just to eliminate any potential for vibration.

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

That's a nice bit of kit.

 

[CarlS]

I like that, Steve. I will look into that when when we get back home in August.