something is buging me

[GSXcite]

After a summer of riding, I noticed I have a lot of bugs in my radiater. I know it's not recommended to wash the radiator at the spray car wash. Anyone have some tips to on how to clean them out without damaging it?

 

[busa854]

I'm wondering the same thing.

 

[CorrodedAlien]

One thing you can do is to outfit the radiator with window screen.

I did it on my ST1100 and it helped with the bugs as well as the rocks, they just bounce off. IF you are ambitious this winter you could pull the radiator off/out, make yourself a comb to straighten and clean all the ribs out and then install the screen, you could even paint is to match your bike or with chrome paint for a little bling.

 

[NearDeath]

You need to be careful using high preassure because it can bend the fins... If I were you, I would shoot it with a garden hose from the back of the radiator blowing out the bugs out the front...

You could also try an air compressor as well with same effect... Just be careful not to use to much power and NOT to get too close to the radiator with teh compressor or garden hose... You can always add more power, but can't take it back once you jacked it up...

You will have some bugs still left in the radiator I am sure... I would just take your time and pull the hard critters out with a needle nose and just take your time...

Taking your time is key...

 

[drumminman]

After you get the bugs out you could try a fin comb to straighten the fins. I know they have them for home central air conditioners, and the same thing would probably work for a bike. May even be able to pick one up at your local auto parts store.

 

[GSXcite]

Thanks for the feedback. I have an air compressor and will give that a try at low pressure. The fins are in pretty good shape so I won't need a fin comb. The screen thing sounds interesting but I wonder how it looks?

 

[grabntwist]

Soak the front of the radiator with Honda polish, let it sit for 10 minutes then use no more that 35psi through the back and tap the valve so you get short bursts of air. A banged up radiator looks like hell. I replaced mine after the dealer jacked it on a exhuast install.

 

[hemroid]

low pressure air from behind but spray on suzuki wash leave sit for a while use low air pressure then rinse with hose with no pressure to rinse it off

 

[MoosesBusa]

soak the bug carcasses with water then soak them again then blow them out from the rear with a little Water Pressure.

 

[ICEMANN]

SIMPLE GREEN SPRAY IT ON LET IT SIT, SPRAY IT OFF W/HOSE. NOT MUCH PRESSURE NEEDED.

COMB THE FINS TO STR8N.

PUT SOME SCREEN ON IT BEST THING YET!

JD

 

[CorrodedAlien]

I have not put one on the Busa yet, I guess if you want to paint the screen before you install you could get creative with a design or something.  Mostly it will be invisible, how many other people radiators do you see?  On Busa's at least...

Busa Views



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[moondog]

+1 on the honda polish, great stuff.