Ducati Monster Forum

More than a few riding buddies have expressed alarm at how low the oil cooler hangs on the S4RS, not that it really concerns me terribly since I don't plan on slamming it over any whoops moto-style or anything like that.  But it does raise the question of what, if any, decent (carbon perhaps?) guards exist out there for the oil cooler?  Or is the only option a belly pan?  Thanks for any input/pics/links/suggestions.

I've seen pics of homemade guards made of bracing and screens and they looked great.  I'm not sure who it was, but last I saw, the pics were on TOB.

I wouldn't worry about it anyway to tell you the truth.  I've ridden my S4R for over 4 years and my oil cooler still looks new.  Granted, it's not as big as the S4RSs, but still, no damage <shrugs>

There were a couple home-made version that looked very sharp.  If you want to buy them, Riding House and Cox Racing sells them.  The attachment method are different.

http://www.riding-house.com/products/ducati/core_guard/index.html
http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.ACCT110029/sc.2/category.28/.f

I went lazy man's way - Cox Racing - http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.ACCT110029/it.A/id.782/.f?category=100

I've posted this late last year on TOB.

"(Thanks to beyote from DML since I got the idea from him.)

I fabricated it using a steel mesh trash container which I purchased from Staples ~$15 (but now I think Walmart has it for $4.99). I first made a paper template, placed it on the mesh and cut around it using a metal cutter. I then spay painted it with hi-temp rustoleum paint and then final coated with glossy rustoleum paint, cut holes where the plastic bolts go through the liquid radiator (no zip ties needed as the bolts secure the mesh onto the radiator. I used black plastic zip ties to secure it on the oil radiator. I truly like how it came out.

I made one for the oil and water radiator. "


(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2506636006_9455c9dc9d_o.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2255/2505802443_0ae72a2820_o.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2163/2506636896_b21591efbd_o.jpg)

You really need a gap of about 3mm between the guard and the radiator, this prevents fretting and provides better impact protection. With the guard mounted in contact with the radiator, the impact of a stone on the guard, will push the guard into the radiator. The gap allows a slight energy absorbing deflection without transmitting energy (and damage) to the radiator.

I agree with the gap.  There is a gap between my fabricated screen and the S4RS oil cooler radiator since the top and botton edge portion of the screen is resting against the horizontal top plate and botton plate respectively.  Between these two plates, the radiator fins are recessed.  I push the center of the screen with my hand and there's play.

As for the water radiator, the screen is resting on the fins but I'm not too concerned with too much hard debris hitting since the front fender prevents most, if not all, of the kickup debris from the tire.  The oil radiator is fully exposed to all road debris kicked up from the front tire.  So far, 2607 miles later since the initial install, no issues and it's holding up pretty well.  A few weeks ago, I've rode the bike on some dirt/gravel road for a good mile or so doing about 40mph and no problem.

edit: below is the pic of the screen as of today compared to the first initial install above.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2506489047_e1a5cd3dfa_o.jpg)

Pretty tidy and a great idea.  Thanks for the pics!

+1

(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/1740/img3077op0.th.jpg) (http://img404.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3077op0.jpg)