Radiator & Oil Cooler Guards
About Radiator & Oil Cooler Guards
A radiator or oil cooler sits where stones, mud and branches can hit it, and a bent fin or a punctured core can leak coolant and make an engine overheat. Radiator guards cover the core with a mesh or plate, and on dirt bikes radiator shrouds, scoops and sleeves wrap the sides of the radiators and direct air. Riders shop here to protect a radiator before a trail or desert ride, or to replace shrouds that were cracked or scuffed in a fall.
The listings fall into two groups. Radiator guards are bolt-on mesh or plate covers, and they are made for specific bikes, such as the Suzuki and Yamaha guards listed here. Street and adventure bikes use mesh guards in front of the core.
Shrouds, scoops and sleeves are for dirt bikes, in colors such as blue, white and black, and they are listed by model, including Kawasaki KX 450, Yamaha YZ125 and YZ250, Gas Gas EC 300 and Honda CRF 80 and 100. A guard needs to let air through, so avoid anything that blocks the core, and keep it clear of mud. After installing, check that the radiator hoses are not squeezed and that the coolant level is correct.
Brands in this category include UFO, Acerbis, Devol, Polisport and Works Connection. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. Related protection is in Skid Plates, Sliders & Spools, Frame & Crash Protection and Fork Guards & Covers, all part of Guards & Protection.
FAQs on radiator and oil cooler guards
Do radiator guards make an engine run hotter?
A well-made guard has open mesh that lets air pass, so it should not restrict cooling. A guard or radiator that is clogged with mud will run hotter, so clean both after dirty rides.
What is the difference between a radiator guard and a radiator shroud?
A guard is a mesh or plate that covers the front of the radiator core. A shroud is plastic bodywork on the sides of a dirt bike's radiators that directs air and protects the sides. They do different jobs.
Will a radiator guard fit my bike?
Guards are made for specific models because the radiator's size and mounting points differ. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page and check the listing's notes.
How can I tell if my radiator is damaged?
Signs include coolant leaks, wet spots below the radiator, steam, flattened fins and overheating. If you see them, stop riding and have the radiator inspected, because running an engine that is overheating can cause serious damage.
Do I need a radiator guard on a street or adventure bike?
It is worth considering if you ride gravel roads or in areas where stones and debris are common. A guard protects the core from stone strikes. Check that your model has a guard made for it.
