Keeping those mini radiators clean
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 45
From: Florida
I thought about the compressed air, but was hesitant for fear of bending the fins. What pressure do you set it at?
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 285
From: Green Country Oklahoma
Yeh those fins are very delicate don't want to use anything too harsh I used some of the plastic tooth picks with brush end to clear all the holes but it seems like all the bugs funneled in that direction.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,721
Likes: 372
From: Tonopah Az
If you just keep the blowgun back away from the grills a little you can push the bug pieces through. Every time I ride I collect an array of different bugs, and the grills just pop out with a little side pressure with a flat screwdriver or a Popsicle stick.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
Clean Radiators:
1. See Figure 69. Remove outer grille from lower fairing.
a. Carefully pry on curved edge of panel to release latches.
b. Remove from fascia.
2. Clean debris from radiator fins.
3. Install outer grill.
If I cleaned mine every few hundred miles, I would be cleaning them 2-3 times a week. I have never cleaned mine, but I do hit a 5k service interval every 1.5-2 months and that is 'supposed' to be part of the service. Ugh, now I won't be able to sleep until I check them, haha.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 199
From: Skunk Hollow, TX
If I cleaned mine every few hundred miles, I would be cleaning them 2-3 times a week. I have never cleaned mine, but I do hit a 5k service interval every 1.5-2 months and that is 'supposed' to be part of the service. Ugh, now I won't be able to sleep until I check them, haha.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 13
From: Fort Worth
I did it at about 8500 miles and just used hydrogen peroxide sprayed on them and let it sit for about 5 minutes and then hosed it out. It worked wonders and easy to do while I washed the bike. The cleaning is covered in the maintenance schedule IIRC.