Installing Motorcycle Radiator Guards
How to Install Radiator Guards on Your Ducati Multistrada: A Step-by-Step Guide
In my previous post, I talked about New Bike Day and the essential upgrades I recommend for every new motorcycle. Among those upgrades, radiator guards always top the list.
Of course, I got a good laugh from the comments from air-cooled motorcycle enthusiasts—yes, you don’t need radiator guards on an air-cooled bike! But for anyone with a liquid-cooled machine, this upgrade is a no-brainer. Radiator guards provide crucial protection for a critical (and expensive) part of your bike.
In this post, I’ll walk you through installing radiator guards on my Ducati Multistrada. While this particular bike has a more involved setup, the process is straightforward and something you can tackle in your garage. Let’s dive in!
Why Radiator Guards Matter
Radiator guards protect your radiators and oil coolers from rocks, debris, and other potential damage. For a bike like the Multistrada, with its dual side radiators and central oil cooler, this upgrade is worth every penny. Considering the Multistrada’s price tag—north of $30,000—it’s surprising that radiator guards aren’t standard equipment. For an additional $150, you’re investing in peace of mind and long-term protection.
I’ve chosen Evotech radiator guards for this project. This brand has been my go-to for years thanks to its solid build quality and eco-friendly packaging. (No plastic! A win for the environment.)
Tools and Materials Needed
- Evotech radiator guards (or your preferred brand)
- Torx/Allen wrenches (specific sizes for your bike)
- Loctite (red for permanent installation)
- 13mm wrench
- A clean workspace (we’re working on the floor today)
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Prepare Your Bike
On the Multistrada, you’ll need to remove or loosen some body panels to access the radiators. Ducati uses Torx fasteners, so have those wrenches ready. Specifically:
- Remove two nuts to loosen the panel and create enough space to work.
- You’re not fully removing the panel—just opening it up to get to the radiators.
2. Install Rubber Spacers
Each radiator guard will have five small rubber spacers that you’ll press into the round holes on the guard. Look closely—these holes can blend in among the hexagonal ones. Push the spacers in from the back to ensure a snug fit.
3. Install the Oil Cooler Guard
For the oil cooler guard:
- Locate the mounting bolts on either side of the oil cooler where the oil lines connect.
- Remove the original bolts and replace them with the provided spacers and new bolts.
- Apply a small amount of Loctite to the threads to ensure a secure fit, as this isn’t something you’ll be removing regularly.
- Tighten the bolts with your 13mm wrench.
4. Fit the First Radiator Guard
Now for the side radiators:
- Loosen the surrounding screws to create enough room to slide the guard into place.
- Orient the guard correctly: rubber bumpers face the radiator, and the aluminum mounting pins face outward.
- Slide the guard into position and align it with the mounting points. Keep the screws loose for now—this will make alignment easier.
5. Attach the Oil Cooler Guard to the Radiator Guard
This step can be tricky due to tight spaces:
- Align the oil cooler guard with the dowels on the radiator guard.
- Hand-tighten a screw to keep it in place before fully securing the tabs and bolts.
- Take your time—it’s a bit fiddly in the tight quarters, but patience pays off.
6. Repeat for the Second Radiator Guard
The second radiator guard follows the same process. Loosen screws, fit the guard, and ensure all pieces are aligned before tightening everything down.
7. Tighten Everything Securely
Once all guards are in place, go back and snug up all screws and bolts. Keeping everything loose during assembly prevents frustration and ensures a proper fit. After final adjustments, tighten everything securely.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it—your radiator guards are installed! The process may seem a bit daunting, especially on a bike with multiple radiators and oil coolers like the Multistrada. However, with some basic tools and patience, this upgrade is completely doable for the average rider.
Radiator guards might feel like an unnecessary expense on a premium motorcycle, but their protection is invaluable. A small upfront investment can save you from costly repairs down the road.
